Awareness & avoidance
Recognise predatory behaviour, read environments and spot trouble before it becomes physical.
Axminster & Honiton, Devon
Real-world self-defence.
Calmly taught. Seriously effective.
Practical, pressure-tested skills for adults who want to feel safer, think clearly and act decisively when it matters.
Full Force Combatives
Training built for the moment the rules disappear.
Combatives is practical self-protection for sudden, chaotic situations—where awareness, simple decisions and reliable responses matter more than belts, points or performance.
Whether you are completely new or have years of martial arts experience, you will train at your own pace in a controlled, supportive environment.
DBS checkedFully insuredBCA recognised instructor40+ years first-aid experience
What you’ll train
Simple skills. Pressure tested.
Physical technique is only part of self-protection. Training connects awareness, mindset and action.
Functional responses
Direct, instinctive counter-attacks designed to remain accessible under fear, stress and adrenaline.
Mindset under pressure
Understand the freeze response, manage panic and stay capable of making decisions in a crisis.
Counter-weapons survival
Last-resort responses to knife, firearm and blunt-force threats, taught without choreographed fantasy.
Protecting others
Practical considerations for protecting partners, children and other people when escape is difficult.
Realistic pressure
Progressive, consent-led training that builds confidence without throwing you into anything before you are ready.
Real situations
The methods are relevant to everyday civilians and people working in conflict-facing roles, including security, door work, policing, prisons and frontline healthcare.
- Aggressive behaviour
- Road-rage incidents
- Multiple attackers
- Home invasions
- Protecting other people
No kata. No belts. No competitions.
No nonsense—just practical training.
Your instructor
Steve Tomkins BA (Hons)
An experienced combatives instructor and veteran London firefighter, bringing decades of frontline judgement to calm, direct teaching.
Steve qualified under Lee Morrison of Urban Combatives in 2008 as a first-generation UC instructor. He is recognised by the British Combat Association and has taught internationally alongside Kelly McCann, a former US Special Operations and Navy SEALs trainer.
His wider training has included work with Geoff Thompson, Dennis Martin, Peter Consterdine, Dave Turton, Richard Dimitri, Paul Finn, Stuart Rider and Kyokushinkai instructor Sensei Steve Arneil.
His background includes senior martial arts grades, more than four decades as a qualified first-aider, Red Cross Mental Health First Aid training, and a Metropolitan Police Trident Gang Crime Command Commendation.
View British Combat Association listing ↗Women’s self-defence
Confidence grounded in practical skill.
Training that does not depend on being bigger, stronger or naturally athletic.
Sessions develop awareness, threat recognition and explosive, instinctive responses for real situations. Private training is available for individuals or small groups and can be adapted around confidence, mobility and previous experience.
Private lessons availableThere are currently no women’s group classes running. Contact Steve to discuss individual or small-group training.
Discuss private training
What people say
Respected by instructors. Recommended by students.
“Steve Tomkins qualified as a first-generation UC instructor and comes highly recommended!”
“Steve has a wide range of knowledge and experience in combatives. He is very welcoming with a great sense of humour. I can’t recommend him highly enough.”
“The class was an eye-opener. I learned a lot from my first lesson and now feel more confident should a real-life occurrence happen.”
“Steve’s friendly, down-to-earth approach, attention to detail and wealth of experience make for a great club. I received a warm welcome at my first session.”
Read more reviews
“I can’t recommend Steve highly enough.”
“Highly recommended!”
“Steve taught me everything I know about self-protection through fantastic, structured modules. I highly recommend his classes.”
“Definitely very highly recommended.”
“Since day one I’ve really enjoyed going. Steve is easy to get on with, a very good instructor, and it is a great group to train with.”
“Steve is an excellent reality-based instructor. Definitely check it out.”
“Steve is a true expert with decades of accumulated knowledge and experience. It is a great group and extremely valuable in the real world.”
“Steve is an excellent, passionate and knowledgeable combatives and self-defence instructor—very patient, with many years of experience.”
“The classes made me feel so much more confident. I learned so much in every class and still had great fun.”
“Every week we learned new techniques, built confidence and had such a good laugh doing it. I would recommend it 100%.”
“Steve is a great instructor and incredibly professional. The atmosphere makes learning fun and interesting—no fuss, no nonsense.”
“One of the best combatives instructors in the UK.”
Questions
Your first session, made straightforward.
If your question is not covered, contact Steve directly.
Do I need any experience?
No. Complete beginners and experienced martial artists are equally welcome.
Is the training safe?
Yes. Training is controlled and progressive. You will not be pushed into anything you are not ready for, and pressure testing is introduced gradually with your consent.
What should I wear?
Comfortable gym clothing, trainers and water are suitable. Jeans or shorts with sturdy footwear are also commonly worn. No uniform is required.
Do I need to be fit or young?
No. This is not a fitness class, and people commonly begin in their 40s, 50s and 60s. Training can be adapted to the individual.
Will I have to spar?
No. This is not a fighting sport. Light sparring may be used, but it is always optional.
Are private lessons available?
Yes. Private lessons suit nervous beginners, people who prefer discreet training, and professionals with specific requirements.
Where is the class?
Dalwood village, between Axminster and Honiton in Devon. Full joining details are provided when you enquire.
Is combatives different from a martial arts class?
Yes. Combatives is not a sport and does not depend on belts, points or complex techniques. It prioritises awareness, avoidance and simple responses for worst-case situations.
I get nervous around violence—will I cope?
Yes. Managing fear, adrenaline and the freeze response is an important part of training. Confidence is developed gradually in a controlled environment.
Do you teach knife and firearm defence?
Counter-weapons training is included as last-resort survival training. It is taught realistically, without choreographed disarms or guarantees.
How do I join?
Call, text or email Steve using the details below. You can ask questions first and receive the full location and joining information before attending.
Inside the training
Gallery
Classes, seminars and practical training from Full Force Combatives. Select any photograph to view it in full.
Take the first step
Come and train.
Tell Steve a little about what you are looking for—weekly classes, a first session or private coaching.