The British Academy of Krav Maga

The British Academy of Krav Maga: self-defence training in London and Chichester

The British Academy of Krav Maga (BAKM) is a Krav Maga club and instructor training provider founded in 1999. It describes itself as a leading school of its kind, with classes in Kensington, London, and Chichester, West Sussex, and intensive courses held in Vauxhall, London. The organisation states that its instructors are among the most highly trained in the UK and that it maintains a proficient and safe training environment.

The school frames Krav Maga as a modern, practical self-defence system rather than a competitive martial art: it presents the discipline as a survival system for personal safety against both armed and unarmed attackers, with the stated aim of getting home alive regardless of the situation. Classes are open to both women and men, which the academy presents as a way of offering a realistic mix of training and education for both sexes. It also stresses that sessions are designed to be educational, enjoyable and physically demanding.

Programmes and courses

The academy structures its offer around several entry points and formats:

• Trial classes, offered as a first session.
• Private training.
• Membership sign-up, with separate London and Chichester membership options.
• A one-day self-defence course for women, run in both London and Chichester.
• A three-day intensive Krav Maga course.
• An instructor course.

Beyond scheduled classes, BAKM runs seminars, events and workshops intended to enhance or complement training within the school. It also publishes a series of self-defence e-books, listed at £2.99 each: Ground Defence, Gun Defence, Knife Defence, Self Defence for Women and The Theory of Self Defence. The Ground Defence title is described as a real-world guide to surviving ground encounters, addressing situations where concrete replaces mats, visibility drops and weapons may be present.

Course calendar

At the time of writing this profile, the site listed the following dated courses: a three-day intensive from Monday 7 to Wednesday 9 December 2026; an instructor course from Sunday 6 to Wednesday 9 December 2026; a women's self-defence course in Chichester on Sunday 22 November 2026; and a women's self-defence course in London on Sunday 6 December 2026.

Instructors and member feedback

John Aldcroft is identified as chief instructor, and the site refers to a team working alongside him. Testimonials published on the site describe instructors as approachable, well trained and attentive to correct and safe technique, and mention feedback on individual skill levels. Several members comment on the intensity of the fitness component and on the school's flexibility regarding how much time students can commit. One review refers to a five-day intensive course, a format not otherwise listed among the current course offerings.

Editorial content on women's self-defence

The academy maintains an articles section focused largely on women's personal safety. Published pieces address how self-defence training builds confidence, awareness and real safety; simple skills every woman should know to stay safe; and personal safety training as preparation for real-world situations. The site also invites visitors to subscribe to updates on Krav Maga workshops, classes and news.

Operational details

The British Academy of Krav Maga is operated by Krav Maga Ltd, registered at Flat 3, Sol-Y-Aire, East Bracklesham Drive, Bracklesham Bay, Chichester, PO20 8JH. The academy states that all training is voluntary and undertaken at the participant's own risk, and that attendees must have read and accepted its Terms, Waiver and PAR-Q before taking part.