South London Urban Krav Maga

Darren is an excellent Krav Maga instructor. He is professional, patient and really easy to get along with. He has been teaching my two sons for over a year, patiently explaining the different techniques to them and tailoring classes to their needs. Cannot recommend his classes highly enough. More...

I've tried many martial arte classes before in different countries and can only give 10 out a 10! Dal is a great guy! Great coach! And u can see straight away he is the real deal its not just talk! Really recomend to everyone! All the best💪💪💪 More...

My daughters had private self defence classes with Darren. He is a great instructor, very personable, explains things really well and offered plenty of practical advice. My daughters learned a lot of useful techniques and have always enjoyed their lessons. More...

Trained with Darren a while back in the group classes and a little 121 training too. He was a great teacher, very skilled, patient and willing to give you all the time and guidance you needed to get a move right. Would recommend him to those with all levels of experience. More...

Trained with Darren for many years. As an instructor he found a way to explain potentially intricate techniques in a very clear and understandable way. The practical nature of his work is vital in these dangerous times we live in and I’d recommend to anyone wanting to feel safe, learning how to protect themselves and others and be filled with confidence More...

Attending Darren's classes was an incredible experience! (I say was because I no longer live locally so am unable to attend)
From the start, the instructors are highly knowledgeable, approachable, and really focused on practical, real-life scenarios. The techniques we learned were straightforward and highly effective, designed to be used in realistic situations, which made me feel more confident in my ability to handle unexpected encounters.

The class environment was welcoming and supportive, with participants of all skill levels. Each session was physically intense yet engaging, and I appreciated how the instructors broke down each move, making sure everyone could follow along They emphasized both mental and physical preparedness, teaching us not just how to defend ourselves, but how to stay calm under pressure, assess our surroundings, and react swiftly.

One of the highlights was the focus on situational awareness and adapting techniques to common urban threats—something that feels especially relevant, particularly living in London. Overall, I left each class feeling more resilient and aware. If you’re looking for a practical, empowering self-defense class that builds both skills and confidence, I highly recommend trying Darren's classes. More...

I trained in Darren’s public classes when I lived in London and they were fantastic. Darren ensures a positive and inclusive learning environment where students support each other. The techniques taught in this class are truly reality-based and can be applied regardless of your size or gender. Recommended! More...

The best self-defence trainer I have had. Honest review. Darren has a great ability to teach and make you feel safe while learning. No BS, very down to earth. Highly recommend! Osss. More...

Not having trained in any martial arts before I didn't know what to expect. Darren is an excellent teacher. He breaks down techniques into easily understandable moves, which instills the confidence almost straight away if you needed to use sooner rather than later. Being trained by Darren is a good investment. Do it you won't regret it. More...

Used to attend a class run by Darren a few years back. He was the best self defense teacher I’ve ever learnt from and was instrumental in teaching so many of us. I couldn’t recommend him more.

I used to train at Darren’s classes a while back. They were the best sessions I ever had and I only stopped due to life getting in the way. I can’t recommend him highly enough. If you want to learn self defence, there’s no other place to go. More...

I attended weekly group sessions with my adult daughter at Daren’s South London Urban Krav Maga in Downham, for almost 2 years.
I can highly-recommended his expert knowledge, honest, practical teaching style, and general positivity for his fellow students to learn the methods and moves correctly, and with efficacy.
If I hadn’t moved to a different area altogether, I would have continued with his tutorage. More...

I started training with Darren back in 2010, after spending many years training in traditional martial arts.
I was looking for a good Kravmaga school and after training with Darren for the first time I was blown away by his calm friendly funny instruction and the great class atmosphere. ( I made many good friends along the way including Darren ) I loved the new techniques and the pressure tests we did at the end of every class.
I carried on training eventually becoming an instructor in the system in 2014. The techniques have helped me many times in real life as part of a professional role.
Darren’s training is highly recommended for those who are looking to learn about self protection and the protection of others.

Ron LEVETT More...

I attended Darren’s classes with my husband for a few months, and we both absolutely loved it! Darren is brilliant, he is such a professional at what he does. He thought us some great techniques that were simple and easy to remember. I really liked that he explains real life situations so that you have greater awareness of your surroundings when you are out. The training made me feel more confident as a woman when I am out by myself. It is also a great workout!! All in all, fantastic training which I would highly recommend to anyone! More...

These classes were more than a fun way to keep in shape weekly, they were a valuable life lesson on street awareness and self defense I bring with me to this day and I have used more than once in real life. Darren is a fantastic no-nonsense instructor and his teaching methods are very effective, he is also able to create a unique sense of community among his students. More...

Hi to everybody reading it,

Discovering Krav Maga and attending first class with Darren was one of these very few jaw dropping moments in my life. I was completely stunned. I was hooked and attended classes for many years. First I attended Darren's classes in Lee Green. When Darren changed the class location I continued to attend classes near Borough Station.

I was raised in a very safe country for women. I lost that feeling of safety when I was assaulted in London. The classes gave me back my safety and rebuilt my confidence and then took it to the next higher level. It gave me wonderful skills and knowledge that I did not have before. The classes gave me a beautiful rush of adrenaline, happiness, friendships and a feeling of confidence and trust in my abilities also on the professional level.

Darren is a great instructor, he made me feel comfortable during the classes. It was great to train with Darren and test my skills with other females and males during his classes. My favourite part of the class was pressure testing, when I had to defend myself against multiple opponents.
It was great to attend the classes after a long day at work, the classes were so immersing that they made me forget about all the stresses and worries I had during the day.
I will be a krav maga advocate forever. I will always recommend Darren’s classes.
I loved every part of it and every class that I attended.

I would add more stars to rating if I could More...

Darren is a great instructor. Very knowledgeable and personable. I work in an environment which involves facing violence and the psychological impact of feeling safer in one’s abilities has been so helpful. Highly recommend!

Darren is an outstanding Krav Maga instructor! As a woman who travels frequently and is often on the go, learning both the physical techniques and the theoretical aspects of self-defense has greatly increased my sense of safety. Darren’s classes are incredibly thorough, and he emphasises not only how to defend yourself but also how to recognise and avoid potential dangers. I highly recommend starting with the PSC (Personal Safety Consultation) lesson, then moving into the physical training where Darren’s patience, expertise, and dedication truly shine. More...

Hello world! I have attended Darren’s Krav Maga classes and thoroughly enjoyed it. Darren is very knowledgeable and professional, with an amazing teaching techniques. He pays attention to all students and always ready to help and support! Brilliant instructor! More...

I attended the classes in Bromley with Darren, i was new and made to feel very comfortable and welcomed. He is a great instructor without a lot of knowledge and patience. Highly recommend Darren to anyone who wants to get fitter and learn practical skills in defending themselves. More...

Darren is fabulous. Professional, highly skilled martial artist and a natural instructor. If I could find time in my busy life I’d be training with him every week. A joy to learn from.

I trained with Darren for many years, he is the real deal. He is a skilled martial artist and trainer. The techniques he teaches are efficient, affective and taught in a safe environment.
The training also greatly improved my physical confidence and helped me a real life situation when I faced physical violence.
Highly recommended. More...

Worked with Darren directly for a few years, the best teacher I've had. He has an understanding of different teaching styles and adapts very well for multiple scenarios. I was a police officer and his training helped very much, it's a practical self defence. Highly recommend! More...

Professional approach. Very helpful website.