Prevention-First Self-Defence

Self-Defence Training in Cornwall & SD&G

Simple to Remember. Built for Stress.

Private, family and women's group training at your home, workplace or a private space. Spot trouble early, talk your way out, and escape if you have to.

Ask About Local Training

Tell me who it's for. I'll reply within 1 business day with options and pricing.

Women's self-defence training in Cornwall, Ontario
Chris Roberts, self-defence instructor in Cornwall, Ontario

Chris Roberts

Founder, SAFE Violence Prevention & Self-Defence

Your Local Self-Defence Coach in Cornwall

I teach people how to spot trouble early, avoid it, and get away if they have to. Now I'm focused on families and individuals right here in Cornwall & SD&G.

Since 1994 · 200,000+ trained · 12+ countries · Featured on Global TV and in the Toronto Star

Family self-defence training in Cornwall, Ontario

Who I Work With

Training Designed for Your Situation

Private coaching, family training or a small group. You'll learn a few simple skills you can recall under stress. Not a pile of techniques you'll forget.

  • Private Training: Judgment-free training focused on real situations you might actually face.
  • Family Training: Parents and teens learn together. Same skills, same language, safer family.
  • Women's Self-Defence Parties: Small groups of 4 to 8 people. Practical skills with friends.
  • Working Professionals: Awareness and de-escalation skills for work, travel and everyday life.
Private self-defence session in Cornwall and SD&G

How It Works

Training that fits your schedule, location and comfort level.

  • Where We Meet: Your home, workplace or a private space in Cornwall & SD&G. Wherever you feel most comfortable.
  • Session Options:
    • Quick Start (2-3 hours): The core skills in one short session.
    • Full Training (5 hours): My most popular option. Prevention, conflict and physical skills in one day.
    • Extended Program: Multiple sessions to practise and build recall.
  • What You'll Learn: First, how to spot red flags and avoid trouble. Then what to say to set boundaries and calm things down. Last, simple physical options to escape if you have to.
  • Format: Private 1-to-1, family groups or small parties (4 to 8 people). You choose what fits.

Next Step: Tell me who the training is for and what you want from it. I'll reply with options and pricing. No pressure.

Ask About Local Training

What You’ll Learn

Inside a 5-Hour SAFE Self-Defence Session

Every course is built around one simple question:
“What will you actually remember and use if something feels wrong?”

Awareness and prevention illustration

1. Prevention & Awareness

We start with the skills that keep you out of danger in the first place — intuition, recognizing red flags, safer habits, and simple decisions that reduce your risk day-to-day.

Boundary and conflict skills visual

2. Boundaries & Conflict Skills

Next, we work on what to say and do when someone is making you uncomfortable — clear language, body posture, and options for backing out safely without escalating the situation.

Physical self-defence teaching

3. Simple Physical Options

Finally, we cover a few simple, principle-based physical responses that work under stress — even if you’re scared, not athletic, or have never trained before.

Confident person walking safely

4. Confidence & Follow-Through

We end by tying it all together for your real life — how to keep practising in small ways, talk about safety with family, and move through the world with more awareness and confidence.

Most local sessions run as a single 5-hour course, with options for shorter refreshers or deeper follow-ups based on your needs.
Want to talk through the best option for you? Email Chris with who the training is for.

Real Stories from Real People

Messages from parents, former students, and instructors who’ve used SAFE strategies when it mattered most.

❝

“This training helped my daughter escape.”

J. O’Brien — grateful mother

“This program saved my daughter from an abduction by a knife-wielding man at a mall. She and a friend were walking back to their car in broad daylight when he stepped out from behind a pillar, blocking their path and demanding they get into the car.

Because of this training, my daughter recognised the danger instantly, stayed calm, and took the right actions — allowing both girls to escape unharmed.”

❝

“You won’t remember me, but I took your course 14 years ago…”

Email from a former high school student

“You won't remember me, but I took your self-defence course in high school 14 years ago, and I wanted to tell you I’ve remembered and used many of the skills you taught to avoid harm.

I was in a relationship that became abusive, and one night I had to use what you taught to survive a physical attack.”

❝

“I became an instructor so other women don’t go through what I did.”

K — SAFE Certified Instructor

“Chris has a unique training style — detailed, practical, and delivered with a hilarious sense of humour that makes the training days fly by.

I was so impressed that I decided to become a SAFE Certified Instructor so I could help young women avoid some of the experiences I had as a young woman. I’m so grateful for the knowledge and confidence SAFE has given me.”

Ready to Feel Safer in Cornwall & SD&G?

Tell me who the training is for and what you want from it. I'll reply personally within 1 business day with options, pricing and my best recommendation. No pressure. Just clear advice.

Want to see other programmes, certification and online training first? Visit the main SAFE site