Official S.P.E.A.R System Training
KNOW THE DANGER. TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS. DEFEND YOURSELF.
At MADZ Defence Academy, we believe everyone deserves the knowledge, confidence and practical skills to protect themselves. Built by former HMP trainers and using the S.P.E.A.R System, our realistic self-defence training helps you understand violence, recognise danger and react when it matters most.
£55 per person — entry-level course: 5 hours over 2 days (2.5 hrs per session)
Where we train
Regular Courses
Swanley & Dartford
Kent
Corporate Events
Across London
All boroughs covered
About MADZ
SELF-DEFENCE TRAINING FOR REAL LIFE
MADZ Defence Academy was created with one simple belief: everyone should have the basic skills to defend themselves.
Our instructors bring experience and knowledge from professional backgrounds, including former HMP training environments. We understand that real-life violence is unpredictable.
That is why our training focuses on awareness, prevention, instinctive reactions and practical self-defence skills. Our goal is not to turn you into a fighter.
- More aware of your surroundings
- More confident in yourself
- Better prepared for real situations
- Able to recognise danger early
- Able to trust your instincts
- Better equipped to protect yourself
"Our goal is not to turn you into a fighter. Our goal is to make you harder to hurt."
500+
People trained across the UK
The MADZ Approach
UNDERSTAND VIOLENCE. KNOW FEAR. TRUST YOUR GUT. RECOGNISE THE DANGER.
UNDERSTAND VIOLENCE
Learn about the realities of violence and how dangerous situations can develop. Knowledge is your first line of defence.
KNOW FEAR
Understand how fear affects the body and mind and learn how to manage your natural reactions under pressure.
TRUST YOUR GUT INSTINCTS
Your instincts are powerful. Learn to recognise and trust the warning signals your body gives you before danger escalates.
RECOGNISE THE DANGER
Develop greater awareness of your surroundings and identify potential threats before situations escalate.
The S.P.E.A.R System
TRAINING FOR THE WAY THE BODY NATURALLY REACTS
MADZ Defence Academy uses the S.P.E.A.R System as part of its self-defence training. Our approach focuses on realistic and instinctive responses to sudden attacks and threatening situations.
Rather than relying solely on complicated martial arts techniques, our training helps develop practical reactions that can be understood and remembered under stress.
Official Affiliation
Tony Blauer & Blauer Tactical Systems
MADZ Defence Academy is an officially affiliated provider of the Blauer S.P.E.A.R System — the same methodology trusted by military, law enforcement and security professionals worldwide.
- Personal safety and situational awareness
- Recognising potential danger
- Understanding fear and stress responses
- Instinctive reactions to sudden threats
- Practical self-defence techniques
- Building confidence and creating escape opportunities
Our Courses
SELF-DEFENCE TRAINING FOR EVERYONE
MIXED GROUP SELF-DEFENCE
Practical and engaging self-defence training for mixed groups. Perfect for friends, families, community groups and anyone wanting to build confidence and learn essential personal safety skills.
FIND OUT MORE
WOMEN ONLY SELF-DEFENCE
A supportive and empowering environment designed specifically for women. Learn practical self-defence skills, improve awareness and build the confidence to recognise and respond to dangerous situations.
WOMEN'S TRAINING
YOUNG ADULTS — AGES 11+
Helping young people develop awareness, confidence and essential personal safety skills. Engaging, age-appropriate and practical training designed to help young people understand boundaries, danger awareness and personal safety.
YOUTH TRAINING
CORPORATE EVENT DAYS
Give your team a unique and valuable experience. Our corporate self-defence and personal safety sessions can be delivered as engaging team events, wellbeing days or workplace training experiences.
CORPORATE ENQUIRIESWhy MADZ
REALISTIC. PRACTICAL. EMPOWERING.
Experienced Trainers
Built by former HMP trainers with a realistic understanding of personal safety and conflict.
Practical Training
Simple, effective and realistic training designed for real-world situations — not sport or competition.
Understand Your Instincts
Learn how your body naturally reacts to fear and sudden threats and how to use that to your advantage.
Training for Everyone
Courses available for mixed groups, women, young adults and corporate teams.
500+ People Trained
Join the growing number of people who have developed greater confidence and awareness through MADZ.
S.P.E.A.R System
Training built around the globally recognised S.P.E.A.R System — instinctive, realistic, proven.
YOU DON'T NEED TO BE FIT.
YOU DON'T NEED MARTIAL ARTS EXPERIENCE.
YOU DON'T NEED TO BE A FIGHTER.
Our courses are designed for everyday people who want to develop greater awareness, confidence and practical personal safety skills. MADZ Defence Academy welcomes people from a variety of backgrounds and abilities.
Meet the Team
MEET THE TEAM
Our instructors bring real-world experience from professional backgrounds including HMP training environments. They understand violence, pressure and what it takes to keep people safe.
Lead Instructor and Founder.
Michael 'Madz' Maddox
I’m a proud dad of two young children, and family means everything to me. Outside of spending time with them, I enjoy rugby, playing darts and anything involving motorbikes! My biggest passion, though, is helping people learn how to protect themselves. Back in 2019, I was introduced to the SPEAR System, and straight away I knew it was something special. The more I learned about it, the more I realised that this was something I wanted to share with as many people as possible. I believe everyone should have the opportunity to learn how to defend themselves, regardless of their age, size, strength or physical ability. That’s why I’m passionate about teaching practical skills that can help people feel more confident and better prepared to protect themselves if they ever find themselves in a difficult situation. My aim is simple — to help make self-defence accessible to everyone.
- S.P.E.A.R System Certified
- Former HMP Trainer
- Conflict Management Specialist
Instructor and mental health lead
Mike 'Mac' McNally
I’m an experienced Use of Force Instructor with a background in the British Armed Forces and HM Prison Service. I specialise in delivering realistic, practical and legally compliant training in Control & Restraint, SPEAR System self-defence, safe escorting, breakaway techniques, conflict management, dynamic risk assessment and instructor development. My approach is simple: training should be realistic, relevant and effective. I focus on developing confidence, communication, decision-making and practical skills that people can rely on when operating in high-pressure situations. Away from training, I’m a big believer in keeping active and challenging myself. I spend plenty of time in the gym, enjoy getting out on my motorcycle and exploring new places, and I’ve always had a passion for tattoos and individual expression. Whether I’m training people, pushing myself in the gym or heading off on two wheels, I’m always looking for the next challenge. Realistic Training. Practical Skills. Confident Performance.
- Former H.M.P Trainer
Student Feedback
WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY
Fantastic self-defense class! The instructors were professional, knowledgeable, and made everyone feel comfortable. I particularly loved learning the SPEAR technique—it's incredibly practical because it utilizes your body's natural reflexes to create distance and defend against an attacker. I feel much more confident and prepared after just one session. Highly recommend to anyone looking to build real-world defense skills!
Amy H.
Mixed Group Course
I feel more empowered to be able to defend myself. Even against big men. The mixed class really helps to show you can defend against bigger guys even if only 5ft
Cathy B.
Mixed Group Course
What Michael teaches really is impressive and makes me feel more equipped if I’m ever in a situation that need to bring what I’ve learnt in to the real world.
Samantha S.
Women Only Course
Get in touch
CONTACT US
Have a question about our courses or want to discuss training for your group? Reach out — we're happy to help.
READY TO TRAIN?
Book your session today. No experience needed. Just the decision to be better prepared.