Self-defence Cologne
Self-defence in Cologne – project confidence, react the right way
DERLO is not a typical self-defence provider: the focus is on real martial arts, above all boxing and wrestling.
Training for beginners, women and teams: spotting danger early, setting boundaries and being able to break free when it really matters. No previous experience is needed.
At a glance
Self-defence in brief
- What will I learn?
- To spot danger early, keep your distance, be assertive and set boundaries. And if it comes to it, to protect yourself, break free from grabs and bear hugs and get to safety.
- How does the training work?
- With a partner and increasing resistance rather than rehearsed routines. From boxing come elements such as guard, distance and footwork; from wrestling, balance and breaking free from bear hugs.
- Who is it for?
- For anyone who wants to feel safer in everyday life: women and men without previous experience, people who deal with customers at work and teams who want to train together.
- Do I need strength or experience?
- No. Training starts with the basics: stance, balance and movement. Technique, timing and determination count for more than strength; intensity and contact are matched to your level.
- One-to-one or in a group?
- As one-to-one training, in small groups or as training for teams and companies, with the focus you choose.
- Where?
- In Cologne. The venue and dates are agreed when you make your enquiry.
- How much does it cost?
- Prices are available on request only and depend on the format, group size and scope.
Approach
The best defence starts before the first grab.
Most threatening situations give warning signs: looks, distance, tone of voice or a place where you would rather not be alone. If you recognise them early, you can step away, get help or set clear boundaries.
That is why good self-defence training is about more than techniques. It trains awareness, presence and voice just as much as the physical response if an attack does happen.
For that response, we rely on martial arts, above all boxing and wrestling. You practise with a partner and against resistance, so that your guard, balance and escapes from holds still work under stress.
- Perception and situational awareness
- Presence, voice and clear boundaries
- Techniques from boxing and wrestling
- Getting away and getting help as the goal
Who it is for
Training for different needs
Beginners
For people with no previous experience who want to feel safer in everyday life.
Focus areas
- Basics and posture
- Breaking free from holds
- What to do in unsafe situations
Women
Self-protection with a focus on setting boundaries, harassment and typical everyday situations.
Focus areas
- Clear words and a firm voice
- Breaking free from bear hugs
- Streets, car parks, public transport
Customer-facing roles
For anyone who deals with difficult or agitated people at work.
Focus areas
- De-escalation in conversation
- Distance and position in the room
- Breaking free and getting help
Teams and companies
Joint training for colleagues, clubs or groups, with your own focus areas on request.
Focus areas
- Workshops for teams
- Content tailored to your work environment
- Can be combined with de-escalation training
Mindset
We train the way martial artists do. In a real situation, what counts is getting home safely.
How it works
How a training session works
Getting started
A short talk about goals and experience, then a light warm-up.
Awareness
Recognising situations, keeping your distance, being assertive and setting boundaries.
Technique
Defence and escape techniques from martial arts, practised slowly and safely.
Scenario
Practice in realistic everyday situations, with a partner and at increasing intensity.
Wrap-up
A short debrief: what worked and what you will keep practising.
Accountability
Training backed by experience in martial arts and close protection.
Marc Derlich has practised martial arts since 2002 and has worked as a close protection officer since 2020. In self-defence training, he passes on what the two have in common: alertness, calm and martial arts techniques that still work under stress.
- Martial arts since 2002
- Certified security and protection specialist (Fachkraft für Schutz und Sicherheit, trained 2017 to 2020)
- Close protection training in Germany and abroad
- Active in close protection since 2020, in the security sector since 2016
- Several CQB training courses
- Close protection medic
- Evacuation from crisis regions
- Preparation for travel abroad
Frequently asked questions about self-defence
Do I need previous experience?
No. Training starts with the basics and is matched to your level. You do not need strength or martial arts experience.
Is there self-defence training specifically for women?
Yes. In one-to-one training or in a group, you can focus on areas such as setting boundaries, dealing with harassment and breaking free from bear hugs.
What makes this different from a traditional self-defence course?
Techniques are not memorised as fixed sequences. They come from boxing and wrestling and are practised against increasing resistance until they hold up under pressure. On top of that come awareness, presence and de-escalation drawn from close protection practice.
What is the difference between self-defence and close combat training?
Both are based on martial arts. Self-defence focuses on everyday situations, awareness and how you carry yourself. Close combat training goes further into physical contact, with control holds and officer safety for on-duty work. It is more intensive and involves more work under pressure.
Do you offer self-defence for companies and teams?
Yes. Team workshops can be tailored to your work environment and combined with de-escalation training.
Are there fixed class times?
Dates are agreed when you enquire, for one-to-one training as well as for groups.
How much does a self-defence course cost?
Prices are available on request only and depend on the format, group size and scope.
Enquire about self-defence training
Briefly tell us whether the training is just for you, for a group or for a team, and what matters to you. Marc Derlich will get back to you personally.