Professional Summary

Highly experienced and passionate self-defence instructor with over four decades of martial arts training and more than 20 years of teaching experience. Founder of Protect Self Defence and co-founder of the Martial Arts Hut dojo in Leeds. Creator of “Bare Bones Krav Maga” — a streamlined, no-nonsense system designed for practical, real-world self-defence. Known for delivering high-impact, realistic training based on a lifetime of study in diverse martial disciplines including Judo, Krav Maga, Muay Thai, Balintawak Escrima, and Martial Tai Chi.

Key Skills

• Real-World Self-Defence Instruction

• Krav Maga & Street Safety Tactics

• Martial Arts Program Development

• Bare Bones Krav Maga System Design

• Seminar & Workshop Facilitation

• Conflict De-escalation & Awareness Training

• Multi-Disciplinary Martial Arts Teaching

• Dojo Management & Community Engagement

Professional Experience

Founder & Chief Instructor

Protect Self Defence — Leeds, UK

2012 – Present

• Designed and implemented the “Bare Bones Krav Maga” system focused on simple, direct, and effective self-defence for real-world scenarios.

• Delivered workshops, corporate training, and regular classes focused on personal safety, situational awareness, and physical protection skills.

• Worked with a wide range of clients including private individuals, businesses, and security professionals.

• Integrated multi-disciplinary training methods from Krav Maga, Muay Thai, Escrima, and Judo to develop a comprehensive self-defence curriculum.

• Promoted a philosophy of calm, controlled confidence and preparedness in conflict situations.

Professional Experience

Founder & Chief Instructor

Protect Self Defence — Leeds, UK

2012 – Present

• Designed and implemented the “Bare Bones Krav Maga” system focused on simple, direct, and effective self-defence for real-world scenarios.

• Delivered workshops, corporate training, and regular classes focused on personal safety, situational awareness, and physical protection skills.

• Worked with a wide range of clients including private individuals, businesses, and security professionals.

• Integrated multi-disciplinary training methods from Krav Maga, Muay Thai, Escrima, and Judo to develop a comprehensive self-defence curriculum.

• Promoted a philosophy of calm, controlled confidence and preparedness in conflict situations.

Co-Founder & Instructor

Martial Arts Hut — Leeds, UK

2010 – Present

• Established a dedicated martial arts training facility in collaboration with a fellow martial artist.

• Teach regular weekly classes in Judo, Balintawak Escrima, and Krav Maga.

• Support the development of students of all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners.

Senior Judo Instructor

Various Clubs – Leeds, UK

Ongoing

• Began Judo at age 8 and competed extensively during teenage years.

• Achieved Junior Black Belt at age 15 and currently hold the rank of 4th Dan Senior Black Belt.

• Continue to teach weekly Judo classes, with a focus on foundational skills, discipline, and respect.

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Martial Arts Background

• Judo – 4th Dan Senior Black Belt (40+ years training)

• Muay Thai – 15+ years (5-6 hours weekly training)

• Krav Maga – Certified Instructor, trained under elite military instructors overseas

• Balintawak Escrima – Instructor level, 15 years of study, monthly seminars with European Chief Instructor

• Martial Tai Chi – 3 years study, progressing toward instructor certification

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Certifications & Achievements

• Certified Krav Maga Instructor

• 4th Dan Black Belt – Judo

• Instructor Grade – Balintawak Escrima

• Founder of Bare Bones Krav Maga System

• Co-founder of Martial Arts Hut Dojo

Darren Taylor

Chief instructor & founder.