ABOUT THE SELF-DEFENCE FEDERATION

This page tells you a little about the background and founding of the S.D.F.

The SDF was started in JUNE 2000, by Dave Turton (then 7th Dan) with just THREE (3) Clubs and around 100 members.

The germ of the idea was put into Dave's head by a few high ranking martial artists, who had approached Dave asking for this type of organisation, and suggesting that Dave 'was the man' to start one. Dave thought about it, but didn't really do much about it until approached by a long-time friend in the martial arts, PETE RATCLIFFE Goshindo Ju-Jutsu from Bradford. Pete was a little more 'insistent' and so Dave did some research into such matters as having Licences printed, Insurance etc and after a couple of months launched the SDF in JUNE 2000.

The SDF has never really had an explosive growth, but has grown very steadily from 3 clubs and 100 members in June 2000 to over FORTY (40) clubs and approaching the 5,000 member mark. We have to MASSIVELY thank those 'founder members' for their courage and foresight in joining such a new organisation. After all we could have folded up after six months, but NO here we are going from strength to strength and growing steadily but definitely every year, and will celebrate our TENTH anniversary in June 2010

Clubs, Instructors and individual members are now established in just about every region of the UK, from the Island & Highlands of Scotland, down to the Cornwall in the South West.

We have member in both North & South Ireland, and North & South Wales, making us truly national.

Why the SDF? and why should I/we think of becoming a member?

Fair questions and I hope to answer them here..... There are 100's of martial arts type organisations, all with some good aspects. However most are for one style only, or for one aspect. Others are multi-styled, but are really only multi-traditional styles. A few are genuinely multi-styled and offer excellent facilities and benefits for their members. Without seeming to 'promote' one over others, the CMAA headed by Andy Morrell 7th Dan is an excellent example of this type of multi-styled organisation, and we at the SDF are proud to be affiliated with them.

However when it comes to organisations whose main aim is to promote and develop REAL Self-Protection & Self-Defence, then there is less choice. The SDF Head, Dave Turton 9th Dan was once a member of the BCA (British Combat Association) headed by Peter Consterdine & Geoff Thompson, and although Dave left to form the SDF still believes the BCA is an excellent organisation. SO what is it that makes us feel we offer something better or at least different to the rest?

Checkout the 'incomplete' list below for some answers

A Genuine 9th Dan Master as Head.

The ONLY UK organisation dedicated to the furtherance of self-defence & self-protection, yet still allowing its members the 'freedom' to pursue other methods and styles.

A genuine NO Politics/NO Interference policy .. others may say it . WE MEAN IT!

A GREAT Insurance cover for members and Instructors.

Your Current Grades, and qualifications accepted and ratified (on production of documentary evidence ... i.e. photocopies)

Regular Seminars, Courses, Classes, Private Tuition, Gradings etc all over the U.K.

FREEDOM ... Freedom to run YOUR club YOUR way without interference from the H/Q, or indeed as little or as much support from us as you may wish.

Develop your OWN Style and have this style ratified by us ... Several SDF members have already have their OWN ideals and methods ratified as their own style.

Our UNIQUE Instructors Diploma Courses ... become a self-defence instructor, and no need to be a Black Belt either.

We can offer Grades (for those who wish it) in MOST Styles of Martial Arts, including Self-Defence & Self-Protection. Gradings are available UP TO & including 6th or 7th Dans in most styles (7th Dan in most but 6th Dan in a few)

Regular Newsletters & Fliers keeping you up to date with all whats happening in the SDF .. after all this is YOUR Organisation.

Clubs, Reps, Instructors, etc ALL over the U.K.

The SDF is fast becoming the FOREMOST such organisation in the U.K. why not be part of it?

INTERESTED? Then email or phone for our FREE Info Pack, and learn even MORE about this unique Federation.

To: daveturtonsdf@hotmail.com or phone 07843 736787