A MARTIAL arts instructor believes learning how to ward off muggers could restore pride to Croydon's streets.
Dave Spicer, an Urban Krav Maga instructor, teaches people how to use martial arts in situations such as bar fights, mobile phone robberies and being held at knifepoint.
With a background in more widely known combat styles of karate, aikido and taekwondo, Dave, known as 'Spicer', is part of a group modernising martial art Krav Maga.
Spicer, 33, said: "I've trained in a number of different forms but the problem with conventional martial arts is they cannot really be put into practice in normal situations.
"You have to have practiced them for 20 years or so before they are any real use. But with Urban Krav Maga, you can learn and practise ways of defending yourself very quickly. It is about ways of positioning the body so you can react and make anyone, however big or small, immediately powerless."
The techniques used focus on disabling would-be muggers by putting them-off balance or taking their strength away with a couple of quick movements.
Spicer believes anyone can learn the techniques and, when faced with trouble, the public should not immediately hand over their possessions.
The instructor added: "It's a matter of how much you value your pride. Yes, it is advised to co-operate with a mugger in these situations, but why should we have to do that?
"They won't stop until someone puts them in their place.
"Myself and others involved in Urban Krav Maga believe it is something you can quite easily learn to protect yourself.
"If you're in the street with your girlfriend and someone approaches you, they could beat you up and then assault your girlfriend.
"With these techniques, it is possible to avoid that type of situation."
Spicer uses props such as rubber knives, guns and baseball bats so the lessons feel as life-like as possible.
He welcomes people of all backgrounds and attracts a lot of policemen and security guards, although they would like to see more women join.
He said: "It has become a way of life for me. It is something you are constantly thinking about when you walk down the street.
"It also gives you that confidence that people won't mess with you. It's a good thing for anyone who has been bullied to get a bit of self-esteem.
"This massively fat accountant came to us and now he's lost loads of weight and is happy as Larry when walking down the street. Nothing phases him."
Dave's weekly classes take place every Tuesday from 7.30pm to 9pm at Dynamics Gym, in Brighton Road, Purley. The cost is £10 each.
For more information, contact Dave on 07817110186 or go to the website; www. sussexurbankravmaga.com. Classes also run in Crawley and Tunbridge Wells.
