Urban Combatives and Reality-Based Self Protection

Urban Combatives training focuses on practical self-protection, awareness, mindset and simple skills that support personal safety in real-world situations.

The focus

This is not sport training. The emphasis is on awareness, recognising pre-conflict cues, assertive decision-making, escape and protection, using simple skills that can genuinely be retained and recalled under stress, not just in the training hall.

How it fits with Krav Maga

Urban Combatives complements Krav Maga by adding strong self-protection principles, a practical mindset and realistic, scenario-based thinking. Together, the two systems give students a well-rounded understanding of both physical technique and the awareness needed to avoid or manage confrontation before it escalates.

Who it helps

This training is ideal for students who want a practical, honest approach to personal safety, without flashy techniques or unrealistic promises. It suits anyone who wants to feel more confident and prepared in everyday situations, from complete beginners to those with existing martial arts experience.

Book Your First Session

Book your first session or view the timetable for Plymouth and Torbay classes.

Choose Your Location

Maverick Combatives runs classes in Plymouth and Torbay/Paignton — pick the location that suits you and book your first session.

Plymouth

Venue: Eggbuckland Community College,
Westcott Close, Plymouth PL6 5YB
Class type: Krav Maga and Urban Combatives
Day & time: Wednesdays 7-8 pm

Torbay & Paignton

Venue: Christ Church
Torquay Road, Paignton TQ3 2AA
Class type: Krav Maga and Urban Combatives
Adults Class Day & time: Tuesday 7PM - 8:30PM (Evening)
Juniors Class Day & time: Saturdays 12PM - 1PM

Training Process

Warm-Up

Every session begins with a structured warm-up to prepare the body and mind for training, reducing the risk of injury and building good habits from the start.

Technical Coaching

Clear, step-by-step coaching breaks techniques down into simple, repeatable movements, so you understand not just what to do, but why it works.

Partner Work

Skills are practised with a partner in a controlled, supportive environment, helping you build timing, confidence and a realistic feel for how techniques work under pressure.

Scenarios

Realistic scenario-based drills help you apply what you've learned, developing quick decision-making and the ability to respond calmly when it matters.

Review

Each session closes with a review, giving you the chance to ask questions, consolidate what you've practised and understand how to keep progressing.
EXCELLENT
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Based on 14 reviews
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Raymond Munro profile picture
Raymond Munro
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Russell is a great instructor and teacher with a wealth of knowledge and experience. As well as basic, strong, effective techniques there is emphasis on embodying the conscious awareness, intention and willpower necessary for prevailing in real world situations. The group is friendly and focused. I highly recommend Maverick Combatives.
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Becky Abraham profile picture
Becky Abraham
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Russell is a great instructor, learning self defense and also mindset skills has really been helping me build my confidence in life and feel better in myself too. Fun & hands on class!
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Julie Walters profile picture
Julie Walters
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Russell is a brilliant instructor, if you want to learn self defence, gain confidence and get fitter come along and see, it’s a friendly environment
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Mateus Burns profile picture
Mateus Burns
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The instructor Russell is passionate about what he teaches hes. The classes are fun, structured and well informed. I feel that you learn something from every class. I would recommend Maverick Combatives if your looking to sharpen up your fitness, self protection ability and selfawareness. Also you get to meet new people. Highly recommend.
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Jeremy Aspinall profile picture
Jeremy Aspinall
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Russell is a great instructor and this is a very practical class to build confidence, technique and fitness for men and women, in case you are ever in a life threatening situation. It's also great fun.
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Phil Heydon profile picture
Phil Heydon
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I’ve been training with Russel for over a year and the classes have been fantastic. They’ve helped me improve massively and given me a lot more confidence. I’d highly recommend anyone to come along and try their first session.
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Hannah Dart profile picture
Hannah Dart
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Great place to learn self defence skills and vibe with friendly people..Russell is well educated across many types of combat sports and teaches not just the flow of defence, he teaches why it matters and what to do after. Each week has a lovely vibe, first session is free... Bonus !! 🙂
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Jack Isaacs profile picture
Jack Isaacs
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Very friendly environment and a great way to boost your fitness and confidence.
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Greg Atkins profile picture
Greg Atkins
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Actual Krav Maga! Not any pathetic watered down crap! And Instructor Russell Sharpe, also brings one of the best self protection systems to Krav Maga, Urban Combatives! Which is a must try, and genuinely on of the most impressive systems out there. YouTube it.

FAQs

No. Maverick Combatives welcomes complete beginners as well as people with previous martial arts experience. Sessions are structured so you can work at a sensible pace.