Meet The Self-Defence Instructors
Meet David – Instructor
David is an internationally trained self-defence instructor and senior martial arts coach with over 20 years of experience delivering realistic personal-safety training to schools, universities, corporate teams, and public groups.
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David Parker is the co-founder of Artemis Self Defence and has dedicated more than two decades to teaching practical personal safety, self-protection and martial arts.
His approach combines traditional martial arts with modern personal safety principles, helping people recognise danger early, avoid unnecessary confrontation and, when no other option exists, escape safely using simple, effective techniques.
Unlike many instructors whose experience comes solely from the martial arts world, David continues to develop his knowledge through ongoing professional education, specialist qualifications and regular training in Japan with highly respected instructors. This commitment ensures that Artemis courses remain current, practical and grounded in continual learning rather than outdated assumptions.
David has taught hundreds of adults and children throughout London and the South East, delivering training for schools, colleges, universities, workplaces, community organisations and martial arts students. His sessions are designed to be engaging, realistic and suitable for complete beginners, with a strong emphasis on awareness, decision making and prevention before physical techniques.
His professional qualifications include:
• 10th Dan Taijutsu
• 4th Dan Ryōi Shintō Ryū Jūjutsu
• Qualified Strength and Conditioning Coach (Level 4)
• Qualified Personal Trainer
• British Weightlifting Licensed Coach
• Sports Nutrition Adviser
Trauma-Informed Coaching
Understanding and Preventing harmful sexual behaviour
David also holds postgraduate qualifications in science, giving him an analytical, evidence-based approach to teaching. Rather than relying on myths or marketing claims, Artemis courses are built around recognised personal safety principles, current research and practical experience.
As co-founder of Artemis Self Defence, David regularly delivers presentations and workshops covering subjects including women's safety, situational awareness, drink spiking awareness, violence prevention, workplace personal safety and age-appropriate self-protection for young people.
His philosophy is simple:
"The best fight is the one you never have. Our goal is to help people recognise danger early, make better decisions and return home safely."
Whether working with a secondary school, a university, a business or a community group, David's aim is always the same: to give people practical knowledge, greater confidence and realistic skills that can make a genuine difference if they ever face a threatening situation.
Meet Evie – Instructor
Evie Douglas is a dedicated self-defence instructor with a passion for teaching practical, realistic Japanese jujutsu that works in the real world. With over eight years of continuous training, she holds a Ni Dan (2nd Dan) in Taijutsu and has a strong understanding of striking, grappling, escapes, and staying calm under pressure.
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Meet Evie Douglas
Evie Douglas is the co-founder of Artemis Self Defence and is passionate about helping women, girls and young people develop the confidence, awareness and practical skills to stay safer in everyday life.
Having trained in martial arts for many years, Evie combines technical knowledge with a modern understanding of the challenges young women face today. Her approachable teaching style helps participants feel comfortable asking questions and discussing real-life situations that are often overlooked in traditional self-defence classes.
Evie has trained extensively in both the UK and Japan, where she was promoted to 2nd Dan in Taijutsu following intensive training under senior Japanese instructors. She also holds a grade in the traditional Japanese martial art of Ryōi Shintō Ryū Jūjutsu and continues to develop her knowledge through regular training and professional development.
Alongside her martial arts achievements, Evie has become a recognised advocate for women's safety and violence prevention. She has spoken at police and community safety events, contributed to discussions on violence against women and girls, and works with schools and organisations to promote practical, evidence-based personal safety education.
In recognition of her commitment to supporting her community, Evie received the Young Change Maker Award, recognising the positive impact she has made through her work with young people and community safety initiatives.
As an instructor, Evie believes that effective self-protection begins long before physical techniques are needed. Her teaching focuses on recognising warning signs, making confident decisions, setting boundaries and using simple, practical strategies to reduce risk wherever possible.
By combining personal experience, technical skill and a genuine passion for helping others, Evie brings a unique perspective to Artemis Self Defence and is committed to empowering people with knowledge that could one day make a real difference to their safety.
Trusted Across London, Bexley & Kent
We have successfully trained:
Secondary schools and Public community organisations across Bexley, Sidcup, Bromley & Kent. Corporate firms with frontline and lone-working staff University safety teams and student societies
Enquire About a Self-Defence Session
Give your students, staff or community practical skills that build confidence and keep them safe. Tell us a little about your group and we will come back with tailored options and pricing.
+44 7778 343 251