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Multiple Opponents in Self defence

Multiple Opponents in Self Defence

Master Gray Patterson taught this class during the annual Stripes 1 to 1 seminar, focusing on how to effectively teach self defence skills for situations involving multiple opponents. While this topic is a core part of the New Zealand self defence syllabus, the coaching concepts apply to instructors and students worldwide. 

In the sample video above, you will see a brief preview from the session to give you a feel for Master Patterson’s teaching style and the key principles he emphasises.

What this session focuses on

Teaching multiple opponent self defence is not about collecting lots of techniques. It is about building reliable decision-making under pressure, keeping movement simple, and training students to maintain awareness and positioning while still using sound fundamentals.

A helpful way to view this topic is: awareness first, movement second, technique third. If the student loses awareness or freezes their feet, technique will rarely save the moment.

Key coaching ideas you can apply immediately

  • Teach scanning and head movement as a habit – not an afterthought
  • Emphasise angle changes and footwork to avoid being surrounded
  • Keep techniques direct and repeatable under fatigue and stress
  • Train students to manage distance and timing, not chase exchanges
  • Focus on exiting safely – do not let drills turn into point-scoring
  • Use progressive drills: slow walk-throughs, then controlled pressure, then realistic movement

Why instructors find this valuable

Many clubs teach some form of multiple opponent work, but it can easily become messy or unrealistic. This session gives you a clearer teaching structure and practical cues to keep drills safe, purposeful, and consistent – especially when you have mixed ages and ranks on the floor.

Watch the full session (Premium)

Premium members can watch the complete session here:
Multiple Opponents in Self Defence

Learn more about the Expert Coach

Learn more about our Expert Coach, Master Gray Patterson:
https://tkdcoaching.com/about-master-gray-patterson/ 

Grand Master Paul McPhail

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