Why Self-Defence Training Isn’t Always the Best Workplace Safety Solution

Workplace safety is a pressing concern for organisations across sectors. As incidents of occupational violence and aggression (OVA) continue to rise, organisations naturally seek effective ways to safeguard their staff. One of the most frequently considered responses is self-defence training. But is it always the right solution?

At Holland Thomas, we understand the frustrations of OHS professionals, HR managers and team leaders who want to ensure a safe and supportive work environment. When you’re responsible for staff who face potentially violent clients, patients, or the public, it’s only natural to want a quick and effective response. Self-defence might seem like the obvious solution, but the reality is far more complex.

Clarifying the Safety Challenge

Before deciding whether self-defence training is the best approach, it’s crucial to understand the context and nature of the threat:

• Who is the likely aggressor? Could it be a client, a family member, a neighbour, a carer or a member of the public?
• What drives the aggression? Triggers might include mental health, drug or alcohol use, trauma, frustration, or unmet needs.
• What is the nature of the behaviour? From harassment and verbal abuse to physical assaults with fists, objects, or weapons, the scale of risk varies widely.
• What is the intent and duration? Is the situation likely to involve a one-off hit, prolonged aggression, or even be of a sexualised nature?

Each of these factors influences the suitability and effectiveness of self-defence as a solution.

The Limitations of Self-Defence Training

Self-defence training is highly specialised and dependent on multiple variables. Ask yourself:

• Who is the potential target of the aggression? Staff may differ in age, physical fitness, confidence, temperament, and prior experience.
• Do they want to learn self-defence? Not all staff are comfortable with or interested in learning physical combat skills.
• Will they respond effectively under pressure? In high-stress situations, effective physical response requires quick thinking, decisiveness, and muscle memory.

One of the truths from martial arts is:

“1,000 repetitions to learn a technique. 10,000 repetitions to master it. A lifetime to perfect it.”

Given that, what can a six-hour self-defence workshop realistically achieve? Let alone a three-hour workshop? How much will staff retain a week later, let alone three months down the track?

The Perishable Nature of Self-Defence Skills

Self-defence techniques are not only difficult to learn but easy to forget. Without regular, consistent reinforcement and practice, these skills fade rapidly. Unlike other workplace training, self-defence training has a short shelf life without ongoing support and re-training.

Even if your team gains basic proficiency, there’s a significant risk that they may freeze, hesitate, or misuse the technique in a real confrontation. Worse, attempting physical self-defence without full competence may expose your organisation to legal liability.

A Better Alternative: Proactive Prevention Strategies

Rather than reacting to violence, what if we could prevent it in the first place?

This is where Holland Thomas makes a real difference. Our personal safety training programs focus on proactive, preventative approaches that:

• Empower staff to recognise early warning signs of aggression or conflict.
• Equip staff with de-escalation techniques and communication skills to calm tense situations.
• Teach dynamic risk assessments to understand when to stay engaged and when to safely exit.
• Reinforce non-physical safety skills through daily workplace interactions.

These skills are not only easier to learn and retain, but they can also be applied regularly, becoming second nature through practice.

A Realistic and Cost-Effective Approach

While self-defence might appeal on an emotional level, it’s often resource-intensive and provides limited ROI. Training that focuses on:

• Situational awareness
• Emotional regulation
• Safe management of aggressive behaviours
• Safe workplace discussions

They all offer broader, long-term safety outcomes. Plus, it’s more inclusive and accessible for all staff members, regardless of age, gender or physical ability.

When Is Self-Defence Training Appropriate?

That’s not to say self-defence has no place. In high-risk environments or roles with regular exposure to violence, physical skills may form part of a comprehensive safety framework. But this training should:

• Be well-resourced and tailored to the specific risks staff face
• Be delivered by qualified trainers with sector-specific expertise
• Be part of a broader OVA management strategy that includes prevention, policy, and support

Understanding the limitations of self-defence is essential. It should never be the sole safety measure relied upon.

Final Thoughts: To Self-Defence or Not to Self-Defence?

Ultimately, the decision comes down to what is best for your staff, the specific risks they face, and your organisation’s capacity.

If you cannot commit to the time and ongoing investment required to embed self-defence skills, then you’re better served by giving your staff practical, proactive tools to prevent situations from escalating.

Training that focuses on prevention, early intervention, and safe disengagement offers a higher return on investment, stronger safety outcomes, and better alignment with your duty of care.

How Holland Thomas Can Help

At Holland Thomas, we specialise in helping organisations manage aggressive behaviours safely and sustainably. Our training solutions:

• Build confidence and leadership in staff
• Support a culture of wellbeing and prevention
• Are designed to be practical, relevant, and easy to implement
• Help organisations minimise financial, reputational, personal and property risk

Our goal is to enhance the physical, emotional, and psychological wellbeing of your workforce and help you become an employer of choice.

 

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Travis Holland
Managing Director
Holland Thomas

Should you wish to discuss strategies to improve your staff’s safety in their work environment, please feel welcome to contact Holland Thomas.

Passionate about creating safer workplaces our goal is to enhance wellbeing for all concerned, whilst also delivering improved operational and financial performance.

This blog draws on our years of experience delivering our M.A.B.™ Staff Safety Training (Contextualised Prevention and Management of Aggressive Behaviours) across Australia, and the development of My Safety Buddy, our smartphone app and web portal based lone worker safety system.