20/12/2025
Axminster Combatives & Full Force Combatives
Axminster Combatives delivers serious, reality-based self-protection training for adults who want practical skills, clarity under pressure, and the confidence to deal with real-world violence if they ever have to.
Combatives is not a sport and it is not for ego.
It is designed for worst-case scenarios — sudden, high-stress encounters where avoidance has failed and personal safety is genuinely at risk. Training sits at the far end of the self-protection spectrum and focuses on simplicity, decisiveness, and effectiveness.
Instruction is delivered by Stephen Tomkins (BA Hons) — an experienced Combatives instructor, subject-matter expert, and veteran London Fire firefighter. Training covers unarmed combat, counter-weapons awareness, recognising predatory behaviour, and managing fear and adrenaline under pressure.
No prior experience is required.
Weekly adult class:
🕕 Wednesdays, 6:45pm
📍 Axminster/Honiton/Lyme - East Devon
✔ Suitable for beginners and experienced alike
✔ Welcoming, professional environment
Private tuition is also available for those who prefer one-to-one training, require discretion, or want tailored coaching for specific concerns.
Stephen is DBS checked, fully insured, first-aid certified, and a qualified Mental Health First Aider. The club is affiliated with the British Combat Association.
Stephen has received a Metropolitan Police Trident Gang Crime Command Commendation for services rendered.
He qualified as a first-generation Urban Combatives instructor under Lee Morrison in 2008, has taught internationally with spec ops instructor Kelly McCann, and has trained extensively across combatives and traditional martial arts disciplines. His teaching experience includes civilians, martial artists, door supervisors, police officers, women’s groups, special-needs students, and specialist security personnel.
🔗 Full details:
www.fullforcecombatives.co.uk
If you’re looking for realistic self-protection taught calmly, responsibly, and without bravado, you’re in the right place.
An information point for Stephen Tomkins' Full Force Combatives club. Combatives is a term for hand-to-hand combat training techniques - and self-protection/self-defence skills.
