Hard Target Self Defence Academy

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Hard Target Self Defence Academy Hard Target Self Defence Systems
Ph: 01 8430673
[email protected]
Eircode K45CK00 My aim was to seek out what really works under pressure.

My name is Aidan Carroll and I am the founder of Hard Target Self Defence Systems. Hard Target was founded in 2006 with an objective to teach self protection skills that can be taught to all ages, fitness levels, both male & female. As I say at the start of any class or seminar I teach " I will not teach any technique that I have not successfully used in a live conflict or completely pressure tested". I devised the system based on my 30 years of experience cross training in different types of martial arts and combative systems. This knowledge combined with many years dealing with REAL violence , while providing security on night club doors, is the essence of what the system is based on- gross motor, realistic, functional techniques. I now teach the Hard Target system in many schools, colleges and government agencies. I am also actively involved in training security personnel and close protection operatives. The curriculum covers a wide range of self defence training. Here is a sample of what is covered on a regular basis -

Understanding body language and non verbal communication. Fear Control

Control and Restraint

Developing a Self Protection game plan. Understanding the criminal's mind-set & M/O. How to recognise the pre-cursors of an attack. Developing a combative mind-set. Understanding adrenaline reaction - Pre conflict, in conflict and post conflict. How to strike with feet, knee's, elbow's, hands and head. The use of improvised weapons. Defence against edged weapons. Defence against baton, bats etc. Defence against firearms. Ground fighting & grappling. Third party protection. Release from chokes, strangles and grabs. Fitness training for combatives. Self Defence & the law and much more. Deep within us all, we have the need and capacity to defend ourselves, our loved ones and our fellow man/woman. Our training teaches the student to re-orient and reaffirm this inherent right"

-Aidan Carroll

06/10/2026

4 Week Female Self Protection Course

The Hard Target Academy provide unique Self-Protection training services.

Combining Psychotherapy, Criminal Psychology and Behavioural Science, supported and supplemented by modules and modalities including-

*Threat Analysis

*Early Recognition of Covert Predatory Behaviour Patterns

*Understanding messages from body-language

*Assertiveness Training

*Conflict Management

*Conflict Resolution

*Self-Defence Skills and Tactics

*Psychotherapy and Counselling for survivors of abuse/assault, coercive control and bullying

All classes are designed and presented by Aidan Carroll BSc (Hons) Psychotherapist- Founder of Hard Target Self Defence Systems, assisted by O***a Leong B.Ed

Starts: Tuesday 13th October

Time : 7.30-9pm

Venue: K45CK00

In the latest episode of the Hard Target Podcast we discuss (some of) what we do.
03/10/2026

In the latest episode of the Hard Target Podcast we discuss (some of) what we do.

The Hard Target Podcast · Episode

In the next episode of the Hard Target Podcast, we chat about the structure and content of the Nemesis Female Self Prot...
02/10/2026

In the next episode of the Hard Target Podcast, we chat about the structure and content of the Nemesis Female Self Protection Programme and briefly discuss Frankls observations of stimulus and response.

28/09/2026

Our Kidz Kombat - Anti-Bullying programme is full to capacity.

We are currently compiling an interest list for an additional class. We apologies for any disappointment caused.

28/09/2026
Female Self Protection Training
23/09/2026

Female Self Protection Training

Few places still available
18/09/2026

Few places still available

11/09/2026

The "I AM NEMESIS" Women's Self Defence program is a specialized female self-protection course run by the Hard Target Self Defence Academy.

Unlike standard martial arts, it is built specifically around criminal psychology, behavioral science, and practical physical tactics designed to help women counter predatory behavior.

The Concept:

Created by Aidan Carroll (a psychotherapist and founder of Hard Target), the course combines emotional empowerment with realistic physical tactics. It focuses heavily on how to avoid selection as a target, manage conflicts, and break free from common holds.

Core Components:

Mental & Psychological Training: Threat analysis, early recognition of covert predatory behavior, understanding body language, and assertiveness training.

Physical Tactics:

Escape techniques for common real-world situations, including hair-pulling, wrist grabs, headlocks, bearhugs, being choked, or being pinned to the ground.

Survivor Support:

Incorporates trauma-informed elements and counseling concepts specifically for survivors of abuse, coercive control, assault, or bullying.

Next course begins:
Tuesday 15th September

Time: 7.30-9pm

Venue: Hard Target Self Defence Academy, Blakes Cross, Lusk K45CK00

Suitable for females 14 years +, under 18s will need parental/ guardian consent.

To book your place email [email protected]

Our popular Kids and Teens Self Defence class is back! Wednesday, September 2nd, 7pm to 8pm, Blakes Cross Industrial Est...
01/09/2026

Our popular Kids and Teens Self Defence class is back! Wednesday, September 2nd, 7pm to 8pm, Blakes Cross Industrial Estate, North Co. Dublin. Eircode K45CK00.
Book online today Kidz & Teenz Kombat Self Protection & Self Defence Class, 8yrs-14yrs. Every Wednesday, new members always welcome | Hard Target Self Defence https://share.google/mG1SOUxvSA5SrqdG7

Address

Blakes Cross Industrial Estate, Lusk, North Co. , K45CK 00
Dublin
DUBLIN

Telephone

+35318430673

Website

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