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 test

ed". 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

19/06/2026

Self Defence SUMMER CAMP JULY 2026 – Kids & Young Teens Self Protection & Self Defence. | Hard Target Self Defence https://share.google/aFpxRgxdxQYFTNSLY

18/06/2026

10/06/2026

✴️KIDZ & TEENZ KOMBAT SUMMER CAMP JULY 2026

Dates: Monday to Friday, July 13th to 17th

Time: 10am to 1pm

Suitable for ages 10 yrs to 13 yrs.

✴️What is Kidz/Teenz Kombat?

Designed and presented by Aidan Carroll BSc Psychotherapist and Founder of Hard Target Self Defence Systems, assisted by Ms O***a Leong B.Ed, school teacher

Kidz/young Teenz Kombat is a unique self-defence programme designed with children & and young teens in mind.

These very popular self defence classes are conducted in a safe, supportive and fun environment by our highly experienced instructors.

All classes are taught in an age appropriate manner, using language and enjoyable drills & exercises suitable for their age, which means each child can learn to defend themselves from the risks of modern society.

What your child will learn:

Theory Modules
* How to deal with bullying (verbal & physical).

* Protecting their personal space using ‘the fence’ technique.

* How to develop a self protection game-plan.

* AID Program – Ask, Inform, Defend.

* How to resist peer pressure & make positive choices.

Practical Modules

* How to physically defend against bullies: release techniques from wrist grabs/shirt grab/headlocks etc.

* How to defend from the ground or prone position.

* How to defend against larger and multiple attackers.

Cost is €90.00.
Sibling discounts available.

Drop us an email [email protected]

🟢 Places filling fast

27/05/2026

Always a pleasure to be back teaching our Conflict Management and Break-Away Training programme in the O'Brien Institute-

Dublin Fire Brigade Training Academy

Hard Target Self Defence Systems –
Professional Training for Professional Responders

19/05/2026

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

Dates: Tuesday 26th May

Time : 7.30-9pm

Venue: K45CK00

13/05/2026

Great to be back teaching our Hard Target Street Smarts Self Protection Workshop at Cherrywood Educate Together National School.

🛑How Predators Select Victims
🛑Red-Flags on First Date
🛑A.I.D Anti-Bullying Tactics
🛑Messages From Intuition
🛑When it's OK not to be Nice

04/05/2026

29/04/2026

After many months and years, our Kidz Kombat grading took place on Saturday.

Everyone gave 100%. Tonight was presentation of belts and certificates.

On behalf of myself, Debbie, AJ and all the coaches, I would like to thank the HT students and parents for your commitment, tenacity and comradery.

We are so proud of you all 🙏

23/04/2026

Setting up to deliver another bespoke Self-Protection Course for Outcomers Drogheda.
The Mill Enterprise Centre is a beautiful venue and a great resource for the local community.

Address

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

Telephone

+35318430673

Website

https://www.hardtargetselfdefence.com/

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