"I really like the way John approaches things. It’s good stuff! ...if you like what I do, you are sure to like what John does"
Iain Abernethy, 6th Dan.

"You'll be better for it. I have trained at DART (and with the instructor on various courses)a number of times, and find it very professional, safe, educational and most of all fun. You learn a lot, you can relate it to every day life (or other martial arts if you do them) and you soon find out if what you are using works or not. For the money you pay, you get a lot in return. And this is real self-defence, not something you have to manipulate to be Self defence. To sum up: useful, professional, good exercise, TONNES of fun!"
Matt Donoghue, Karate Forum Moderator - Martial Arts Planet, January 2012.

"A comprehensive and enjoyable self protection class. I have trained in the DART system over a number of years and have gained experience in dealing with a wide variety of violent encounters using simple and effective techniques. I have also gained considerable self confidence and increased my striking power through the use of pads and body armour in realistic scenarios. Its great fun and you will learn a great deal. Highly recommended."
Guy, Regular Student, January 2012.

"I have been training in the martial arts for over twenty years and have been fortunate enough to have had some very good instructors. It is not often that I am truly impressed by another instructor, but John Titchen struck me as being on a different level to most. A true understanding of his subject matter, backed up by a very impressive CV. Since training with John and his students I am keen to expose my own students to his training.
For anyone interested in self defence I can heartily recommend attending a seminar run by John Titchen. Many think their own training will be enough should an attack happen. After being involved in two reality based session under the guidance of John Titchen, I would say that his approach will make you question your own. Safety is of upmost importance and the training environment very pleasant, the training however was tough and realistic. The analysis via video and discussion also added to the understanding."
Simon Sheridan, Senior Instructor UK Quanfa Academy, December 2011.

"Stuff you guys do is brilliant though man. Knew RBSD was good and always respected your opinion on self-defence matters but after actually training with you guys its pretty depressing how few people there are doing this sort of training. (Qu - was it Krav Maga?) I felt like it was similar but at the same time DART seems to be a different thing. Wheras Krav seems to be just about destroying your attacker DART seems more rooted in the legal aspects and the situational awareness/de-escalation skills to avoid fights. Krav that I've experienced also still teaches the "He does A you do B" whereas the day I went to in the video was just "He hits you with A. Survive." "
Aaron, Simulation Day 2, September 2011.

"I have really enjoyed my time at DART. There is a very friendly atmosphere, and the class is excellent value. All of the kit is provided, including state-of-the-art High Gear, which allows you to train and develop your abilities to the max. As a member of a traditional karate club, the real draw for me to DART is learning how to directly apply techniques and knowledge in a more practical form. I now feel far more able to deal with an attack than I would have done had I not joined DART, despite my previous karate experience. Beginners are made to feel extremely welcome, and the class sizes are relatively small which ensures maximum attention from the Instructor. I highly recommend this club to anyone."
Will, Regular Student, March 2011.

"Having trained in regular classes since 2007 it has helped me to improve both physically and mentally. DART focuses on down-to-earth techniques that are easy to learn and later replicate if the need arises. It offers an encompassing package of useful skills in how to spot, diffuse and deal with real situations. It has given me the confidence and ability to handle the world as it is today, offering an entirely new point of view on how to cope with problems. Giving the opportunity to make new, lasting, friends, pursue an interest in the mechanics of the body and at the same time as getting healthier and fitter; I truly believe that DART provides the most progressive, ingenious and lifelike self-defence available, supplying its students the skills to handle both the physical requirements of an altercation as well as the emotional ones, along with the knowledge of the legal implications."
Lloyd, Regular Student, January 2011.

"Having trained in regular classes since 2007 it has helped me to improve both physically and mentally. DART focuses on down-to-earth techniques that are easy to learn and later replicate if the need arises. It offers an encompassing package of useful skills in how to spot, diffuse and deal with real situations. It has given me the confidence and ability to handle the world as it is today, offering an entirely new point of view on how to cope with problems. Giving the opportunity to make new, lasting, friends, pursue an interest in the mechanics of the body and at the same time as getting healthier and fitter; I truly believe that DART provides the most progressive, ingenious and lifelike self-defence available, supplying its students the skills to handle both the physical requirements of an altercation as well as the emotional ones, along with the knowledge of the legal implications."
Chris, Regular Student, January 2011.

"DART is tailored to a real life situation that most martial arts now tend to gloss over, it goes back to the real reasons that they were set up, namely realistic self-defence. DART not only gives you confidence in the fact that you can if the time comes defend yourself but also makes you think in a whole different way, approaching problems from new directions. I honestly believe that DART provides the most realistic self-defence training that is currently possible."
Patrik, regular classes DART student, 2005 - date.

"Dr Titchen's current work adds to the body of knowledge in the martial arts."
Professor Rick Clark, 8th Dan.

"Having had John do a number of seminars for me I can say that he is thorough, considered and pragmatic in his approach, detailed in his explanations and also extremely knowledgeable on legal aspects of Self Defence training. I would recommend him to anyone."
Paul Mitchell, Tae kwon Do Instructor, October 2009.

"The scenario-based training is really useful for working through the emotions of an attack and having a plan should an attack occur. I found it empowering to practice getting myself out of very vulnerable situations. I can only hope such training will help keep me from panicking completely should an attack occur."
Molly, Tae Kwon Do student, Stress Inoculation Course May 2008.

"The superb quality of the training, combined with the 'High Gear' suits created a level of realism un-matched by anything I had ever done before. What John has done with DART is produced a system that is highly effective, regardless of previous training or ability. The whole seminar was a very worth-while experience and something that I would definitely like to do more of."
Ben, Tae Kwon Do student, Stress Inoculation Course May 2008.

"These self defense classes were an excellent introduction to the skills needed to feel confident about being attacked on the street & in one's own home. They served to reassure me that I have the ability to confront any attacker in an efficient and effective manner. We were taught that the adrenaline of fear is really adrenaline to confront an aggressor. As a woman I am not a mere "weakling" but someone who is ready to defend myself using the skills taught in these classes. John is an excellent teacher with the knowledge to inform about the most effective strategies to tackle an aggressor in any situation. I would recommend these classes to anyone who feels the need to learn how to protect oneself in any?confrontational situation."
Dr Janet Philpott, Head of Careers, Royal Grammar School High Wycombe Ladies Self Defence Course 2007.