Reviews and Testimonials

I randomly came across SCS about four months ago when I was surfing the web and was feeling at an all time fitness and motivational low.During our weekly sessions we have covered all aspects of the SCS system combined with fitness training which has manifested in an improvement I could never have envisaged.My weight has reduced considerably, I estimate at least 10 kg since we started, as well as feeling equipped with appropriate tools to defend myself should that unfortunate street scenario ever arise.I’m now continuing to have weekly sessions with John and I feel so motivated by his dedication, knowledge, advice and encouragement that I can only anticipate even greater improvements.My own thought to anyone contemplating ,for whatever reason, participating in the SCS system is to not hesitate. Consider it, as I do, a  multifaceted experience which builds defence skills,confidence , fitness and maybe more significantly the gaining of knowledge for its own sake because I have found that striving to achieve these goals can bring more substance to your life.

 Stuart Forsyth

John has been training with me for a while now and has proved his dedication, motivation and resilience within my club and 
within the ring. To begin with I was unaware that John was an instructor with his own club, he just turned up and trained. And 
trained hard at that! He listened and even when the squad training was at its hardest, he stoically carried on. Unlike other 
instructors that talk about sparring, but are rarely seen to do it, John went a stage further and with no regard for his reputation 
entered the ring in a MMA fight. He was astonishing! Maintaining his composure and that almost Japanese stoic expression, 
he quickly dispatched his opponent. At our Honour tournament he dominated a experienced and technical opponent, and was 
very unfortunate to be disqualified in the third round when a punch slide from his opponents chest to his chin. Very unlucky. 
But John accepted the decision without a protest. You see, I believe it's not about the win or lose for John, it's the experience 
and practical knowledge gained. I'm a great believer in a man's character by his deeds, not his words. 

Here's the thing; I have been teaching karate for 36 years and MMA since 1994, and I would happily have a club full of lads like John! 
  
 Marc Howes - Head Coach and Founder of Team Jigoku
  
 Daishihan for Scotland, 6th Dan and direct student of Kaicho Jon Bluming 10th Dan (one of the first foreign students 

of Masutatsu Oyama and founder of Kyokushin Budokai)
  
 Co-Founder of 'Honour' MMA, Aberdeen's first Mixed Martial Arts tournament
  

We contacted John at Street Combat System during a period in which a member of our family was being bullied at school.  Neither the School nor the Police could offer us any support and we didn't know where to turn for help.  We found John's website and booked four one to one classes with him. We were apprehensive because we had never needed to do anything like this before, but from the moment we met him and the first class started, we realised that we had done the right thing.  He gave us the confidence and ability to try and sort the problem out for ourselves.  We have also attended the Thursday evening class which is excellent too. All classes teach you how to handle "real" street situations.  We would recommend the classes to anyone and any age group.

Shiela Smith

Aberdeen

Hi John
 
I just thought I'd e-mail to say thanks very much for running a class for us last Thrusday. Everyone who took part had an awesome time and learned some really useful stuff.
 
A few people were asking about the Thursday classes. Does the 8-week program go in cycles, or can you just turn up and start on any given Thursday?
 
Once again, thanks very much for a brilliant class.
 
cheers,
James Callender

Venture scouts Aberdeen

It’s a sad reflection on the state of the world today when we have to consider our own personal safety from attackers both in and out with the workplace. The self defence course gave us the opportunity not only to develop our self confidence when faced with an attacker, but to learn disarming and disabling techniques that will help us should the need ever arise. I sincerely hope that we never need to use them, but you never know what, or who’s, around the corner.
Given that 75% of course attendees are now pursuing further training with you is testament to your professionalism, your excellent presentation of the course, the effectiveness of the techniques taught and to the encouragement shown to all during the five weeks. Our wrists still hurt, but we loved it.Thanks John,

Laura, Flash and all staff at The Moorings Bar.

As part of my continuing plan for self improvement, I decided to take up martial arts. To be exact, Street Combat System. This is a bit different. Not for me the 'mincing about in white pyjamas pointing the toes at 56 degrees while pondering the ethical implications of catching a fly with chopsticks' type martial arts. This is proper 'break his arm then stick your fingers in his windpipe til he passes out' self defence style martial arts. The training is very hard, but it has to be. The whole point of it is that we can fight hard and fast when required. This means we're not going to have time to remove our shoes, slip on our jammies and centre our chakras or whatever else. So we don't. We literally walk in off the street and get kneed in the groin, choked to unconsciousness then give money to the man doing it. It may seem like more of a voluntary mugging than a lesson, but it works. I've only been at it for a month or so, and I already have the ability to restrain anyone with a wrist or elbow lock so unbelievably painful that they will move exactly how I want them, all with one hand behind my back. And his. Now this is actually quite useful in my particular line of work, not to mention certain social situations, but that's not why I'm doing it. I don't want to use this ability, this is why I took up running first. I just want to know that I could do it. So don't start, cos as soon as this swelling goes down and I can see you, I'll have you. Without hurting a fly.

Quoted from online blog of Keith Grant, a Community Warden in Aberdeen.

After only two weeks i have lost 7Kgs training with John. The great part of training with john is it is fun and works wonders! Before i used to do 300 situps a day and i never had abs like i do now! I only do between 24-30 situps "John style" a day! My strength and tone is so much better and I intend to stick to this work out! I'm looking better than i ever have.

David John Williamson, candidate for armed forces

Being a personal trainer i have a huge interest in all methods of exercise. Martial arts take a lot of dedication and perservearence, both of which i look for to challenge myself both physically and mentally. Master John has been able to present me with all of these through SCS. I have watched my technique in all aspects of sparring and grappling improve. Training with  John both privately and in class has been highly beneficial to my current training and i plan to continue. SCS has introduced me to a new form of cardiovascular exercise which i will highly recommend to anyone.

Joe Astell, personal fitness instructor and sports and Indian head massage therapist of Astell Massage

When I first heard of SCS, I have to admit I was somewhat sceptical. Having previously Thai Boxed and having some exposure to Kung Fu, I thought I knew a fair bit about martial arts and 'handling myself'. However, after spending a little time with John I was surprised  I had a lot to learn, and John had a lot to offer.

 I now realise that while my previous experience was good and helpful, it was also largely sport based and not street based. Through training with John, I now feel even more able to protect myself and my family. I feel constantly challenged and inspired to improve and to become a more consummate martial artist – be that in the dojo, the ring or the street. Through SCS I have been motivated to reach new levels of fitness, strength and skill. 

John is a skilled teacher. John is in tune with the needs of his students and is easily able to cater to their demands through his wealth of knowledge and practical training methods. I do not hesitate to recommend John’s services to my friends and colleagues. If you are reading this as a potential student, I full-heartedly recommend you try John as I did, I am sure you will be just as pleasantly surprised as I was.

Jared Dempsey, Aberdeen