FULL FORCE COMBATIVES
Inc. Axminster Combatives & Self-defence
Real-world self-defence for real-world violence
Wednesdays ~ 6:45 - 8:00pm
Near Axminster & Honiton, Devon
Adults of all levels welcome ~ no experience necessary
Get in touch to join a class
What is Full-Force Combatives?
Full-Force Combatives is practical, pressure tested self-defence built for worst-case scenarios - sudden, chaotic, real-world violence where there are no rules, no referees, and no second chances.
Training focuses on:
- Full-force striking and destructive counter-attacks
- Counter-weapons defence (knives, firearms & blunt-force threats)
- Functional, instinctive responses that work under stress
- Mindset training to manage fear, adrenaline and the freeze response
- Predatory behaviour recognition — spotting trouble early
- Protecting yourself and others in dangerous, high-risk situations
Whether you’re an absolute beginner or an experienced martial artist, this training is designed to work for real people in real scenarios.
******
Why Train With Us?
Led by Steve Tomkins (BA Hons)
Steve is a highly experienced Combatives instructor and veteran London firefighter, with decades of frontline exposure to real danger and high-stress decision-making.
Credentials & Experience
- Qualified under Lee Morrison (Urban Combatives), 2008. First-generation UC Instructor
- Recognised instructor with the British Combat Association
- Taught internationally alongside Kelly McCann (US Special Operations / Navy SEALs trainer)
- Senior grades in various martial arts
- Has trained with leading experts including:
Geoff Thompson, Dennis Martin, Peter Consterdine, Dave Turton, Richard Dimitri, Paul Finn (Silat, Kali, JKD), Stuart Rider, Sensei Steve Arneil (Kyokushinkai Karate) and others
Experience teaching many:
- Civilians
- Martial artists
- Door supervisors
- Women’s self-defence groups
- Prison officers
- Police officers
- Krav Maga instructors & students
- Anti-piracy operatives (ex-military)
- Students with special needs
- Recipient of a Metropolitan Police Trident Gang Crime Command Commendation
- Over 40 years as a first-aider
- Emergency Response Volunteer - Red Cross
- Mental Health First-aid trained - Red Cross
- DBS checked, fully insured, and part of the British Combat Association
Steve’s teaching style is calm, direct and highly effective — focused on safety, realism, and rapid skill development.
Who Is the Class For?
Our Wednesday session is welcoming, supportive, high-energy and fun.
Students include:
- Complete beginners
- Martial artists wanting real-world application
- Professionals who deal with conflict (prison officers, door staff, security, frontline workers)
- Martial Arts instructors
- Anyone wanting to feel safer, stronger and more prepared
- Individuals with immediate threat to life and limb
Most attendees are adults (often male), but new students of all backgrounds are welcome.
Private Training Available
If you prefer one-to-one coaching, need discreet training, or want to accelerate your progress quickly, private lessons are available.
Perfect for:
- Nervous beginners
- Professionals with specific needs
- People with unique concerns (size, age, mobility, confidence, etc.)
- Focused skill development beyond the group class
Our Approach to Safety, Conduct & Professional Standards
- DBS checked
- BCA recognised club British Combat Association.
- Fully insured
- 40+ years first-aid experience
- Mental health awareness trained
- Realistic training with a friendly supportive group
- Friendly, no-nonsense environment
Your safety and confidence always come first.
Connect With Us
Follow our training clips, drills, and updates:
Facebook: Axminster Combatives & self-defence
YouTube: Full-Force Combatives Youtube channel
YouTube: Full-Force Combatives Youtube channel
Ready to Begin?
Train smart. Train real. Train to protect yourself and those you care about.
******
Technique Example – Explosive Counter to a Grab
Below: a direct, powerful response to a common grab. The defender traps the assailant’s hand, drives forward with an explosive tiger’s claw strike, and follows up if necessary. Simple, instinctive, and brutally effective under pressure.