Welcome to my self-defence training page. My name is Yann Ao’Drenn, and I focus on teaching practical and effective self-defence techniques based on real-world experience.
My Journey
With a long-standing dedication to martial arts and self-defence, I have gained knowledge and skills not in a controlled environment but through real-life situations.
From 2015 to 2017, I volunteered for six missions in the Middle East, including Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. During these missions, I was involved in rescuing women and children, predominantly Yazidis, from the dangers of slavery and human trafficking.
These missions required confronting threats from armed aggressors, including knife attacks, machetes, and guns.
Humanitarian Work
The Yazidi community, has faced severe persecution and hardships, especially at the hands of ISIS. Many Yazidi women and girls were captured and forced into sexual slavery, suffering significant abuse.
My missions involved more than just physical rescue; they were about providing a path to safety and recovery for these individuals. Working with NGOs such as the Red Cross, Doctors of the World, and UNICEF, I helped ensure that survivors received necessary care and support.
The Reality of Missions
The missions I participated in were incredibly dangerous. Tragically, not all of us who went on these missions returned alive. Over the course of these missions, we managed to save approximately 1,200 people. The risks were immense, and the reality of the situation was harsh and unforgiving. After these experiences, I took on several missions to train others—both individuals and professionals—to accompany NGOs in their work.
However, the severity of these realities took a toll on me. The constant threat and the knowledge that not everyone I trained would come back alive led me to stop participating in these missions. It was a difficult decision, but it was necessary for my own well-being and for the safety of those I was training.
Real-World Self-Defence
My approach to self-defence is different from the commercial methods often found in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Krav Maga, and other systems typically practiced in dojos.
While these systems have their benefits, they often teach techniques that may not be practical in real-life confrontations.
My experience is based on firsthand experience of facing life-threatening situations. I have defended myself and others against attackers with knives, machetes, and firearms.
This experience has shown me that effective self-defence is about more than just techniques; it’s about mindset, adaptability, and understanding how to respond to unpredictable and dangerous situations.
My Philosophy
Self-defence should be practical and realistic.
It is not about mastering complex techniques that work well in a controlled environment but may fail under the stress of an actual attack. Instead, my approach focuses on simple, effective strategies that can be applied regardless of size, strength, or physical conditioning.
It is about enabling individuals to protect themselves and their loved ones in any situation.
My self-defence expertise is grounded in the reality of facing genuine threats. It is about survival, resilience, and the belief that everyone has the right and the ability to defend themselves. Through my experience, I have learned that the most crucial element of self-defence is the mental strength to stay calm, focused, and determined in the face of danger.
Commitment to a Cause
I do not do this work for money. All the profits from my self-defence training are donated to UNICEF and Amnesty International. My aim is to use my skills and experiences to make a positive impact, both by empowering individuals through self-defence and by supporting these important humanitarian organisations.
Join Me
If you are looking for self-defence training that prepares you for real-world scenarios, you have come to the right place. My mission is to share my knowledge and experience to help others build the confidence and skills needed to protect themselves effectively. Feel free to contact me to learn more about my self-defence training and how it can benefit you. Together, we can work to create a safer, more aware community.