About Phil and Athena
Protect Self Defence founders
Phil Thompson
Phil Thompson is the co-founder and International Director of Protect Self Defence. He is the author of two highly influential books on self defence, a keynote speaker and highly regarded self-protection expert. Phil leads seminars and instructs a huge variety of clients and students in Protect programmes all over New Zealand and further abroad.
With over 20 years experience in his field, and in-demand speaker, trainer, and advisor he has helped empower thousands of people with the skills and confidence to protect themselves and their loved ones.
Phil believes that beyond the physical, effective self-protection involves a variety of behavioural, emotional, psychological, ethical and legal aspects. To understand them all is to truly feel safe.
He is a member of the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association and an acknowledged expert on the pre-contact stages of violent confrontation. He is also the sole male in New Zealand to be certified as a Senshido instructor (2006) and member of the Senshido International Alliance.
Students and clients include members of the general public, as well as professionals not new to violence, such as Police (including special tactics units), ambulance officers, armed forces personnel and customs staff. He has also served as a consultant to Government departments on training module design for at-risk staff. He regularly teaches corporate clients, businesses of all sizes, schools, special needs organisations and everyday men and women concerned about their safety and the safety of their loved ones.
Phil has appeared on several national television programs and is the nation’s leading expert on the topic of self defence/self protection. His unique perspective on self defence and personal protection, developed in part by his own life experiences dealing with real violence and conflict, has pioneered a new standard in the industry. Phil can be contacted at Phil@protectselfdefence.co.nz
Athena Thompson
Athena is co-founder of Protect Self defence and an instructor of group classes, seminars and courses in Auckland and throughout New Zealand.
She is the author of the highly influential book ‘Every woman’s guide to being safe...For life’, and the women’s self defence program that she designed, ‘Safe For Life’, carries the rare endorsement from Rape Prevention Education (formerly Rape Crises).
Athena has also been individually certified as a Senshido instructor (2006) and is the only female instructor in Australasia. She has lived what she teaches and shares a wealth of first-hand experience and knowledge on violence prevention for women.
She has had expert articles published in major magazines and newspapers, and is New Zealand’s leading female expert on the topic of self defence for women.
Athena has taught men and women from all walks of life including past survivors of rape and sexual assault, Police officers, security officers, corporate clients, teenagers, and many others concerned with their safety and the safety of their family and loved ones.
Athena can be contacted at Athena@protectselfdefence.co.nz
situations, delivered in the most professional manner."
- D Radovanovich, NZ Customs Service
