Mark Edwards, founder of Somerset Krav Maga, has a rich history with the self-defence system that began during his time in the Royal Marines in the late '90s. As he transitioned out of the Royal Marines and explored a career in personal protection, he sought a practical self-defence system. Krav Maga was recommended to him, and he soon found himself training at a club in Weston Super Mare. After five to six years of rigorous training, Edwards became an instructor.

"I was in the process of leaving the Royal Marines and looking into becoming a bodyguard or personal security professional," Edwards recalls. "I wanted to learn a system of self-defence, and Krav Maga was recommended to me. I trained in Weston Super Mare for several years before deciding to become an instructor."

Krav Maga, which means "contact combat" in Hebrew, was developed in the 1930s by Imi Lichtenfeld. Created for the Israeli Defence Forces, Krav Maga focuses on real-world situations and efficient, practical techniques. Unlike traditional martial arts, it emphasises instinctive movements, simplicity, and controlled aggression to neutralise threats quickly.

In his quest to share the benefits of Krav Maga, Edwards established his first club in Taunton. The success and demand for his instruction led to the expansion of Somerset Krav Maga to Bridgwater and Wells in 2021. In Wells, the club holds training sessions at the Blue School twice a week, on Monday and Wednesday at 7pm. Currently, these sessions are available for adults aged 17 and over, but there are plans to introduce junior sessions.

Edwards is passionate about Krav Maga's inclusivity and practicality. "Krav Maga focuses on simple, effective techniques that can be used in real-world self-defence situations," he explains. Unlike traditional martial arts, there are no complicated forms or kata to learn. It's designed to be accessible to beginners and those seeking practical skills quickly."

One of Somerset Krav Maga's standout features is its inclusivity. "No base level of fitness is required," Edwards says. Krav Maga is designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of their fitness level." This inclusive approach is reflected in the club's demographics, with 37 percent of the students being women and ages ranging from 17 to 64.

Somerset Krav Maga welcomes newcomers with a free induction class. Each class lasts an hour and provides an overview of Krav Maga's techniques and principles.

"Our free induction class helps potential students get a feel for Krav Maga and decide if it's the right fit for them," says Edwards.

Edwards's dedication to Krav Maga and his community is evident in the club's growth and its positive impact on its members. As he continues to expand and develop Somerset Krav Maga, he remains committed to offering a practical, inclusive, and supportive environment for all who seek to learn self-defence.