Gentofte Self-Defense Club

Different generations train alongside each other in the same gym. The groups keep their own instructors and programs, but young participants can watch experienced students train. Parents and children aged nine to fourteen can train in different groups at the same time.

Responsibility receives a great deal of attention in the development of instructors. The club emphasizes self-control, concentration, and caring for others, even when someone is under pressure. These qualities are part of its selection and training, alongside technical skill.

The in-house instructor training connects generations of students. Candidates are generally selected from the youth groups and develop through roles such as helper and assistant. Teaching skills and responsibility are developed alongside technical training. Independent teaching only follows after further training and guidance.

Personal training journeys bring in additional experience. Head instructor Jonathan Agger trained in judo at the Kodokan Institute in Tokyo, among other disciplines. His profile also mentions training in Daito-ryu, aikido, and Shorinji-kempo during study visits to Japan. These backgrounds are part of his own training, alongside the Goshin-jitsu taught by the club.

The club was founded in 1978 by experienced ju-jitsu black belts. Jens Agger is named by the association as one of its founders. A year before its formal establishment, in 1977, the group had already organized its first self-defense course for women.

From the outset, the instruction took various forms. The association provided training at municipal and private schools in Gentofte and also offered courses, lectures, and demonstrations for companies and associations. Strategic, psychological, and physical aspects were brought together in its approach to integrated self-defense.