OVERCOMING THE FREEZE

You may have heard of the fight or flight response. But there’s another reaction that often kicks in during threatening situations – and it’s just as instinctive: the freeze response.

Freezing can feel like time stands still. Your body locks up, your voice disappears, and you feel powerless to move. It’s a natural neurological response to danger, hardwired into us for survival.

But in a real-world threatening situation, freezing for even a split second can be the difference between getting away safely… or not.

“People don’t always realise how fast an attack can unfold,” says Chief Instructor, Kelly (KB). “Depending on the situation, you might only have a second or two before you’re dragged away, unconscious, or seriously hurt. That’s why we train – not just the body, but the mind. Because you can’t afford to freeze.”

In our KB Self Defence classes, KB Instructors make a point of addressing the freeze response directly. During drills, members are taught not only physical techniques but also how to use their voice – to override the paralysis that can accompany fear.

“You might want to scream for help, but find that nothing comes out,” explains KB Senior Instructor, Jess. “That’s a very real, very common experience in traumatic situations. That’s why we train shouting as a core skill. So that it becomes instinctive.”

In every self-defence session, you’ll hear KB members shouting, “No!” “Stop!” “Fire!” and “Get away!” These words aren’t random – they’re strategic. This vocal training is paired with scenario-based drills that are as realistic as possible – without ever compromising safety.

“It’s actually kinder for your partner to ‘attack’ you properly, with some level of intent, during training,” Kelly says. “Because then your body learns what it feels like. You become familiar with the adrenaline, the unpredictability, the pressure. So if the worst happens, you don’t freeze. You act.”

While this may sound intense, every self-defence class is structured to build resilience gradually, in a supportive and empowering environment. Members of all genders and backgrounds attend KB Self Defence classes in London to gain not only physical skills but also the confidence to trust themselves in difficult situations.

The reality is that being attacked is a deeply unpleasant experience. If you’ve been through it, you know how overwhelming it can be. Even reading this article may be triggering. At KB Fitness, our mission is to help you feel stronger, more equipped, and better prepared.

“Freezing is natural. But it doesn’t have to be your response,” says KB Instructor, Ryan. “With training, you can learn to move through that fear, to act, and get away.”

If you’ve ever wondered how you might respond in a moment of danger, or if you’ve frozen before and wished you could’ve reacted differently, we invite you to train with us. To shout. To strike. To reclaim control.

“Every KB Self Defence class is a chance to rewrite your response,” says KB Instructor, Beth. “It’s not about perfection – it’s about taking control and regaining power. Your power.”

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Learn self-defence now, book your KB Self Defence class today.