The Middle Space: Taking Control Before Things Escalate
Learn to take control
Most confrontations don’t begin with violence. They start in what we like to call the middle space. It’s that tense moment when something feels off, but nothing physical has happened yet.
It’s the grey area between awareness and action, and how you handle it can often decide whether things calm down or spiral out of control.
In our self-defence classes in Brixton, we spend time exploring this space because it’s where most people freeze. The body floods with adrenaline, the mind races, and we either try to be too nice, over-explain, or react aggressively. But there’s another way, one that keeps you calm, in control, and ready to make the right choice for the situation.
Understanding the Middle Space
The middle space is the critical decision zone between sensing danger and physical violence starting.
This is where you can manage distance, assert boundaries, assess intent, and prepare your next move.
It’s also the point where most people lose control. That’s not because they don’t know what to do, but because fear takes over before they’ve had time to think. That’s why we train to recognise this space and claim it early.
The Fence: A Simple, Powerful Tool
Our go-to strategy for holding the middle space is The Fence.
It’s a non-aggressive stance that looks natural but keeps you safe and ready. Here’s what it involves:Slightly angle your body, one foot forward, hands up at chest height in a conversational way. Protect your centreline and keep your power hand ready without looking threatening. Use your voice to project confidence and set boundaries: “That’s close enough, mate,” or “I don’t want any trouble. ”The Fence gives you space both physically and mentally.
It helps you test intent, communicate clearly, and buy crucial seconds to choose between de-escalation, boundary-setting, or, if needed, pre-emptive action to escape.
We train this stance until it feels natural, because action beats reaction and this is your best chance to stay ahead of a threat.
Managing Fear in the Moment
Fear isn’t the enemy - it’s a safety signal!
But when fear takes over, we freeze, panic, or lash out.
In class, we practise self-regulation: using breathing, posture, and mindset to stay clear even under pressure. A simple tip is to extend your exhalation.
That longer breath steadies the nervous system and anchors you in the moment.
From there, your body language, voice, and focus start to line up. That’s what calm confidence looks like.
Training Calm Confidence
Our goal isn’t to get rid of adrenaline. It’s to use it well.
When you can stay calm enough to think and switched-on enough to move, you’re training both body and mind for real-life situations.
That’s what makes our approach to self-defence different. It’s not just about fighting techniques, it’s about managing that middle space before things turn physical. If you’d like to experience this for yourself, join one of our self-defence classes in Brixton, South London.
We train practical skills for real-world situations and we teach you how to stay calm when it counts.