SDS
NEVER UNARMED
Everyday objects. Clear structure. Realistic self-protection.
- Online + in personApp, courses and centers
- No experience neededStart with the fundamentals
- 4.8 App Store · 126 ratings
- 5,300+ technique videos
- 60,000+ registered users
- Trainer of police and special forces
What is the SDS Concept?
The SDS Concept is a practical self-defense system centered on the effective use of everyday objects and commonly available self-defense tools.
Instead of relying on complex techniques or long learning curves, SDS focuses on simple actions, clear positions, and repeatable movements that allow people to become self-defense capable in a very short time.
All methods and tools used within the SDS Concept are based on legal availability and realistic everyday situations.
- 01
Everyday Objects & Self-Defense Tools
SDS teaches how to use:
everyday objects found in daily life
legal self-defense tools
improvised tools when no special equipment is available
The focus is not on the object itself, but on how to move, protect, control distance, and create safety using what is realistically at hand.
- 02
Fast Learning – High Effectiveness
The SDS Concept is designed to:
be easy to understand
work under stress and time pressure
deliver practical results in a short training time
This makes SDS ideal for beginners, but also highly valuable for experienced practitioners and instructors.
- 03
Legality & Responsibility
A core element of the SDS Concept is legal awareness.
Training focuses on:legally available tools
proportional use
responsible decision-making
This ensures that SDS remains suitable for everyday self-defense training, instructional settings, and public seminars.
- 04
Trainable in Any Format
The SDS Concept can be trained:
online (solo training & structured drills)
live (interactive sessions and seminars)
in person (hands-on training and realistic scenarios)
It works as a standalone system or as an add-on to existing martial arts and self-defense programs.
Your first session in the app
There are no free technique videos for SDS on this page yet. With a free account you get selected videos and trainings in the app.
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Who Is the SDS Concept For?
- Beginners with no prior experience
- People who want to become self-defense capable quickly
- Individuals with limited training time
- Martial artists and combat sports practitioners
- Instructors and trainers
- People who value legality and responsibility
Not required: high athletic performance, competition experience, and special equipment
From your first session to expert
Built step by step – every stage has clear goals.
Instructor Education – SDS Concept
- Module 1Foundations & Everyday Object DefenseModule 1 covers the fundamentals of self-defense using everyday objects as well as unarmed defense, focusing on simple, structured, and practical solutions.
- Module 2Dynamic Application, Control & Weapon DefenseModule 2 expands these skills with more dynamic and combative training methods, realistic application scenarios, integrated weapon defense, and control under stress.
- Module 3Complex Scenarios, Multiple Threats & Third-Party ProtectionModule 3 focuses on complex situations such as multiple attackers, disadvantaged positions, attacks from the side or from behind, and ground fighting.
Choose your path
In the app
Videos, guided trainings and live trainings – whenever and wherever you want.Start for freeOnline course with certificate
SDS level by level, with an exam and an official SAMI diploma.View courseAt a center
With a coach and a group at a SAMI center near you – request your trial class directly from the center.Find a trial classBecome an instructor
The certified SAMI instructor education for SDS.View the education
Next seminar: Workshop Selbstverteidigung mit Alltagsgegenständen · November 14, 2026 · All SDS seminars · All training formats
Start today – for free
Online course with certificate
€290 one-time
SDS level by level, with an exam and an official SAMI diploma. No subscription.
View courseExams at a center: with any membership, including SAMI International · Learn more
Peter Weckauf
Founder of the SAMI Combat Systems. Trainer of police and special forces, seminars in over 50 countries.
About SAMI
Questions about SDS
The six most important ones here, all others below.
Is the SDS Concept suitable for beginners?
Yes. The SDS Concept is intentionally designed for people with no prior experience. Clear structure, simple movements, and realistic content make it easy to get started.
Do I need a training partner to train SDS?
No. Many parts of the SDS Concept are designed for solo training and work perfectly in an online environment. Partner training is helpful for certain elements but is not mandatory.
Online vs. in-person training – which is better?
Both formats complement each other.
Online training is ideal for building fundamentals and training regularly.
In-person training adds partner work and scenario-based experience. The SDS Concept is designed for both.
How long do I have access to the content?
Membership: Access is available as long as your membership is active.
Online courses & single videos: Access remains available as long as you have a valid account on the platform.
Can I upgrade later or access additional offers?
Yes. You can upgrade at any time – for example from single videos to online courses, from courses to a membership, or from training participation to instructor education.
History and philosophy of SDS
S.D.S. Concept is an independent and complete system. It will help you to consequently defend yourself against both armed and unarmed attacks, but also contains fixation and transport techniques as well as nerve-pressure techniques. The system is extremely varied and dynamic, making it perfect for everyone's self-protection needs.
The System
The S.D.S. Concept was developed as a complete and individual system. It is used as a defense system against both armed and unarmed attackers as well as to execute clearing, trapping, transporting, and nerve point pressure techniques.
It is a flexible and dynamic, yet simple system which is ideal for everyone. The techniques are quite easy to learn and can be used effectively in self-defense even after a very short period of training.
The S.D.S. Concept contains weapon techniques, survival and defense strategies, conflict prevention, and also an understanding of self-defense psychology. It teaches awareness of targets on the body, the development of ideal movement angles, footwork and mobility, various punching techniques, weapons use, improvised weapons use, pain-inducing controlling techniques and joint locks, knife fighting tactics, defense against attacks with a stick, protection of third parties, locking and controlling techniques, and combination attacks.
Reality-Based Training
The S.D.S. Concept is a reality-based system. Real conflict scenarios are reproduced for training purposes, covering the range from a perceived threat to the actual attack and defense, as well as strategy and analysis after the attack.
Using appropriate concepts and solutions, the practitioner will be able to improvise in order to solve the problem at hand after a relatively short time. They will not follow a strict pattern or sequence, but will combine, using free-style, techniques and principles of the S.D.S. Concept in an effective and goal-oriented manner.
All principles are concepts for pure self-defense and self-protection — they do not have traditional martial art or combat sport background.
Self-Defense Tools & Everyday Objects
There are many tools and objects that can be used in self-defense. A set table, for example, is a veritable arsenal — keys, cutlery, chairs. Of course there are more obvious devices like stun guns, pepper spray, mobile alarms, gas pistols, etc.
None of those things can guarantee protection and should not give a false impression of security. The correct use of a tool in self-defense is vital for effective protection. Only those who know how to use a device properly will be able to protect themselves without injury.
That's why the S.D.S. Concept doesn't just teach which objects to use — it teaches how to move, protect, control distance, and create safety using what is realistically at hand.
14 more questions
Is the SDS Concept certifiable?
Yes. The SDS Concept includes a structured Instructor Education Program with clearly defined modules and certification levels.
Do I need to be an instructor to start the Instructor Education Program?
No. The Instructor Education Program starts with Module 1 and is open to participants without previous instructor experience.
What is covered in the Instructor Education Program?
The program includes:
system logic and concepts
teaching methodology and didactics
legal fundamentals
training structure and class design
practical applications using everyday objects and self-defense tools
What is the difference between SDS and Krav Maga?
While both are self-defense systems, Krav Maga focuses on empty-hand defense and instinct-based reactions, while SDS specializes in the use of everyday objects and legal self-defense tools. SDS is designed as both a standalone system and a complement to Krav Maga or other defense systems.
What kind of tools does SDS work with?
SDS works with:
Everyday objects (pens, bottles, bags, keys, books)
Legal self-defense tools available in your region
Improvised objects when nothing else is available
The focus is always on legal availability and proportional use.
Do I need a training partner?
No. Many parts are designed for solo training. Partner training is helpful but not mandatory.
Online vs. in-person — which is better?
Both formats complement each other. Online is ideal for fundamentals and regular training. In-person adds partner work and scenario experience. SDS is designed for both.
How long do I have access?
Membership: as long as active. Courses & videos: as long as you have a valid account.
Can I upgrade later?
Yes. Upgrade anytime — from videos to courses, from courses to membership, or from training to instructor education.
What tools does SDS work with?
Everyday objects (pens, bottles, bags, keys), legal self-defense tools, and improvised objects. Focus is always on legal availability and proportional use.
Is SDS certifiable?
Yes. SDS includes a structured Instructor Education Program with 3 modules and certification levels.
Do I need to be an instructor to start?
No. Module 1 is open to participants without previous instructor experience.
What is covered in the Instructor Program?
System logic, teaching methodology, legal fundamentals, training structure, and practical applications with everyday objects.
Your Everyday Arsenal
SDS teaches you to use what you already carry. Every object around you can become a self-defense tool.
Umbrella
Long reach for distance control. Use as a shield, striking tool, or to create space between you and an attacker.
Pen / Kubotan
A small, discreet one-hand object. Effective for pressure points, control techniques, and pain-compliance holds.
Bag / Backpack
A two-hand shield object. Absorbs strikes, creates distance, and can be used for pushing or sweeping an attacker off balance.
Chair
Maximum distance and barrier creation. A chair keeps attackers at range and can be used to block, push, or trap.
Keys
Always at hand. Keys serve as improvised striking tools for close-range defense and can be used instinctively under stress.
Ready for level 1?
Free, no credit card – SDS is set up for you right away.
