Author: Rob Andress

Rob Andress is a Canadian leader in reality-based self-defence, violence prevention and close-quarter combatives. As co-founder of Street Safe Self Defence Training Company, he delivers practical, behaviour-based training that helps people recognize the warning signs of violence, make informed decisions under pressure and respond effectively when personal safety is threatened. Drawing on decades of experience in self-defence, combatives and violence-prevention education, Rob holds SAS and SAS-AP certifications, along with certifications in Date Rape and Drink Spiking Prevention, A.L.I.V.E. Active Threat Survival, De-Escalation and Force De-Escalation, Close-Quarter Combatives, Trauma-Informed Practice, Family Dynamics of Violence and Threat Assessment. Rob works with municipalities, By-law Officers, security teams, high schools, women and youth, and Inuit and Indigenous communities across Canada. His mission is simple: to give people the awareness, confidence, and practical skills needed to recognize danger earlier, prevent violence whenever possible, and survive when avoidance is no longer an option.

How to protect yourself from violent situations

Women practicing situational awareness while walking on a sidewalk

Learn how to recognize warning signs, maintain awareness, create distance, identify safe exits, seek help, and use practical self-defence strategies to protect yourself and others during a violent or rapidly escalating situation.

The First Five Seconds Decide Everything

Street Safe Self Defence instructor delivering T.R.A.A.C.S. workplace violence prevention training on behavioural awareness

Learn how the first moments of a tense encounter shape what happens next—and how awareness, communication, positioning, controlled movement, and calm decisions can reduce risk and prevent escalation.