Coaching self-defense under COVID-19: challenges and solutions in the police and civilian domain

The spread of SARS-CoV-2 has led to a general shutdown of police and civilian self-defense training. While means of distance learning such as online teaching appear to be feasible for theory dominant subjects addressing cognitive resources of the learner, combat-related practices like self-defense trainings don´t seem to fit into the realm of virtual learning due to their bodily foundation. This is made clear by the collective perplexity of police and civilian coaches, gyms and organizations, on how to proceed with training during the lockdown in general, while approaches of distance learning (e.g., online learning) have rarely been considered. In the following article, we tackle the situation of police and civilian self-defense coaches in times of Corona. In a first step, contextual changes and challenges of coaching self-defense are identified through the lenses of a professional coaching model. In line with basic assumptions of ecological dynamics, adaptability seems to be the decisive resource for the coaching and training of self-defense in times of Corona. As an example for such an adaptation in training practice, a conceptual framework for distance-based self-defense training in the civilian and police domain is presented. This framework is adjusted to the respective requirements of physical distancing and adopted to novel security matters within the public sphere caused by the current regulations. In sum, the article attempts to provide ideas and orientation for police and civilian self-defense coaches as well as for their own development possibilities.