About us
The Principal Coaches
The founder and Principal Coach of the Autodefence team is Nick Smart of the UK. Nick comes from a family of teachers. Just as he coaches Autodefence today, his grandfathers coached and practiced the arts of boxing and wrestling. Nick is a master practitioner of Wing Tchun, having trained since 1973. He has been an organisational leader and international teacher-of-teachers since the mid-1980s. He has been featured in magazines and on television many times during his career but now withdraws from the high profile promotion, preferring to let the professionalism of his schools do the talking.
Principal Coach Nick Smart, teaching (left) and presenting grades (right)
Nick is joined by his co-principal, long-time friend and colleague Milan Prosenica of Slovenia. Milan is a highly accomplished sports fighter and sport fighting coach. He has won many championship contests in his career and this has given him a unique insight into the real practicalities of Wing Tchun.
Principal Coach Milan Prosenica, demonstrating (left) and teaching (right)
By being so open, approachable and experienced in teaching people of all abilities, Nick and Milan can make you as good as they are. They won’t hold back and are available to Autodefence trainees via the courses and events hosted at our headquarters gym throughout the year. See our itinerary for details.
Nick and Milan at the launch of the book New Thought Form and Applications
The Autodefence Teacher Team
Our Teacher Team is an international network of professionals who teach Autodefence in local centres. All our teachers are trained and certified by the principals and are obliged to attend at least two weekend courses with the Principals each year to keep their skills up to date. Our teachers will ensure you are taken care of professionally, personally and considerately. Our teacher courses are managed by Mark Draper.
Mark Draper (on the left, with Milan) — Training & Development Officer
World Autodefence Training Team
The World Autodefence Training Team is the membership body to which all our trainees belong. Every member is a forward thinking individual who understands this activity is a vehicle for physical and emotional development as well as self defence skills. Our members hold respect for fellow participants and have a mature attitude to the learning environment. Remember, Autodefence is well suited to those who enjoy being part of a mature, positive and empowering culture.
A selection of members at a recent HQ training weekend hosted by Nick and Milan