Getting inside the head of an attacker is crucial for successful self defence, according to instructor Lisa Logan.

Teaching people about the psychology of an attack and how to defuse a potentially violent situation are part of the courses taught by Lisa, 38, a mum of three from Cambourne.

She is offering a free place on her beginner's course to victims of violence in the Cambridge area.

Lisa, of Combat Academy Ltd, said Cambridge was safer than many other cities but there had been a spate of attacks in October last year which highlighted how important it was to be aware of potential problems and how to deal with them.

She became involved in self-defence when she looked into career opportunities after having her children and is now believed to be the highest graded female instructor in the country.

Lisa said: "A lot of people become victims because the attacker sees them acting in a meek way.

"It is a bit like animals really because a predator will assess its prey and is more likely to attack the one which looks less likely to fight back than the other."

Lisa said: "You have to get inside the head of an attacker. They will try to choose a place to carry out the attack which has an easy way to get away because they do not want to get caught.

"For example, if you have to use a mobile phone in the street, put your back to the wall so you can see who is there and although they say cover what you are doing when you use a cash machine it is always a good idea to stand at an angle so you can see if anybody is behind you."

Lisa said: "We teach people to be aware of your surroundings and if you have a choice of going down a dark alley to get home or a route which takes 10 minutes longer, take the longer route."

She also teaches techniques on how to defuse a potential attack as well as self-defence if a threat turned to violence.

More information about self defence classes is available from Lisa at lisa.logan@combat-academy.co.uk and www.combat-academy.co.uk .