News from the Standard that increasing numbers of City professionals are taking up a new extreme form of martial art, fearing for their lives (and, more importantly, the contents of their pocket-books) as they walk the streets.

In my day, all you needed was a pointed (furled) umbrella and a bowler hat (preferably Oddjob's). Possibly a twang from one's braces on the ear of a passing oik. Maybe a loud and sputum-flecked blast of "do you know who I am?". Failing that, my valet would step in with my sword stick.

 Have at you sir

But with ASBOs everywhere and street urchins picking colourful handkerchiefs from pockets at every turn, these trusted techniques just aren't enough. So new methods to fight off muggers are required. Into the breach ride Target Focus Training. Who will teach you to deal with bad sorts.

The Standard reports that tactics taught include the gouging of eyeballs, the rupturing of testicles and the bursting of eardrums. Nice.

Is that self-defence? Or just the result of a night out in Vivos. Or wherever it is that you kids go to nowadays.

Full story here - http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23836387-city-staff-join-defence-course-teaching-killer-techniques.do