Title: Didactics and characteristics of public and professional courses of selfdefense Objectives of the theses: Characterize the public and professional self-defense courses and describe their methodology Method: In the work was used theoretical-descriptive strategy grounded on qualitative research methods of data collection based on information system of personal experience and information obtained controlled interview with instructors police and self-defense instructors in the civilian sphere. Results: The methodology of teaching self-defense in a civil and professional spheres was used. Also was characterized the difference in the focus of these courses. Key words: Selfdefense, combat sports, martial arts, professional and civilian self-defense courses