But this was much more serious than working out how to deal with an influx of dinner invitations.

Adrian Poulter, chief instructor of Reflex Martial Arts, welcomed me to the last in a six-week course of self-defence classes at Harleston Community Leisure Facility (HCLF).

Designed for women, they teach you about escaping difficult situations – either through conversation or a number of precise movements.

"We have not got any right to go around hurting people but we have got the right to defend ourselves," said Mr Poulter, who has been practising martial arts for 30 years.

"The chances of you getting attacked are very slim but you need to know a few simple things to stop people."

He stressed that, if possible, people should always try and talk their way out of any trouble.

"Ask them a question like what kind of car they drive," said Mr Poulter.

"You are shocking them and making them think.

"Don't get aggressive back – that will end in a fight. If they say they are going to attack you, say something like: 'That's nice but I like your hair.'"

The aim of self-defence is to give yourself the chance to escape your attacker at the earliest opportunity.

While they are thinking, you are running in the other direction or freeing yourself from their grasp to do so.

"I don't want to stay there to test out how clever I am – I get plenty of chance to do that every day," said Mr Poulter.

"The SAS are not taught to be aggressive.They are taught not to get into trouble."

If it is too late to trick someone with conversation, then there are a number of movements that can help.

You do not need to be big or strong to use them, just be sure of what you are doing and do it quickly.

One woman at the class said it was about re-training your brain.

"What you are learning is sometimes the opposite of your natural reaction," she said. "Instead of going towards someone, you are stepping back to take control."

Sue Kuzmic, chairman of Harleston Town Council, which runs the leisure facility said she hoped more people would take advantage of the class when it returns later this year.

"I think it is important to learn what to do if you are ever put in that situation," she said. "It gives you that bit of confidence.

"We have a duty to all our residents to give them the opportunity to learn these skills."

Mr Poulter, who also runs classes in Dickleburgh and Syleham, said self-defence was also good for improving confidence and that many of his pupils saw it as a social activity.

"A lot of people do it because they enjoy it," he said. "They don't live in fear."

But if people are worried, Mr Poulter advises avoiding dangerous situations altogether.