My System of DIRECT Defense teaches awareness as a cornerstone for all it’s programs. In any self-defense scenario one must recognize and be aware of the situation at hand. To simplify and teach awareness we use a color code system know throughout many law enforcement and security agencies. Known as Cooper’s Color Code model, it was originally devised by Col. J. Cooper, a pistol shooting guru. Most recently we all may be familiar with this system of color codes as it is used for terrorism alerts by the US government and seen on places like CNN. Commonly the code system is as follows:
Color Codes
Condition White: You are unaware of what is going on around you. The only time you should be in this condition is when you are sleeping. Reasons why one may be in this condition maybe due to fatigue, stress, or impairment due to drugs or alcohol. At this condition you are really not ready for anything.
Condition Yellow: You are alert but also calm and relaxed. You know what is going on in front of you, to your sides and to the rear. You are alert to you surroundings/environment and the people who occupy it and their body language. Being in this state makes it difficult for someone to surprise you.You are alert, not paranoid!
Condition Orange: A heightened level of awareness. You sense or recognize that something is not right. This is the time to formulate a plan and start to act. At this point you make the decision to act, Fight or flight (avoidance/diffusion).
Condition Red: The highest level of awareness. You are taking immediate and decisive action. You are in contact (or range) of the subject and physical action is taking place. LEO and security don’t always have the same luxury as civilians to disengage (run away).
This color code model gives a basic visual of what level of awareness one should be at a given point in time. Note that sometimes one may go from one condition to another in a split second. To further simplify Cooper’s model we may say either one is aware or they are not aware. Be Safe and Be Aware!
D.I.R.E.C.T Defense is an acronym first derived to name the fusion of martial art I was teaching. DIRECT Defense stands for Defense Initiated Realistic & Effect Combat Tactics Defense System. I developed this system as an accumulated result of my formal martial arts training, my extensive studies and my personal experience of over fifteen years on “the door” and personal security field. This is just a very small peek into some of our classes.
Recently a song has hit the airwaves which caught my attention. It is by Eminem called – Love The Way You Lie, featuring Rihanna. It delves into the veritable roller-coaster of emotions and actions of a relationship in the world of domestic violence. As this song touches on these important issues, I believe it can help bring awareness to the subject of domestic abuse and hopefully help many in our society to take action against it. Here is the new and powerful video for the song.
If you are a victim of Domestic Violence in Durham Region please contact:
Emergency Services 905-576-8711 or Counselling Services 905-721-6128 ext 2787
99% of personal protection is using ones brain! So many confrontations, attacks and fights could be and can be avoided or altered by using simple methods utilizing the brain instead of brawn! Probably the most important mental aspect of self protection is Awareness! Although it sounds simple for one to be aware so few people actually are. To explain awareness we may use Color Code model based on one first devised by the pistol shooting coach Jeff Cooper. The model is as follows:
Although the chart gives four Code levels awareness could be simplified even further into the fact that either; ‘one is aware on what is going on around themselves’ or ‘they are not!’. A sad factor working against awareness is apathy. “That would never happen to me!” or “Assault is illegal so I should be able to go where I want and not worry about being attacked!” Sure, these and similar ideas are great but far from realistic! One should never have to worry about violence or being assaulted but apathy to reality could get you hurt or killed! Sorry! it’s not a perfect world! Conflicts, confrontations, attacks, assaults and murders do happen. Be safe and be aware! There is no need to be paranoid, just be aware. Know that you are in control when you take action. If you are apathetic you are a victim! If you are aware you are in Control!
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