Basic self-defense courses usually show the physical skills you may need for defense against a physical threat.  But few mention the importance of awareness, or level of readiness.  Even fewer teach how to increase your level of awareness.  In this article I will touch on how to develop your awareness and readiness for any threat.

Avoiding danger is the number one thing we should all improve upon to enhance our self-defense skills.  After all, whether we are injured or killed by a speeding car running a red light, a house fire, or a "bad guy" makes no difference; we are injured or killed nonetheless.  Our topic will address the "Awareness Stage" of self-defense.

Situational Awareness is knowing what is going on around us at any given time.  Our awareness should be heightened or lessened depending upon the environment or situation we are in.

Situational Awareness, know your watering hole.  No Second Chance Mark Hatmaker.   What time of day is it?  Are you in familiar or unfamiliar surroundings?  The people in the area, do they fit the area?  Do they seem out of place?  Are they nervous? How are they dressed?   Do you know more than one way out of the area?  What if the way out is somehow impassable?  These are a few things to start thinking about as we address Situational Awareness.

Jeff Cooper an American Combat Pistol Instructor created something called Cooper's Color Codes, and it is a great way to begin thinking about how to increase your Situational Awareness.

For years the Military and Law Enforcement have used a color code model that I will describe.  There are small variances in how the color code is taught, however, the theme remains the same. The color code is a chart that shows where we should be on the situational awareness scale to remain safe.  

The colors flow from the least aware to being fully engaged.  White, Yellow, Orange, Red, Black.  Using the Situational Awareness Color Code is an indicator of readiness, and when used, makes it easier to respond to the situation.

When you are in Code White you are unaware and unprepared, your readiness is non-existent.  An example of Code White would be if you were sleeping, completely engrossed in a book (texting), or otherwise without any perception of your surroundings, or movements in your surroundings.  If you are attacked while in Code White the only thing that may save you is the inadequacy of the attacker.  Your reaction will be complete shock, "This can't be happing to me!"

Code Yellow is a relaxed alert, your readiness is general and there is no specific threat.  You are aware of your surroundings and monitoring what is happening in those surroundings.  Your self-defense mindset is "I might have to defend myself today."  An example of Code Yellow is when you are driving in an unfamiliar area, relaxed yet alert for traffic, lights, and speed limits.

Code Orange is a specific alert, something is not quite right.  You are aware of an activity or person in your surroundings that may pose a threat. Your self-defense mindset is "I might have to defend myself against HIM today." Your mental trigger is set.  If he does X, I will need to do Y.  In Condition Orange you have your escape plan (avoidance) and your combat plan (hit and run) ready to be deployed.  

Code Red is preparing yourself for the danger.  Using your verbal, nonverbal and physical skill sets.  You are aware of an immediate threat which will result in the use of your skills of setting boundaries, (verbal and nonverbal skills), as well as moving to place obstacles/barriers between the threat and yourself (physical skills).  Your self-defense mindset is "I am using my skill sets to set boundaries and barriers; if either of them is breeched I will go into Code Black.

Code Black is actively engaged in escape or combat.  You are physically engaged.  Your trigger has been tripped and you have now responded.  These are the physical skill sets of escape, and hit and run.  

Some examples of a person using the Color Code:

White.  You are walking down the street completely engrossed in texting your significant other when BAM! You run into some one that you didn't see.  This is not you!

Yellow.  Let's continue walking, as you walk by a store front you glance in the doorway for any hazards or threats.

Orange.  As you glance in the doorway you notice someone walking toward you not changing their direction.  You already have a plan to avoid this hazard by changing your direction, or using your pre planed verbal and nonverbal skills.

Red.  You ACT on the plan by changing your direction and using your preplanned verbal and nonverbal skills.

Black.  When you change directions to escape, the person follows your movements and has cut you off.  As you use your preplanned verbal and nonverbal skills, the person ignores your boundaries, so you now use your physical combat skills against the individual, and then run to safety.  

From now on live in Code Yellow. Throughout your day, you will be aware of potential hazards and dangers.  When you notice these potential threats switch to Code Orange, if it turns out to be a no threat situation switch to Code Yellow again.  However if it does turn out to be a threat, switch to Code Red/Black and save your life.  

Situational Awareness and avoidance are your number one self-defense tools.  The more aware you are the safer you will be.  Use the Color Codes daily and teach them to your loved ones, making them a part of your everyday life.

As some of you know I try to leave the homestead as little as possible, but this year is an anomaly as we have upped our seminar/playtime. Below you will find a listing of some of the most recent additions to the schedule.

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We'll be on the roster at Martial Arts on the Mountain--September 19 (5PM start) thru September 22nd (11AM).

Myself, Boyd Ritchie, Carlos Cummings, and John Miller will be presenting classes in MMA, Boxing, Catch Wrestling, Sambo, (and if time permits) an optional Challenge/Obstacle Run.

Four days of training, feel free to room on the campground (rooms and meals provided, crew--beat that).

Cost: $250

To register or for more details contact Coach John Miller

coach@grapplingsports.com

540-354-9356

http://www.facebook.com/events/126726897501640/

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Of course, we'll also offer our Annual Tennessee Boot Camp in November-details to come.

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We hope to see you at one of these events--if you'd like to have us come to you, check out our Pitch An Adventure info in the side bar and if you've got some adrenaline in your neck of the woods that strikes my fancy we'll be there.  

MUD, GUTS, & GLORY: Tips & Training for Extreme Obstacle Racing (168 pages/250+ photos)

This book serves as a Triple Purpose Manual.

Purpose One: To provide the inside info needed to survive the oh, so fun phenomena of obstacle course racing.   

Purpose Two: It is a conditioning manual for those who want to hit the courses in peak condition. It provides the scientific skinny on our stream-lined high-intensity approach, then details all of the unique exercises we use that are course specific, and then progresses you through 66 non-repeating workouts to get and keep you primed.  

Purpose Three: It is a comprehensive manual on Flight/Evasion Skills for Real-World Combative trainers & trainees.

Among the contents include: The differences between Mud, Adventure, & Obstacle Racing, Competitive & Cooperative Mind-Sets, Military Function & Course Correlates. The extensive Techniques, Tactics, & Strategies section covers Stride Work, How to Approach Hills, How to Leap from Height and minimize Landing Load, How to Approach Electrical Hazards & Running the Gauntlet, The most Efficient ways to Climb Ropes (vertical, horizontal, and wall ropes), Tips on Climbing (everything from cargo nets to vertical walls to bouldering walls), Improving Low Crawl Efficiency, Balance Work, Hand-Over Hand Tips, and Tips for Bearing Loads for Distance.

We close with the Logistics Section which will provide tips on Clothing , Gear, Registration, and Clean-Up to make your race experience as streamlined as possible.

To snag an autographed copy for  $12.95 (S&H Included) or $22.95 International hit the button.

RAW Subscription Update

For our current and considering RAW Subscribers, beginning with volume 123 (January 1st, 2013) we will begin unveiling The Combination Man Home Study Course in which we (finally) present in an ABC/1-2-3 manner the steps from, 0-120 MPH how to become the best Boxer-Pugilist, Shooter-Stuffer, Par Terre Wrester-Submission Technician you can be.

Each volume will tied-in to the inTENS PREMIUM CONDITIONING SERVICE (free to subscribers), will be accompanied by a printed syllabi of drills for gym use, and will then be keyed to a foundation text (The Combination Man) that will be released at a later date. In other words, some good methodical let's get better stuff coming your way.