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Combat Defence System – Defensive Measures (Foundations-Level) Course

Take The First Step Toward Controlled Power & Confident Defence
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Welcome to the foundation level of the Combat Defence System (CDS), a specialised training programme designed for anyone wishing to learn effective self-defence system, and for security operatives operating in medium-to-high-threat and austere environments. This course introduces essential physiological and psychological response patterns such as fight, flight, freeze, fawn, and friend, as well as practical applications providing trainees with a grounded understanding of how the human body and mind react under extreme stress, as well as the basic, yet effective, self-defence techniques.

About the CDS-DMF Course

Developed by highly experienced and tested Close Protection Operatives, possessing backgrounds within Elite UK Military Units, and part of the HELO Programme, CDS was initially designed to provide SWAT Operators with a means of defending themselves in hand-to-hand situations. During the Combat Defence System – Defensive Measures (Foundations-Level) Course, participants will learn fundamental striking techniques and key defensive concepts that form the cornerstone of effective threat management. Whether you’re new to frontline roles and reinforcing your tactical readiness, or wishing to learn an effective, defence-focused system, this course lays the critical groundwork for confident, responsive action in dynamic and volatile situations.

Course Subjects

The Combat Defence System – Defensive Measures (Foundations-Level) Course consists of the following subjects:

  • An Introduction to ARM-BAR
  • An Introduction to the Threat Pyramid
  • You Can’t See, Breathe, or Stand – You Can’t Fight
  • The ‘Practice One Method a Thousand Times’ Principle
  • Human Mechanics
  • The ‘Gag Reflex’
  • Basic Strike Areas
  • Basic Hand Strikes
  • Basic Leg Strikes
Course Learning Outcomes

The Learning Outcomes associated with this level of CDS Training are as follows:

  1. The Learner will gain an understanding of Adrenal Response Mechanism – Behavioural Alarm Response (ARM-BAR) including Fight, flight, Freeze, Fawn and Friend
  2. The Learner will be instructed on the various ‘States of Readiness’, Zoning, and Situational
  3. The Learner will be instructed on the theory behind You Can’t See, Breathe, or Stand – You Can’t Fight.
  4. The Learner will gain an understanding of the practice one technique many times in order to be able to implement it in a thousand
  5. The Learner will be instructed on the basic human mechanics so as to understand how CDS is utilised within a conflict situation.
  6. The Learner will be instructed on the ‘Gag Reflex’, which can be used in close-up, self- defence encounters to cause discomfort in an opponent by utilising their Gag Reflex against them.
  7. The Learner will learn various basic strike areas and the associated basic hand and leg strikes that can be implemented.
Target Audience

This course is perfectly suited to private individuals who wish to learn effective self-defence system, as well as members of the Military, Law Enforcement, Prison Service Officer, and Private Security Company (PSC) & Private Military Company (PMC) Operators.

SPG CDS Training Team

The Combat Defence System – Defensive Measures (Foundations-Level) Course is instructed by former UK Military (Royal Marines Commandos) personnel. Instructors are schooled in various forms of Martial Arts and Unarmed Combat.

Other CDS Courses

Special Projects Group also provide the following CDS Courses:

Course Certificate

Upon successful completion of this course, Learners will be awarded the Combat Defence System – Defensive Measures (Foundations-Level) Course Certificate by Special Projects Group.

Course Bookings

To make an enquiry, please email us at [email protected] detailing your name, your requirement, and relevant contact details. Please note that we do not share this information (under Data Protection Act / GDPR) with any third-party sources, unless required under UK Law to do so.

Course Details

£295 GBP
  • Duration:
    3 Days
  • Type:
    Classroom-Delivered Course (Non-Residential)
  • Certificate:
    Certificate in Combat Defence System – Defensive Measures (Foundations-Level)

Contact Us for group booking requirements, or to make an enquiry about alternate dates for private courses.

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