The Cortés Defense System (CDS) is a self-defense system that prepares students to defend themselves against real-world attacks by developing their fighting skills, phycological readiness, and physical fitness. It’s mainly composed of empty hand combat, judo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, kali, physical conditioning, and soft skills.
CDS Curriculum
Students will learn multiple self-defense disciplines, how to integrate each with the other, and how to become independent of what was learned. There are four multi-stage levels that can visually be tracked by using the traditional belt system when using a martial arts uniform, or a training t-shirt with a “level logo” when using a tactical uniform.
Level I
Stages: white, yellow, orange
Character-building | movement coordination development & mobility | Core skills
Level II
Stages: purple, green, blue
Sport & competition aspect of MA | agility & performance / advanced skills / soft skill concepts
Level III
Stages: Brown, Black, 1st degree black
Self-defense & Protector mindset | full physical conditioning, including psychological elements | integration and real-world application
Level IV
Stages: 2nd degree black – 10th degree
Independence | exploration | mastery | Service
Training Format
The CDS training format has been designed to meet today’s “new normal”. Our training incorporates online and in-person learning. Students will review and study each lesson online at their own pace. We’ll also stream a live class session once a week. The lessons learned will then be reviewed, perfected, and evaluated during in-person training.
Because our students may be located in different parts of the world, the in-person training schedule will vary per location, making sure that local regulations are adhered to. During an in-person training session, it should be expected to see some students using traditional martial arts uniforms and others using a tactical uniforms.
Each student is given a training card according to their rank. This card will help the student keep track of their training and achieved milestones. Once the card has been fully checked-off, verified, and signed by an instructor they would then be eligible to test for the next rank.
In order to ensure that all our students receive the same high-quality training, regardless of their location, and instructor, each in-person lesson will be based on a lesson plan that has been prepared in advance and carefully crafted by Sensei Cortés.
CDS Kids
A modified version of the CDS Core curriculum for children ages 6 to 12. Since CDS is a self-defense/combat system, many of the techniques, offensive approach, and weapons used may be of and adult/mature nature. The idea is to protect our kids from harming themselves or others by mistake with techniques and skills that require mature and advance decision-making actions to be taken. Sessions are slightly more relaxed than the main curriculum, filled with various activities that make the learning process fun and engaging. We incorporate Piaget’s teaching methods into the CDS Kids curriculum.
CDS Nomad
CDS Nomad refers to our continuous efforts to provide students that travel, or change residence frequently and routinely, such as military members, an opportunity to complete our curriculum no matter where they go. These efforts are inspired by sensei Cortés’s own experience of moving frequently and not having the opportunity to settle long enough in one location to complete a martial arts curriculum. It took years before he finally obtained his first black belt and almost impossible to get certified in other disciplines.
Our current efforts include:
– Create a network of martial arts schools around the globe that can proctor CDS Nomad students, allowing them to continue their training where ever they go.
– CDS is currently in the process of associating with two well-known martial arts organization that already have a large network of associated schools around the world, and specialize in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Pekiti Tirsia kali.
– Establish a network of CDS practitioners where members are able to easily help each other, coordinate training meet-ups in their local areas, and motivate each other as they learn and progress in our curriculum.
CDS Family
We use Facebook social networking tools and other social media platforms to promote and develop the bonds and friendships that would traditionally occur inside the school. It is not required but highly encouraged to join and participate in them. These platforms are a great tool to get to know other CDS practitioners, share your experiences, accomplishments, ask questions about areas you need help with and reinforce your skills and knowledge.
We want our CDS family to stay safe online, and just like in the real world, we want you to know how to protect yourselves from the dangers of the web and social media by practicing adequate Cyber Hygiene. Every so often we’ll post articles with information on how to Stay Safe Online.
