Self-defence: Colour codes

Ah, colour coding in self-defence.

Here we're talking about keeping control and not ending up as the clichéd victim of action films. But why a colour system, you may ask? Because it's clear, easy to understand and, let's face it, a bit cool (and yeah, with a bit of practice, you'll be able to feel like Jason Bourne).

So get ready to dive into this fascinating world that could literally save your life.

What are colour codes in self-defence?

Before getting to the heart of the matter, let's take a step back in time. This colour-coding system was popularised by Jeff Cooper, a former colonel in the US Marines.

His mission? To help people survive in the event of imminent danger. The concept is based on four levels of alert, symbolised by colours: white, yellow, orange and red. Each represents a specific mental state when faced with your environment.

Basically, it's like having a dashboard in your head that tells you whether things are going well or not. And don't worry, you don't have to be a ninja or a martial arts expert to apply these principles.

Why adopt colour codes?

Because improvisation is risky. You know the scenes where the hero gets caught out and ends up pulling off the perfect back kick?

In real life, it's not quite as glamorous. Colour coding helps you prevent rather than cure. Here's why they're so useful:

Anticipation : You detect warning signs before they become a real threat.
Quick decision-making : No time to hesitate when things go wrong.
Self-control : You react thoughtfully, not in a panic.
Psychological calibration The colour codes help you avoid the freeze (inhibition) that will occur if you go from white to red without the intermediate steps.

But also to constantly "evaluate" yourself so that you don't remain too dark in relation to reality.

If, for example, after a tense situation I can't manage to come down, I eat up energy and if this is repeated it can lead to burn-out.

Imagine you're a chess player. Each colour code represents a strategy for staying one step ahead of your opponent.

Colour codes in detail (and how to apply them in everyday life)

Code white: The total comfort zone

Code White is your "I'm calm, everything's fine" mode. Basically, you're totally relaxed and have no idea that anything could happen to you. It should only be used when you're at home (then again, if you live in a favela in Brazil, and it's not too far away every day, adapt your colour).

Description : Zero vigilance. You're immersed in your phone or your thoughts, not paying attention to those around you.
Where can I use it? At home, in a 100 % secure environment. But outside? Forget it.

Anecdote: Julie, aged 23, was listening to a podcast while walking in the street. The result? She didn't see the cyclist coming and stealing her rucksack. Moral: code white is good, but it can be expensive.

Exercise : Challenge for the day: walk around your neighbourhood without headphones or a phone. Look around you. Yes, it may seem strange at first, but it's the first step towards active vigilance.

As far as I'm concerned, I love looking at people on the metro when I'm in Paris, have fun and you'll easily notice the people in white (and you'll be amazed at how many there are), but you'll also analyse the others...

Code yellow: "Zen vigilance" mode

Code yellow is a bit like having discreet radar antennae. You're attentive without being paranoid. It's the mode you should adopt all the time when you're out and about.

Description : You observe your surroundings, spot unusual behaviour, but remain calm.
Where can I use it? Wherever there is a minimum of social interaction: in the street, in a café, on public transport.

Anecdote: Marc noticed a guy who seemed to be following him in the supermarket. Rather than panic, he changed aisles and kept an eye on him. Finally, the man gave up. Marc was in code yellow and that saved him a lot of trouble.

Practical tip: Look people in the eye. Not to intimidate them, but to show that you're present and aware of what's going on (without being too insistent so as not to get into a direct conflict, that said...).

Exercise : In a café, detail everything you see around you: clothes, gestures, behaviour, possible outings, objects you can use just in case. It may seem forced at first, but over time you'll do it without thinking about it.

Code orange: Preparatory alert

Code Orange is when your instincts tell you something is wrong. You don't know exactly what it is yet, but you're preparing yourself for a possible confrontation.

Description : A potential threat is identified. You put yourself in a position to react.
Where can I use it? In isolated places or when faced with suspicious behaviour.

Anecdote: Clara was walking home alone after a party. A man started walking behind her. She changed pavement and quickened her pace. In Code Orange, she was ready to act if necessary.

Practical tip: Have a plan. If you feel that something is going to go wrong, think of a way out: where to run, who to call, what objects to use to defend yourself. That's why it's important to have practised beforehand and to have simulated scenarios...

Exercise : Imagine a scenario where you had to go Code Orange. What would you do if someone followed you into an empty car park? Repeat it in your head.

That's it? it's done? Now you're not alone, do the same thing again, but you're with your wife, your child etc... with all the constraints that this entails. A three-year-old child who weighs 15 kilos won't be able to run very fast and his weight will be a problem if you have to run more than 100 metres, so what do you do? hide... maybe, but is this same child capable of not being noticed? In short, you've got it, you can start with a simple scenario and develop it constantly, thus widening your range of possibilities.

Code red: Immediate action

This is the maximum level. You're faced with a direct threat and you have to act. Here, there's no room for reflection: here we go.

Description : You're under attack or in direct danger. Flight or fight are your only options and you must be ready to face them.
Where can I use it? In situations where aggression is imminent.

Anecdote: A stranger tried to snatch Anaïs' handbag. In Code Red mode, she screamed, grabbed her bag firmly and drew the attention of passers-by. The assailant fled.

Practical tip: Practise shouting loudly. Yes, it may sound silly, but a loud scream can be enough to scare off an attacker, to call out to a particular person, because if a lot of people witness a scene of violence, they will dilute their responsibility on others and that's how nobody does anything.

Exercise : Take an object that you often carry with you (keys, bag) and imagine how you would use it in an emergency.

And why not carry one with you? But be aware of the legislation in your country and remember that in France, for example, any object used to defend yourself can be designated as a "weapon by destination".

Imagine...you're mugged and a cat comes along...you pick it up and throw it at your attacker...the cat becomes a weapon of choice 😉

Paranoia vs. awareness of one's environment

When it comes to vigilance, one question often comes up: at what point does vigilance tip over into paranoia? The answer is simple: it's all about balance. Vigilance means paying attention to what's around you, whereas paranoia means seeing threats everywhere, even where there are none.

Signs of paranoia :

You suspect everyone, even innocent bystanders.
You change your route for no good reason.
Your stress rises with every unusual noise or movement.

The benefits of vigilance :

You're calm and thoughtful.
You detect suspicious behaviour without panicking.
You stay focused on what really matters.

Tip: To avoid becoming paranoid, set yourself some simple rules. For example, if you observe an unusual person or situation, make a note of two or three concrete things that make you feel uncomfortable (such as insistent behaviour or a suspicious object).

Case in point: You're in the underground and someone is staring at you. Does he seem to be approaching? Is he handling an object? If not, he may just be lost in thought.

Conclusion: Alertness is a tool, not a burden. Use it to improve your safety, not to make you nervous. Remember, the aim is to remain calm while being ready to react if necessary.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Staying in code white too often: It's the most dangerous state, because you're an easy target.
Confusing code yellow with paranoia: Observation does not mean suspecting everyone.
Neglect your instincts: If you feel an alert, listen to it. Your brain picks up unconscious details.
Go directly from white to red : If you ignore the signals beforehand, you risk being caught off guard and becoming inhibited and tetanised, as we saw earlier in this article.

Bonus: Exercises for mastering colour codes in self-defence

The observer's game : When you're in a café or park, try to make a mental note of everything you see (colours of clothes, attitudes, objects).
The mental scenario : Visualise dangerous situations and imagine how you would switch from one code to another.
Active walking : Take a stroll around town and try to spot anything unusual. You'll be surprised at what you can spot.

Conclusion: Colour codes, your daily superpower

As you can see, self-defence colour codes are not just for professional fighters. They are simple but effective tools for navigating the chaos of everyday life. With a little practice, you'll feel more confident and, above all, better prepared to face the unexpected.

So, are you ready to step out of your Code White and adopt Code Yellow? The world is waiting for you, and with your new skills, you'll be (almost) unbeatable!

And don't forget ... Predators tend to choose their victims from among the most inattentive people.

To go further, I'd strongly recommend two books that have the merit of being written by a Frenchman and that I cite as "must-reads" in all my training courses.

Book Neurocombat 1

Book Neurocombat 2

That's it for today's advice... if you want to go further, you can click here to see other articles regularly.

Self-defence: Colour codes