OWEN BROWN tactical master instructor Will Maier's description of his course in Compliance Direction Takedown (CDT) conjures images of Star Trek's "Vulcan death grip." But the reality is, it won't injure anyone but will stop an attacker in his tracks.
This self-defense method involves no Jackie Chan moves, and there are no uniforms to wear and no trophies or belts to strive for.
CDT uses pressure points and nondeadly force to control attackers. One or two pinches and pulls in the right spots and the attacker is brought to the ground.
The premise is that anyone, no matter what size or physical condition, can stop and disarm an assailant if he or she knows the right moves. And the moves can be taught in one- or two-day seminars.
"It's just like when the dentist drill hits a nerve," Maier said. "It doesn't take much pressure and it sends you through the roof."
The same rules apply for different locations throughout the body, he said.
Ellicott City mom Stacey Stein said she has been taking martial arts for years but feels much safer now that she has taken a one-day CDT seminar.
"This is much more realistic than martial arts," Stein said. "It's all simple techniques that are easy to remember. I don't have to muscle a person."
She demonstrated how at 5-feet tall, she can take two large men to their knees by simply pinching under their arms in a move called "horse bites."
"Maybe after attacking me, they [potential attackers] would think twice about thinking of a woman as helpless," Stein said.
None of the CDT moves leaves permanent damage. That's important in a liability conscious world, Maier said.
"You'd be surprised," Maier said. "Maryland law states that a person can use no more force than is reasonably necessary to defend themselves and can only use deadly force if that person has a reasonable belief that his life is in imminent danger."
That means if you defend yourself, you could go to jail for disabling another person, Maier said.
CDT was founded by senior instructor Thomas J. Patire. It is taught internationally and is based in Elmwood Park, N.J. It is being used by law enforcement agencies and security personnel as well as private citizens, Maier said.
"All the rules have changed since Sept. 11," Maier said. "People used to believe if they complied with their attacker, they would survive. Not anymore."
Maier is one of four certified CDT instructors in Maryland and the only one in Howard County, he said. He conducts seminars in the corporate world as well as at Jhoon Rhee Institute in Owen Brown. Maier owned Columbia's Martial Arts America for 26 years until recently merging with Jhoon Rhee Institute.
The next CDT seminar will be held next month.
Information: Will Maier, 410-750-6497 or 410-381-5425; or www.cdt-training.com.
Chilly `Nutcracker'
The Columbia Figure Skating Club will perform The Nutcracker on Ice at 4:45 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday at Columbia Ice Rink in Oakland Mills Village Center. The skaters range in age from 3 to 60. Nearly one-third of the 90 performers live in east Columbia.
Skaters from our neighborhood include: Arielle Abrams, Mikayla Abrams, Ariel Andrew, Matthew Ardisana, Nicole Battisti, Jake Brody, Alicia Buckler, Amanda Buckler, Amy Buckler, Sarah Buster, Aaron Hodge, Melissa Ivester, Alex North, Ryann Pfeferstein, Becky Randel, Chris Thorne, Jane Thorne, Jennifer Thorne, Sarah Thorne, Shana Weisberg, Ellie Wools and Katherine Wools. Choreographer Pat Muth is also an east Columbia resident.
The Columbia Figure Skating Club is a not-for-profit organization with more than 160 members. The club presents two shows a year. This year marks the 12th performance of The Nutcracker on Ice.
"This is a great show for kids and adults alike," said Deanna Abrams, assistant show director. Tickets are $7. Children younger than age 3 will be admitted free.
Information: 410-813-4026.
Talented musicians
Two children at Oakland Mills Middle School successfully auditioned for the Howard County Gifted and Talented Middle School Band. Andy Jordan made first chair on tuba; Brittany Harris plays clarinet.
"We are very proud of their dedication and hard work," said Kelly Hase, band director.
Holiday celebration
PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) invites everyone to celebrate the holidays at 7:30 tonight at Owen Brown Interfaith Center on Cradlerock Way.
The Baltimore Gay Men's Chorus, including east Columbia resident Scott Chapman, will entertain with a medley of holiday music. Everyone is invited to enjoy a potluck supper. Participants should take musical requests and a dish to share.
Information: Colette Roberts, 410-290-8292, or Robertscp@ aol.com.
