V.E.R.B.A.L. – The De-Escalation CodeCreated by Sensei Liam Musiak
- Liam Musiak
- Aug 12
- 2 min read
At Voracious Karate, we don’t just teach how to fight—we teach how to avoid the fight.
Because real strength isn’t proven by domination. It’s proven by control.
That’s why I’ve developed a second official code to sit beside A.A.E.E.L., focusing entirely on verbal conflict resolution and non-violent leadership:
Introducing:
V.E.R.B.A.L. – The De-Escalation Code
This is now a mandatory part of the 1st Dan Black Belt syllabus at Voracious Karate.
⸻
🗣️ V = Voice Control
Keep your tone calm, measured, and non-threatening.
No shouting. No sarcasm. Speak clearly and respectfully, even under pressure. Your voice sets the tone of the encounter—if you sound calm, you can calm them. If you sound aggressive, you’ll escalate them.
“I don’t want trouble.”
“Let’s both just walk away.”
“It’s not worth it.”
⸻
💢 E = Emotion Check
Stay in control of yourself.
Don’t let fear, panic, ego, or anger take over. Take deep breaths, stay focused, and be the steady mind in the chaos. You can’t control them—but you must control yourself.
Self-control is your first victory.
⸻
🤝 R = Respectful Language
What you say matters. So does how you say it.
No swearing, no threats, no insults. Speak with firm respect, not weakness or arrogance. You don’t need to submit—but you must not provoke.
“I respect you, but this isn’t the way.”
“We don’t need to go there.”
⸻
🧍♂️ B = Body Position
Your body communicates just as much as your words.
Stand slightly sideways (45° angle). Keep your hands open and visible—not clenched. Maintain a safe distance (roughly six feet). Don’t step forward unless necessary.
Don’t look like you’re about to fight—even if you’re ready to.
⸻
🚫 A = Avoid Triggering Words or Actions
Don’t make it worse.
Avoid mockery, sarcasm, finger pointing, smirking, or aggressive gestures. Even one poorly chosen word or movement can trigger a violent response.
If it would wind you up—don’t do it to them.
⸻
🚪 L = Leave or Lead the Situation Safely
Your goal is always the same: escape without violence.
If you’re alone—walk away.
If you’re with someone—lead them away.
Stay alert as you leave, and never turn your back until it’s safe.
The best self-defence is not being there.
⸻
This Is Black Belt Thinking.
The V.E.R.B.A.L. Code is now part of Voracious Karate’s official self-defence framework—alongside A.A.E.E.L.
Together, they cover every stage of conflict:
From awareness… to voice… to action… to escape… to legal protection.
Know the codes. Train the codes. Live by the codes.
Because walking away from a fight you could’ve won isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom.
Comments