Since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, more people have wanted to learn the Compliance Diction Technical method, which teaches people how to temporarily stun attackers and put them off balance.

Chris Cluff, a certified tactical master instructor of CDT, has been teaching classes since 1998 and recently was recertified to teach CDT classes.

Cluff said the system is designed to wreak havoc on the nervous system and create a way to escape.

Illinois has five instructors to teach the CDT method in Illinois, and each has to be recertified every 12 months.

Cluff said he teaches and is based out of the DeKalb and northern Illinois area.

Cluff said the CDT Non-Deadly Force method is used by law enforcement agencies for general safety and has become more popular over the years.

“There has been a huge demand for this after Sept. 11,” Cluff said. “Our numbers have nearly doubled nationwide and worldwide. There has been a rise in demand for young and old.”

CDT President Tom Patire said the demand has increased tenfold because of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

“We’ve seen a lot of publicity,” Patire said. “CDT has been featured on USA Today, A&E and CBS morning shows, to name a few.”

There are several classes offered to anyone in any age group. Classes include a 13-and-older Group, a women’s group, a seniors group and an open group.

“The classes were originally for law enforcement and security specialists, but it was expanded for civilian-friendly groups,” Cluff said. “The great thing about these methods is that they aren’t deadly. The liability for the history of CDT has almost been nil.”

The CDT methods were designed for high-end security specialists and law enforcement. The methods have been used by the FBI, CIA, SWAT teams, law enforcement and the Secret Service, and have been tested in the U.S. Navy.

CDT began 12 years ago and by the mid-’90s was being used in special security and law enforcement.

Early in 2004, Cluff will teach students at Waterman Elementary School.

Private lessons also are available for interested groups. Cluff said he has given lessons to families before.

For information, call Cluff at 630-669-2209.