Vincent May
founder & LEAD instructor
Vincent May is a Self-Protection Pro, Entrepreneur, Humanitarian, Mentor, Motivational Speaker, and a helluva cook!
His professional career spans over 2 decades - from formative years of mixed martial arts to serving in the South African Police Service in the 90s. Vincent’s wanderlust has taken him all over the world - from teaching martial arts in New York City to managing security at Canada’s largest, annual Music Festivals in Canada. His experience as a high-end security consultant, Close Protection Officer, and celebrity CPO trainer both locally and internationally make him the guy you want to be trained by.
Losing multiple family members and friends to heinous criminals, has spurred his purpose to teach and help others protect themselves.
Vincent’s undeniable passion for teaching his specialty (Close Quarter Combat) makes his students’ learning experience invaluable. He has crafted the OPPS framework and system - that combines adapted techniques from multiple worthy disciplines with real-life experiences and innovative contextual problem-solving….and been battle tested
CODY
CALGARY, AB
LEVEL 2 INSTRUCTOR
For over 10 years now, my driving force through life has been a hunger for a deeper understanding of martial arts.
This yearning for knowledge led me across the world, where I would initially be pushed to my mental and physical limits. Spending over a year training to compete in Muay Thai. Fighting in venues that took me to night markets, festivals, Burmese mountain's, and finally a Bangkok prison.
Despite having these experiences and years of training to utilize, feelings of being unprepared outside the ring deeply concerned me. Close calls on nights out left me doubting my confidence and my ability to defend myself. So my search began for a new style and a new mindset, that fatefully led me to Vince, where my training in CQC began.
Through O.P.P.S. I've had the opportunity to teach in Canada as well as South Africa. Passing invaluable knowledge along to people who felt unprepared just as I did, and chose to do something about that uncertainty.
You may find that you have limitations in your strength, endurance, or maybe even your speed. Despite any of these limitations, you will always be able to develop and sharpen your mind.
SEAN
CALGARY, ALBERTA, CANADA
LEVEL 1 INSTRUCTOR
I'm just your typical Canadian. A guy that loves BBQ steaks, Boys and their toys in the outdoors on his quad, fishing, family, friends, community, country, and most especially his wife!
Had a love and passion for the martial arts and protection business since a young child. Always had the instincts to stand up against bullies and injustices in this world. Growing up in a very small town I never had the opportunity to train at a gym or dojo, but taught myself how to box and grapple watching Rocky movies and professional wrestling. As a teenager, I moved to a large city where I moved in with my father. Shortly thereafter, was introduced to his close friend, a military veteran who got me into Boxing, Judo, and Close Quarter Self defence.
By 2015, I noticed a shift in violence in Canada. Quitting drinking really opened my brain up to the realities of the world outside my tiny bubble that alcohol had created for me. When the pandemic started in 2020, I was hearing horror stories locally and across my country regarding violence, especially domestic abuse against women. This awareness really started a fire inside me to learn more about self protection, firearms and CQC. I started training Krav Maga, Kali and Combative BJJ. Ultimately this trajectory lead me to meeting Vince May. He introduced me to a whole new world of self protection.
My goals are now two fold. To help as many people quit drinking alcohol as possible and to help as many good people as possible become trained to defend themselves and their loved ones. I believe these two pillars go hand in hand in creating a better and safer society for our future generations. When I'm not taking my beautiful wife out on dates, you can find me training or teaching the OPPS system, as well as coaching people on how to become the best version of themselves.
HAYLEY
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
LEVEL 1 INSTRUCTOR
Friends call me the Yoga Ninja.
Amongst many other things I do professionally and out of passion, I’m a Yoga Master Trainer and have my 2nd Dan black belt in Karate.
In search of truth and meaning, I’ve always had a hunger for knowledge and learning new ways to help inspire and empower others.
When I attended my first OPPS workshop, I was not sure what I would be in for, but left there feeling confident that it is the best training in self-defense one can do, especially as a woman living in South Africa.
To now represent OPPS as an instructor is a huge privilege and I can’t wait to share this knowledge with others.
Nicole
Johannesburg, South Africa
Level 1 Instructor
A dynamic female force who wears many hats, but beyond her familial roles, she stands tall as a visionary entrepreneur with a clear mission. Nicole is the founder of Keychain SA, a pioneering venture specializing in ladies' self-defense keychains and accessories.
Nicole's journey is driven by a profound sense of purpose. Witnessing the unsettling rise in crime and corruption gripping South Africa, she was compelled to take action. Nicole became a certified OPPS Self Defence Instructor, specializing in Close Quarter Combat (CQC) LV1 Un-Armed, marking her commitment to empowering individuals and catalyzing societal change.
Through Keychain SA and OPPS, she offers self-defense training in low-income areas, ensuring access to vital skills for personal protection among those who need it most.
Nicole extends her impact to the corporate world, offering tailored self-defense classes for companies. These sessions not only equip employees with essential skills but also contribute to funding self-defense training in underserved communities, reflecting Nicole's commitment to social responsibility.
Nicole Koopman's story is one of resilience, compassion, and empowerment. Through her multifaceted roles as an entrepreneur, mentor, and OPPS Self Defence Instructor, she not only secures a brighter future for herself and her daughter but also sparks waves of positive change that resonate through communities. In all her endeavors, Nicole remains anchored by her faith and a deep-seated commitment to empowering others to reach their full potential.
MARC
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
LEVEL 1 INSTRUCTOR
Instruction of any kind has always been my passion. The value I feel when passing on any form of instruction relating to combat, CPO, CQB and CQC self defence, is fuel to my fire!
I have been exposed to multiple disciplines. From Karate at a young age and attaining senior belt, to Military service (SADF and SANDF) for over 20 years. I have also been a Private Security contractor in various countries in Africa and a Close Protection Team Leader for various touring music artists and consultant to stadiums as music venues.
As a Risk/Security consultant currently to large residential property group based in JHB with properties in the CBD, Yeoville, Berea, Parktown and Hillbrow, I am privy to real threats that exist in South African society today and this knowledge is invaluable when teaching self-defence to everyday people.
My experience of OPPS and being mentored by Vince May. Has given me the OPPortunity to reach more people through teaching in a simple but effective manner, and I’m looking forward to connecting with as many new people as I can, and especially teaching courses that can and will empower women.
MATTHEW
EAST RAND, SOUTH AFRICA
LEVEL 1 INSTRUCTOR
Native to the province of Gauteng, I was born and raised between the towns of East Rand, Springs, Brakpan, and Benoni.
I am a military vet with 30 years experience in the security Industry as a Tactical Armed reaction officer.
As the current Chaplain in the Community, I joined Vince May's training sessions as a participant to improve myself in the field and learn how to react under different situations.
I then decided to become an OPPS Instructor to assist and help victims of crime and GBV to protect themselves from threats.
Unlike other OPPS instructors, my skills and experience are focused on my tactical training in the security industry and military training, as I do not have a martial arts background. I enjoy teaching different styles of defensive techniques.