SPEAR System® Level 1
Fundamentals Certification
The Best Trainers Never Stop Learning
Get Certified in The SPEAR System® — The Science of Real-World Self-Defense
Trusted Worldwide. Compatible With Any Style.
This is Not Another Martial Art
This is a professional upgrade for instructors serious about helping their students manage fear, danger, and real violence.
The SPEAR System® Level 1: Fundamentals Certification teaches you how to integrate scenario training, fear management, and instinctive protective tactics into whatever you already teach.
It works with your system — because it's built on how the human body actually reacts to danger.
No politics. No style wars. Just professional development for serious trainers.
If you teach people how to defend themselves — you already know:
Real violence doesn’t start in your stance.
It starts with fear, surprise, and chaos.
We teach behaviorally inspired, principle-based protection that works under real stress — because it’s built around how the human body actually responds to real danger.
SPEAR is a bridge to your next move.
It helps you create tactical space, manage fear, and transition into your system — safer and faster.
Trusted Worldwide
For over 30 years, the SPEAR System® has been trusted by:
Law Enforcement Agencies
Military Units
Martial Arts Trainers
Self-Defense Trainers
Parents, Protectors, & Everyday Leaders
Including Krav Maga, BJJ, Taekwondo, Thai Boxing, and more.
SPEAR complements all martial systems.
Not a BLACK BELT? Not a Problem
The SPEAR System® Level 1: Fundamentals Certification was designed for trainers — but it’s open to anyone who wants to lead others to safety.
Parents.
Everyday protectors.
Security professionals.
Trainers without a school.
You don’t need a black belt.
You don’t need a dojo.
You do need the desire to lead — and the willingness to train.
Many of our certified trainers started with no formal background — just the courage to protect their family, friends, and community.
If that’s you — you belong here.
What You’ll Learn
Inside the certification, you’ll learn how to:
Understand and manage fear under pressure
Weaponize the body’s startle-flinch response
Teach scenario-based training system safely and effectively
Coach SPEAR fundamentals to anyone — regardless of skill or style
Use non-violent postures to de-escalate situations
Create tactical space during sudden violence
Bridge the gap between real danger and your next move
COURSE FORMAT: THE HYBRID MODEL
PHASE 1: THE ON-RAMP (MANDATORY PRE-WORK)
Duration: 2-4 Weeks (Self-Paced)
Before you attend the training, you will dive deep into the neuroscience of fear, the startle-flinch mechanism, and the physiology of violence. This is where the intellectual heavy lifting happens.
PHASE 2: LIVE IMMERSION & EVALUATION
Duration: 2 Days (Intensive)
This is not a "seminar." This is a lab. You will bring your pre-course knowledge to the floor to be tested, refined, and pressure-tested. Note: This is an evaluation event. Instructors are graded on their ability to coach, perform, and articulate the system. Passing is not guaranteed.
PHASE 3: CONTINUING EDUCATION
Duration: Ongoing
Certification is just the starting line. To maintain your active status, you must recertify every 24 months, ensuring the Blauer Standard remains the highest in the industry.
Real-World Results
When the Dorset Police Department in the UK adopted SPEAR for their training, they saw:
43% reduction in head trauma
41% increase in forearm trauma
Why? Because officers were instinctively protecting their heads better using SPEAR non-violent postures.
And they only trained SPEAR 4 hours a year!
That's the power of training a system based on neurobiology, kinesioly and psychology. It can be learned super fast by anyone.
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Age 12 - Jumped by two 16-year-olds on a Sunday afternoon. Though assaulted, young Blauer navigated the violence, but was traumatized enough to not want to go to high school the next year. Father signed him up for martial art clasess. He was hooked.
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Infatuated with martial arts and self-defense, inspired by Bruce Lee. The singular goal was clear: "All I wanted to do was teach self-defense."
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Began teaching self-defense. While the world focused on tradition, the journey toward reality-based training had begun.
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Like Silicon Valley for self-defense, this decade was the R&D phase where the "bugs" were worked out of traditional training. Four Gold Standard programs evolved here: The Panic Attack System (Evidence-Based Scenario Trainer®), the concept of High Gear®, the Cycle of Behavior® (fear management), Be Your Own Bodyguard® and the SPEAR System® were all created during this era.
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(S.P.E.A.R.) During the "Sucker Punch Drill," a breakthrough: the startle response was faster than any trained motor skill. The acronym "Spontaneous Protection Enabling Accelerated Response" was coined. The science was born.
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The insight: people should be able to protect themselves without a Black Belt. Just as you don't need a literature degree to enjoy a book, or a medical degree to apply first-aid, you don't need years of martial arts to survive violence. A simpler, more holistic approach to self-defense was born.
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From "Frankenstein" gear in the 80’s, to a napkin sketch in Nashville. The idea evolved into a prototype that was tested at a demo with the combatives instructors for Naval Special Warfare. The Navy SEALs became the first client, revolutionizing force-on-force training forever.
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Closed the Montreal school to meet global demand for seminars. Traveled the world, some years, on the road for over 200 days a year like a deployment. Blauer was embraced by the law enforcement & special elements within the miliatry community, shifting the company's focus to serving those who serve.
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Moved to the US to support the High Gear® program and opened the Blauer Tactical Training Center in Virginia Beach—the world's largest private tactical training facility at the time.
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After nearly two years of rigorous research and testing of all scenario gear on the market, the US Army chose Blauer Tactical's High Gear® suit. Their first order was for $17 million worth of gear. Validation at the highest level.
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Following a home invasion, trusted insiders conspired to launch copycat equipment and steal clients. Like Steve Jobs returning to Apple, Blauer forged ahead. The imitators faded into obscurity; the pioneer remains.
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Expanded beyond physical defense to psychological resilience with the KNOW Fear® program and Podcast (150+ episodes). Bringing the "Cycle of Behavior®" insight to major corporations and everyday people.
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Launched SPEAR Care® to address the rising risks to healthcare providers and mental health professionals.
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Tony Blauer remains the only martial artist who has influenced and impacted every single sector of training, from traditional and classical martial arts to reality-based self-defense, from police defensive tactics to military combatives.
What the Pros Say
Brian Kinnaird, Ph.D., Forceology Research Group "I have studied the efficacy of use of force tactics and techniques for well over a decade and have concluded that the SPEAR System® is the most comprehensive combatives program currently available."
Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, U.S. Army (Ret.) "We have learned more about the psychology and physiology of combat in the last 50 years than in the previous 5,000 years put together... Tony Blauer will be remembered as one of the great pioneers who propelled us forward."
Ron Donvito, USMC (Ret.), Founder L.I.N.E. SYSTEM "One man taught me more about the lead up to the fight and most importantly the first few seconds of the fight than all the others combined. That instructor is Tony Blauer."
Get Certified. Teach SPEAR.
100% Live Online Certification
Investment: $1,000 USD
On-boarding & preparation phase: Flexible Training — Train on Your Schedule
Unsurpassed Access to Coach Blauer & The SPEAR Community
Optional Affiliate Program for Business Growth - LEARN MORE HERE
Why Level 1 is Online
“It's LIVE, Not "Digital" This isn't a pre-recorded video. It's interactive, real-time coaching with breakout rooms. You are training, teaching, and observing—learning the pedagogy of how to be a professional presenter.
Economic Intelligence Post-COVID travel costs have surged 30-50%. By training online, you save thousands on flights, hotels, and lost travel days. There is no smarter way to enter the system.
Tactical Athlete Prep The onboarding and preload work focuses on developing you as a tactical athlete and presenter, ensuring you master the movements before you ever step into an advanced in-person room.
APPLY NOW
Add The SPEAR System®
To Your School and Your Teaching Resume
Lead Smarter. Train Safer. Teach Better.
UPCOMING DATES- WORLDWIDE
April 18 - 19, 2026. 9AM - 5PM PST (Pacific Time)
May 2 - 3, 2026. 9AM to 5PM AEST (Australia Timezone)
July 11 - 12, 2026. 9AM to 5PM CEST (European Timezone)
July 25 - 26, 2026. 9AM to 5PM AEST (Australia Timezone)
August 22 - 23, 2026. 9AM - 5PM EST (Eastern Time)
October 3 - 4, 2026. 9AM to 5PM AEST (Australia Timezone)
November 14 - 15, 2026. 9AM - 5PM PST (Pacific Time)
Trusted Across Every Sector
From the world's largest logistics company (post-9/11) to Tier 1 Special Operations. We have developed custom programs for:
Law Enforcement
Military Special Ops
Martial Artists & Self-Defense Experts
Public Safety Poofessionalsa
Hospitals & Healthcare
Psychiatrists
Fire Rescue
Paramedics
Private Security Details
Nurses & Doctors
Frequently Asked Questions
WHO IS THIS FOR?
FOR THE EXPERIENCED MARTIAL ARTIST: You have trained for years. You have the skills. But do you have the science? SPEAR is not a replacement for your style—it is the missing link. It addresses the "Blind Spot" in traditional training: the moment when executive function is hijacked by sudden violence. We teach you how the body moves *before* your training kicks in.
FOR THE NATURAL PROTECTOR: "No Experience Necessary" does not mean "No Standards." It means we value Capability over Pedigree. We have certified pilots, teachers, and parents who simply possessed the will to protect their communities. If you are willing to do the work, study the neuroscience, and pass our rigorous evaluation, we will give you the skills.
WARNING: Attendance does not guarantee certification. This is not a "pay-to-play" seminar. You must complete the pre-course study. You must demonstrate the standard. We fail those who do not meet the requirements. Because if you care about safety, we care about standards.
What if I don’t have a school or gym?
That’s okay. Many certified trainers use SPEAR to teach their families, friends, private clients, or small groups. You don’t need a school — just the desire to help others stay safe.
How long is the training?
The On-Ramp training is self-paced — most students complete it in 2-4 weeks.
The live certification runs over one weekend (typically Saturday & Sunday).
How long does the certification last?
Certification is valid for 24 months (2 years).
To maintain your credentials, you'll need to recertify every two years through an online or in-person update course.
Can I teach SPEAR once I’m certified?
Yes. Certified SPEAR Trainers are licensed to teach SPEAR fundamentals in private lessons, small groups, or within their existing classes.
This certification gives you the permission and structure to integrate SPEAR into what you already do.
What does SPEAR System® Trainer Affiliation include?
Certification gives you permission to teach.
Affiliation gives you support to grow.
Affiliated trainers gain access to an elite toolkit designed to grow your business, sharpen your coaching, and expand your reach:
Business MasterClass Access – 12-lesson course on building your brand online, plus monthly business coaching calls. (Value: $1,500)
Monthly Train-the-Trainer Calls – Live technical coaching with Coach Blauer and the team to refine your teaching and presentation. (Value: $3,000/year)
Be Your Own Bodyguard® License – Run seminars in your community using our turnkey program. Affiliates keep 80% of the revenue generated. (Value: $999+)
Brand License – Use the official SPEAR System® branding for marketing, websites, and presentations. (Value: $500+)
High Gear® Discounts – Save on gear essential for scenario-based training and earn commissions as an affiliate. (Value: up to $800/year)
40 bonus training videos with extended insights, drills, and breakdowns of the SPEAR System®
Private Trainer Forum Access – Connect with an international network of certified SPEAR coaches. (Value: Priceless)
Website Directory Listing – Appear on our official site for added visibility and credibility. (Value: $300/year)
Affiliate Sales Options – Earn commissions selling KNOW FEAR®, Human Weapon System, High Gear®, and more. (Value: Varies)
Referrals from Blauer Tactical HQ for training requests in your area
Total Value: Over $7,000/year
Affiliation Cost: $1,200/year (paid monthly)
What makes SPEAR different from other systems?
SPEAR is built around how the human body actually responds to real danger. It teaches behaviorally inspired, principle-based protection that works under real stress. It's not about style. It's about survival.
What’s included?
On-Ramp Online Training
Live Weekend Certification Workshop
Downloadable SPEAR System® Training Tools
One Month of Tactical Garage Gym Combatives Classes with Coach Blauer
Direct access to our private online community for ongoing development
Once I complete Level 1, are there additional levels I can progress through?
Yes — the SPEAR System® is structured as a progressive four-level certification path designed to deepen your knowledge and skillset at every stage. Each level builds on the last, offering more advanced concepts, scenario training, and coaching methodology. *Attending the additional levels is optional.
You can view the full breakdown of all four levels here: Click here
How do I sign up?
Click [Get Certified Now] to register and begin your training immediately.