SPEAR SYSTEM®
DEFENSIVE TACTICS INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION COURSE

Course Description 

The SPEAR Total course is designed to help law enforcement and other public safety professionals become safer and more effective in both their personal and professional lives. The course begins with our well-known research on managing fear which helps anyone develop the necessary decision-making skills, resilience, mindset, focus, and self-awareness to handle the first fight: the one against themselves.

Next, the course covers managing violence inside the reactionary gap.  Attendees are taught how to convert their flinch response during sudden attacks as well as how to intercept common attacks, such as the sucker punch, tackles, gun grabs, multiple assailants, and so on.

The course also covers the fundamentals of scenario design and scenario-specific training based on our research.

Finally, the course focuses on self-defense in court, including 'use of force', effective testimony, lesson plan design, and how to improve your expert witness skillset. By the end of the course, officers will have the skills and knowledge needed to confidently and effectively handle any situation that may arise, from the initial call to the courtroom.

SPEAR Total is for anyone in public safety and will enhance the safety and reduce the reliability of any person or agency, but this course is ideally suited for professional trainers looking to make their students safer in the street and in court.

This comprehensive course is an overhaul of our classic SPEAR System® program, with an expanded focus on the well-known Three Fights Model.

Fight 1: The First Fight Is With Yourself.

① You vs You: This portion of the course focuses on decision-making, resilience, mindset, focus, and self-awareness. These skills are essential for officers to effectively handle the stresses and challenges of the job.

Fight 2: The Second Fight Is You Vs. The Assailant.

② Reacting to Common Attacks: The course covers how to respond to the most common attacks you will face - the sucker punch, gun grab, tackle, multiple assailants, and so on. You'll learn how to read pre-contact cues more effectively and convert the flinch to protect yourself in high-stress situations. This portion also covers topics such as controlling the reactionary gap and improving reaction time and decision-making.

Fight 3: The Third Fight Is You Vs The System.

③ Self-Defense in Court: The course's final section covers the use of force and how to articulate your actions in court. You'll learn about the legal principles surrounding self-defense and how to use our 'emotional use of force' principles to effectively testify about your actions.

Whether you're a seasoned officer or new to the force, this course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to protect yourself and your community.

The SPEAR Total course is 5 days and open to anyone on active duty and public safety.

Those completing this course receive an instructor certification with 40 hours of training to be reported through the agency for continuing education credit and requirements.

• The SPEAR System® is a safe and effective program that has been vetted in the streets by professionals for 3 decades.
• Our system specifically enhances safety inside the reactionary gap.
• The program includes important psychological lessons that influence critical thinking. This has shown to develop attributes and skills for post-incident clarity during AARs and expert witness testimony.
• The "Cycle of Behavior", our proprietary system to improve critical thinking, mental toughness,  adaptive mindset, and manage fear, has enhanced the safety of countless professionals around the world. 
• The SPEAR System® can be a stand-alone program for your agency or organization or it can effectively serve as a bridge between a sudden attack and the DT skills an officer already possesses. 
• The program design will enhance any existing DT or combatives program.

*If you need a more detailed overview of the program please email us from your government email address.

Resources for Attendees, Graduates & Administrators.

1. A 5-year study in the UK explains how the SPEAR System® Reduces Injuries to the Head by 41%.
   Email [email protected] from your government address and we will send you the study.
2. Medical Reviews of SPEAR System® from USA, Canada & UK click here
3. ‘Scientific Review of SPEAR’ click here
4. ‘The Physiology of Survival’ click here
5. ‘Scope of Technique’ click here
6. Testimonials from around the world click here
7. New to SPEAR? Click here.

Available for United States residents only. Email [email protected] for more info.

Schedule

• Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Fees

• New Attendee:  $750  
• Re-certification: $600  - This discount is for returning SPEAR Coaches and is only available for active SPEAR Coaches attending this course for re-certification.

Group Discounts

• Groups of 2 or more receive 10% off tuition ($675 per person)

Instructions: Select the Group Discount registration option and register as a group in order to receive this discount. After you register the first attendee and click on the Save Registrant button, a window will pop up with the option to continue to billing or add another registrant.

Please make sure to sign up correctly as refunds will not be issued for discounts not applied.

If you need assistance please email [email protected]

What to Bring

• Printed copy of the registration receipt or Photo ID
• Notebook
• Pen
• High Gear if you own a suit
• Suitable clothes for training
• Snack and fluids, or a meal if you do not plan on going off-site during lunch break

Test Results and Certificates

• Attendees will be required to teach a practical drill from the Syllabus, which will be assessed.
• Attendees will complete either a written or oral assessment on the Theory from the Syllabus.
• Certificates will be emailed to attendees in PDF Format within 1 week of completion of the course.

Local Hotels

Holiday Inn Crystal Lake
800 S. Illinois RTE 31
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
815-477-7000

Country Inn and Suites
600 Tracy Trail
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
815-477-3500

Comfort Inn Crystal Lake
595 Tracy Trail
Crystal Lake , IL 60014
815-261-1682

Local Airport

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD-Chicago)

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE-Milwaukee)