SPEAR review
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- Опубликовано: 9 фев 2025
- This video is not intended to be disrespectful to Tony Blauer, who happened to be a very nice, personable instructor, nor an attack on his system. It is intended as an honest review as an overview of what we discussed this past weekend. See our Patreon page for an in depth review.
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Much of what is taught (I am PDR-certified, March 2017), at least in the PDR workshops, is about pre-contact or "pre-attack" cues. As a Kenpo black belt with 25 years, I can tell you that the stuff "to the left of attack" is never, ever taught. So, the SPEAR "system" (as they say) becomes the bridge to your martial art (or "closest weapon/closest target" if you're not trained). In other words, learning to recognize these cues puts you in a better position NOT to get punched/knocked out because even with a black belt, an ambush is an ambush. There's also lots of talk about the fear loop, managing fear, situational (self) awareness, and verbal diffusion (which is why so many LEO train with Tony). So, for me, there was more to it than the stance...and for which I agree with you...once it's "on"...your TKD, Kenpo, BJJ (etc) training should kick in. But you have to "survive the ambush." Thanks for your vid. Subscribing!
It's a non-violet posture that utlizes muscle recruitment that acts as a bridge to get to your other fighting mess. It's "taught" because the idea is to get your startle-flinch weaponized. What SPEAR openly acknowledges is that it isn't a fighting style, it's the "bridge" between startle flinch and getting to your personal fighting system. It's a bridge... so comparing it to fighting styles is kinda meh.. They teach some fighting techniques once the bridge is made because 1. not everyone has a fighting system, 2. it assists in learning how to best make the bridge work.
Agreed. I love it. No one that I have seen has bridged this very important Gap in "self-defense". It does replace or take away from a style it adds to.
This was a dope vid bro. It gave an honest opinion after taking the class. This is what marital arts, teaching and learning is all about. Lets continue to build.
Carsmarts, thanks for adding that. I think its fair, honest and important to put things in perspective: The event Redbeard attended was an open camp, it wasn't a trainer's course, it was designed to educate anyone and everyone at the camp and we had complete beginners and experienced practitioners there. I think it's important to note that Redbeard appeared to be having some issues with the theory and design of the program, as my staff pulled me aside and said he had some questions. I looked for him but he decided he had seen enough and apparently left. He did not participate in all drills and did not attend day two. That's like not finishing a book but deciding to write a review too. Why do that?? To be fair I too did not watch this video but I heard it wasn't favorable - hence his dislaimer. I just think its disingenuous to have an opinion about something you really didn't experience. -Tony Blauer
Tony Blauer - Correct and Respect sent your way .
The way Tony puts it, SPEAR is a bridge to your techniques. This is because your startle flinch is what's called a gross motor function, unlike, say, boxing. It's an unconscious movement that neutralises that initial attack, giving you some breathing room to follow up with your Jiu Jutsu, Muay Thai, boxing, etc. The SPEAR fighting stance is essentially a micro-adjustment to be made directly *after* the startle flinch has taken care of that original attack; it is *not* the flinch itself.
I just completed a one day SPEAR course and it is my understanding, that, they would agree with you. Our mobile instructor repeatedly stressed, that this is a way to "whether the Ambush" and if you don't have techniques once your "physiologic airbag" has deployed, you SOL. I leaned a lot. Detect, Diffuse, Defend.
What does SOL mean?
@@azarel7 Usually SOL means Shit Out of Luck.
@@dalevoigt8612 and here i was thinking it was some fancy self defense acronym lol. Thanks a lot man!
Good breakdown, I've never trained the SPEAR system. It seems to me that learning a "technique" is just learning the proper structure and method of say throwing a jab or putting up your hands in the SPEAR posture.
The conditioning to throw a jab at the right time or to rewire your involuntary flinch response is an example of classical conditioning where you apply stimulus to consciously trigger the response at first, and thru repetition, transfer it to your unconscious response and muscle memory.
If you use stimulus/reaction and s reward/punishment system that's taking a technique and developing it with operant conditioning.
Just my thoughts.
Something startled me I naturally go into a boxing stance.... was taught bare knuckle by family members ... I know kind of weird for a girl but bkb is a family thing. Hours and hours of threat stimulation just go directly into that. Been training Defendu past few years , but my back n neck is all messed up so had to learn some self defense that's easy to remember, yet more efficient than bkb.
Back in the day we called it startle response.
Most correct statement made: at some point you are going to a technique. Martial arts student/ instructor for almost 40 yrs. Appreciate the data sir...
Outstanding review. A review is your thoughts on what you thought and you did that 💯. Good job on reporting.
Now I’ll need to check out your stuff, cheers👊👊💥
Great report. I agree with your assessment and Kenpo teaches closest threat closest target. The biggest thing received from spear is the fear management. I have never taken an actual course from them but the same seminar type level. I think Tony said that in his interview with the "Fit Tips" channel. In that he said once your learn to mange the flinch then whatever fighting style you have can progress from there. I believe CarSmartsTV also says this below. It is more than just the stance, it is the fear management and getting out of the "technique" based mentality, or even the parring int he ring. IN a real street encounter there is no touching gloves and then fight. It is an ambush and then there is mentally pushing through the ambush and finding your ground and then applying your style. I think the spear is the gap between the ambush and your style of martial art. This makes it unique.
Thanks.
How you explained it is actually how Tony explains it in other RUclips vids :3. He will agree with you 100%
Yep. Good report. Thanks
+VikingPreparedness pastor, have you had any experience with SPEAR in your time in SF?
VikingPreparedness PJF thanks for recommending Redbeard Combative
thank
Great explanation. As a Bridge is a good tool but not exclusive to SPEAR that position or method is used by many martial arts. Although I teach basic SPEAR SYSTEM use I prefer to teach THE FENCE by Geoff Thompson. Highly recommended.
This is by far the most informative video I have ever watched in regards to truly defending myself in a violent situation. Thank you.
Sir, I have been following Tonys work since the late 90s.He is simply creating a way to survive the ambush.He goes into detail about this in his video about Hicks law.
I’ve attended his training as well as worked with others in the field who have as well. These are my opinions based on my experience. Btw, he’s misapplying hicks law.
Good Video. I Can See Your View Point And Think That The Struggle Is With Arguing Nuances Versus Application.
Sure Like Anything Taught There's Micro Adjustments... That's Why It's Taught.
And I Can Certainly Agree That Many Systems Will Look Thru Their Own Lens As Their Perceived Culture Why Their System Is Best. Makes Sense. Don't We All To A Degree.
I have never commented on a RUclips video in my life, but after watching Redbeard’s video and then seeing Tony Blauer’s response in the comments section, I couldn’t resist giving my two cents.
1.) It would have been refreshing and perhaps more valuable if Tony Blauer had actually watched the video (kind of like offering a review of book after reading only the dust jacket, no?) and had made an effort to respond to the substance of RB’s opinion and assessment of the SPEAR system as opposed to attacking his credibility.
2.) It seemed to me RB’s criticism was not based on whether SPEAR was effective or not, but instead was suggesting that it was a system that needed to be taught, and as such qualified as a martial art. I am sure someone of RB’s background could make this determination quite quickly, without having to “participate in all the drills” or attend day 2 of the SPEAR workshop.
3.) The above point could be argued ad nauseam, but I think it’s fair to say that RB’s main point is accurate, namely that the SPEAR stance is not a posture anyone would naturally adopt when faced with sudden, violent stimuli, and instead is something that needs to be taught (as opposed to a natural response that only needs to be “weaponized”, whatever that means) and that this is akin to a student learning to adopt a “ready stance” as we see in other martial arts. I would go further and say it’s debatable that EVERYONE exhibits the same type of “startle flinch” response when faced with a threat, as I have seen more people freeze up like deer in the headlights than raise their arms in a way that would lend itself to the SPEAR stance.
4.) Having said that, I have no problem with SPEAR, and I must confess that I subscribe to TB’s newsletter, even if all the related marketing and hype makes me cringe. TB is no doubt raking in a lot of money from a very simple concept (imagine if Gleason’s gym offered two day workshops on the “snake” posture and left out the boxing) but I think it offers those trained in the system something valuable, and no doubt this has kept many folks, particularly LEO’s, safe from harm when faced with violent attack. Since SPEAR is meant to be a “bridging” mechanism, and not a complete system, perhaps there are better combative’s programs out there, like the stuff Chad Lyman or Tim Kennedy is promoting, but as a fighter turned trainer once told me, “I don’t have to be the best in the world to make you better.” I think RB would agree.
With much respect to RedBeard and Mr. Blauer. - Steve (just an average Joe who watches too much RUclips!)
I rarely read such long responses but I’m glad I did. I thought this was very well articulated, fair and balanced.
I debated on responding at all to TB response, which I only recently saw, but suffice there are some inaccuracies in his statements.
1. I never addressed any questions to his instructors, I addressed them to him personally. I asked some questions about control to which he blew me off (politely). I then questioned him again after the day concluded and he and I sat out back of the convention center waiting for our rides. Again no real answer.
2. I followed every drill and participated in every aspect of the training. I had conversations with fanboys who had a whopping 4 days of training and were certified instructors. The more time I spent there the more I saw what was going on.
3. The argument is often used that SPEAR is a bridge to other martial arts. I disagree. It is only a bridge to other martial arts that operate on the same methodology as SPEAR, namely that space is the objective. However, against other styles ie: BJJ and other grappling styles, it is actually counter productive as these styles capitalize on closing space to obtain control. This was extremely evident when their instructors tried demonstrating how to utilize SPEAR from an escape mount. I can only say it was the worst amalgamation of complete useless bs I’ve ever seen.
The very premise that someone has mount presupposes that the individual has some knowledge of ground skills, thus executing a SPEAR thrust as a means of offense here will leave you completely wrecked to put it mildly.
I appreciate your objectivity and as such saw fit to respond to you specifically. The portions of the class that were beneficial had to do with preattack indicators (which are not always present) and non violent postures which I did enjoy. The most productive part of the class was having a trainer come in and demonstrate how to hold focus mits.
Let’s keep something in mind. I dropped $2000 on the class, flight and hotel and expenses to go and experience for myself what he was all about. When I tasted bs, I chose not to eat the rest of the sandwich.
@@Redbeard.Combatives Thanks for your response and I’m grateful that you decided to read my “Tolstoy” and add your comments. I felt your analysis of SPEAR was on the money, and I appreciated the way you broke the issues down in a systematic, logical way, while leaving out the hyperbole and trash talking.
As much as I may respect what TB is trying to do in keeping folks safe, his defensiveness and attempts to undermine your credibility instead of addressing the issues you raised should be a red flag to anyone (that’s how cults operate) and your comments above raise even more concerns, so buyer beware folks, especially at $2000 a pop, YIKES!
I enjoy your videos RB and I look forward to watching more of them in future!
- Steve
@@Redbeard.Combatives You hit the nail on the head! I attended the SPEAR class through work in 2016 and I happened to be driving through Vegas on my way to Iowa a year later and attended the PDR course to see if there was more. For sure there were some good concepts I picked up, but I got the same vibe you have laid out here.
However, I did purchase one of his High Gear suits after the SPEAR class because I believe it has some value when "pressure testing" techniques.
Anyway, I really appreciate your videos and the great content you are sharing.
I would disagree, I don't know any other systems to go into the 3D's - Detect to avoid violence, Diffuse to Deescalate a violent encounter and Defend yourself from a violent encounter. You left out the moral and ethical directives of the system and many other components. One of the main components is the fear management which you did not talk about. I do not know of any styles that address the area of the Mental and Psychological aspects of dealing with violence. you are only touching on the Physical aspect which is just Defend and even in this you missed a lot of the core aspects.. The SPEAR SYSTEM as a personal testimony taught me to manager fear in the face of violence and deescalate situations where I did not have to fight. I have to agree with Tony, this is a partial review. How can you objectively review 3 decades of research in 11 minutes when a system has been Scientifically verified on 3 continents by and vetted buy individuals who deal with violence on a daily basis, LEO/ Military.
If you watch the video this is not intended to address his entire program but specifically the SPEAR thrust itself. My contention is that this is a learned technique.
Secondly you should really read the entire Hicks Law study that he so frequently quoted. He selects portions of the study that support his hypothesis and rejects the remainder of the research that completely refute it.
I wrote an article for SpotterUp Magazine titled, “Say Hicks Law one more time.” It’s free and contains the rest of the research. Now the impetus is on you to read it, or follow along in willful ignorance. Either way I’ve provided the info,
@@Redbeard.Combatives I watched you video before my initial post. Maybe you should title your video a review of the SPEAR camp or the SPEAR tactic because the physical aspect is still just 1 component. Its missleading because you are saying the SPEAR System what you are taking about is the SPEAR tactic not the System as a whole itself. I will check out hicks law and reply on that thanks for the info
Tony Blauer has been in the game for a long time now.I remember when he had his first created art "chu fen do" tapes being sold through Panther videos(remember them?). I used to take private lessons from a muay boran instructor and one of the major blocks was the 45 degree block which I'm positive Blauer used and added another 45 to make it the "outside 90". It's true that it's nothing new but he sure nows how to market his stuff to make it look new. Richard Dimitri used to be a student of his & he went on to create Senshido.
Kemet First yeah there’s a lot of bull sheet coming from TB.
I like your analysis. I’ve been a karate guy for years and when I see the flinch response I just see shuto uke. A very common position in all karate styles. On top of the position the actual combative concepts to practicallly use that technique is taught the exact same way. Mr Blauer, in my opinion, is just either in denial about this or he knows and is using the “ no martial art” idea as a marketing tool.
You have a unique intellectual practical take on combatives. I appreciate it .
+Leonard Cook thnx
He's smart but he has a temper with the hammer that scared me.. Still a point made.. He could have added comedy into it..
I agree with you but i think you are a little bit to diplomatic. After the flinch reaction I would allways grap my own head (covering) and go all the way in or all the way out. This with good posture (balance before everything).
Especially for untrained or law enforcement (most of them untrained). After the flinch throwing elbows/fists as an untrained fighter (assuming the opponent is bigger and stronger)? In the mid-rang (red zone) this will get your teeth on the concrete. Get into the green zone as fast as possible by clinching or better get away.
It almost looks like a transition into long guard in MT - I’m thinking of looking into it - do try speak much on preflight cues, situational awareness etc?
*do they - not do try - damn spellcheck
Redbeard,
The following is food for thought!
I have no affiliation to Tony or his system at all, Actually it's been 17 years since I've even seen or talked to Tony in person.
I mean no disrespect to you. I think YOUR REDBEARD content is good. You have a lot of great information that is definitely useful.
However, you are not demonstrating the use of the SPEAR system correctly. If you went to Tony’s training camp and that is what you took away from the training, I think you let your biases stop you from learning and using the SPEAR correctly. Which is a shame, because the rest of your content complements it's use. I'm not going into details because I think you'll get what I mean.
In 2003, Fort Bragg USASOC, We (Special Forced Green Berets), we're constantly looking to improve our ability to engage CQB threats. We are always looking to do that. And we still not found a better system to do it than the SPEAR system.
Tony came to Fort Bragg NC to train us. That is the first and only time that I was ever directly trained by Tony or his company. He trained us (SOF Operators) in the SPEAR system and it instaneously integrated into our SOP's for dealing with worst-case scenario threats in Close-Quarter Battle environments.
The SPEAR system worked for SOF Operators SPECIFICALLY because it was IN-FACT, every human being’s NATURAL biological, psychological, and physiological action and reaction to a threat engagement.
We (Especially the CIF) faced real-world dynamic environments that could-not be simulated. We needed training that the Individual Operator could easily adapt and could also be systematically integrated within the Unit’s SOP's.
The SPEAR SYSTEM used the initial contact in a Hand-Hand CQB engagement is irreplaceable and the one and only part of SOF training that has stood the test of time without change!
James Turner no disrespect to you, but Tony says a lot of bullshit. I’ve seen videos in which he says something that contradicts what he has said another video.
He makes many claims that are unfounded. He constantly and consistently states reasons for his choices that are untrue and implies that he founded some tactics and techniques which have been around before his system; all while/because he’s trying to ‘’sell it.”
There are some truths mixed in with mistruths. He is erroneously applying the Hickson principles.
Have you ever seen a long time boxer “get run up on?” Do you know what his “reaction” is?
Have you ever seen a wrestler that was sucker punched? Can you think of what his reaction was?
Tony ‘s system is not all bad.......but it is far from truth and far only close to martial.
I mean...legit martial arts have trained the “flinch” into useful and effective reactions.
Spear is a better choice than most “self-defense” seminars, but it is in no way efficient in what it claims to be and what it delivers.
have you seen damion ross self defense company combatives and what would you think of them??
+Perry Sullivan never heard of him
Thank You for the truthful information I may have got this wrong but your best choice is to multi style multi art a sort of pick and mix.
+19331936 I agree, here is the process I use to determine what I need to train ruclips.net/video/hd3FRlryLd8/видео.html
Train your weaknesses until they become your strengths. Then you'll have a whole new set of weaknesses to train.
THANK YOU.
Agreed ! More than that, any selfdefence system and I mean ANY, is just a marketing label, no more, no less !!! The selfdefence SKILLS are a BYPRODUCT of your martial skills, IF you have them !!! If you DON'T - there is no difference what you will call your system !!! So, do train hard, whatever you are training, and may be you will be able to apply this if you need to ... But if you don't train hard, sparr and compete - it will be useless ! It doesn't matter if it is SPEAR, TFT(Target Focising Training, Krav Maga), this is all bullshit, it's just marketing label ! ;)
Seems to me that the spear flinch has your forearm in a perfect position to imitate a TFT neck strike.
I enjoy your reflections on the different techniques. Thanks for sharing.
Most normal people freeze. Is the truth not that any good self defence users will need to work in a field related to security to have any hope of having experience in real world situations. EG if you want to get good at self defence do a job that involves it, doorman or police, military etc. I'm I right.
Wow excellent break down! Thanks
very close to wing Chung enter the gate
Awesome! that's bad-ass man! straight to the truth. I agree their is a lot of bias towards other martial arts it's all just big ego at the end of the day. Spear does seems pretty legit on what they are teaching but not the end all be all of combative arts. If you had to give a rating of percent on how effective spear is what rate would that be?.
+Liberal Gun Guy 2
@@Redbeard.Combatives It is 2 % effective?
We call it the fence
I have that book by Geoff Thompson, great book, especially the part on the "pleading fence".
Nice vdo. Passing those thought to my kids.thank you.
Sir Tony already covered this. He was in debt saying the spirit is a bridge to get you to your system
Tony Blauer OVER ANALYZES everything to death and just rambles on incessantly. Incidentally, can you do a video on CROSSFIT "self defense"? It's just GOD AWFUL. I haven't seen ANYTHING POSITIVE about it.
It would literally be the shortest video yet. It’s bullsh$&
Agreed on all accounts.