Blauer Tactical Systems · SPEAR Level 1
The Close
Quarterly
Stories from the people carrying the SPEAR System® forward — the instructors, the schools, the standards, and the reality outside the mats.
A Message from Coach Blauer
Team, this has been a long time in the making. Alice did an amazing job putting this together and I hope you enjoy it. If you have suggestions, want to be featured, or have ideas for future issues — reach out to her directly at alice@blauertactical.com. Enjoy The Close Quarterly, Volume 1.
— Coach B
Featured Instructor
Gary Mah
When asked who he would teach SPEAR to if he could choose anyone in the world, he did not name a celebrity or hero. He chose the victim who is dead. It's a stark answer — but it shows his moral center.
“He chose the victim who is dead.”
Read the storyIn this issue
School Spotlight
Blur Martial Arts — Will Deutschendorf
Blur Martial Arts' shift to the SPEAR System® was driven by a personal traumatic experience. The focus is on preparing students, physically and mentally, for real-world pressure beyond traditional techniques. Meet this year's SPEAR Level 1 Symposium Host.
“He was tired of martial arts that don't actually teach you how to defend yourself.”
Read
MTT Snapshot
Brent Sankey
An MTT Lead Instructor and Global Training Coordinator for Blauer Tactical, Brent is also a dedicated boxing gym boss. Learn about his unique blend of field application and 20 years of project management expertise.
“Keep people focused, keep them safe, and build systems that hold up under pressure.”
Read
Media & Socials
Seth Heller
Raised within the SPEAR System®, Seth has mastered how to represent our standards in the digital age. His clean, consistent content is setting a new benchmark for instructors and has already been highlighted by Coach B.
“The next generation carrying this forward.”
Read
HQ News
Symposium & Centralizing Comms
Coach B shares what's evolving inside the Level 1 Symposium — stronger community connection, deeper instructor support, and a new centralized comms hub inside Circle. Plus: two monthly live AMA calls now available.
“Sharpening the instrument isn't optional. It's the responsibility.”
ReadViolence, Fear & Aggression
The Numbers Look Better. You're Not Done.
Violent crime in the United States dropped significantly in 2025. Homicides fell nearly 20%. So we're done here, right? Pack up the mats. Cancel the course. Not quite.
“This is why we train when nothing is happening. Not from fear. From clarity.”
Read the data- –20%
- Homicides YoY
- –23%
- Robberies
- 2M+
- WPV incidents/yr
- 48%
- WPV in healthcare
From the Desk of Tony Blauer
We do so much training, teaching, coaching, and experimenting every month that most people never see. That changes now. This newsletter is your inside line to what's happening at BTS, how affiliates are growing, what's going on in the world of violence, and some actionable tips you can use right away.
— Coach B
What's Happening at HQ
- We're rebuilding parts of the SPEAR L1 program with our most diverse team ever. The energy, the professionalism, the vision — I honestly feel like this is the strongest the program has ever been.
- Behind the scenes: new scenario-based material is in the works, plus refinements for corrections and public safety. Stay tuned.
Featured Tactical Snack
Non-Violent Posture → SPEAR Visualization
Every time you check your phone, pause for 10 seconds. Run a Non-Violent Posture check — then visualize the SPEAR conversion. Hands up, eyes up, posture open. One rep. Every time. Build the habit before you need it.
Training Opportunities
The Tactical Garage Gym Just Evolved
Two focused weekly sessions — Tuesday's live tactical breakdown with Coach B, and Saturday's physical training led by the MTT. Stay sharp between certifications.
Join the Garage GymCommunity
The Inner Circle
Remember — we are building our community inside the Circle app. Be sure to log in regularly and network with the SPEAR community. This is where the real conversations happen: wins, challenges, questions, and direct access to Coach B and the MTT.
Enter the Circle