SDTS vs. S.P.E.A.R

[Anonymous]

Damian, I was wondering what your take is on the S.P.E.A.R. System is, I was trained as a teen by my father in WW2 combatives as that is what he was tought in spec ops in Vietnam. With that I’m naturally moving toward your system, so far I love and will be signing up for the insider some time this week. However I found the spear system by Tony Blauer while doing crossfit and I also like what I see based on reflexes which is very similar to the sdts, I just want to know if you have any experience with spear or have ever seen any of it, and any opinion you may have.

[Damian (Instructor)]

To be honest my exposure to the SPEAR system is limited. Once I started training in the SDTS I knew what worked and checked that box.

I do like some of the training equipment they use thought the head and neck gear can’t take a full on shot and I know Tony Blauer has worked with LT Grossman in the past and does have inroads into Law Enforcement.

I know there are other guys on the forum that have had experience with SPEAR. Hopefully we can get them to comment.

[Damian (Instructor)]

Thanks Damian, I went ahea and signed up for the insider and working on module one, some reason I can not access the articles library.
So far this is what I was taught as a teen I can’t wait to move up in the modules!

[Damian (Instructor)]

Thank you Archie.

Yes, what works always WILL work.

The problem is people complicate simple acts. There’s no need to think – just act. When we train we create trigger points. This is usually based on distance and position.

Train hard and hit the SNOT out of your target. The rest seems to fall into place. It always does.

In the beginning you will train more – 45 minute 3 to 5 times a week. Later it will replace the cardio segment of your training – 3 times a week for 20 to 30 minutes.

Oh, yes the Library – we’re fixing it now.

[poeseldc]

Archie, Having experience in working with Tony Blauer’s SPEAR system, I will point out that he has some valid points. Essentially, you are implementing a trained response to a natural reflex, especially as you encounter an assault from your aggressor. While useful, there is limited application and should not be considered a complete “system” like the SDTS.

But here is the main point, as you go through your modules (i.e. striking) practice you chin jab, edge of hand, hammer fist, etc, and find one or two strikes that you are most comfortable with and train those until you can subconsciously respond to ANY attack using those one or two tools. This is what is called subcousciously competence.

Essentially, this is putting a trained response to a natural reflex. But remember, when you work on your striking do so with “attitude” or as I like to say “hit with hate, hit to hurt”. Remember 90% Intent and 10% Technique.

Thanks for allowing me to comment.

[Damian (Instructor)]

Darren is one of our Instructors and a (semi-Retired???) USMC LtCol. He NEVER misses an opportunity to learn and train.

Most important of all. Darren “Speaks the Language.”

Most systems of fighting have “something good” in them. I good concept, idea, drill, technique – something. The issue is it’s usually lumped in with so much other crap that you don’t know what to use and what to shit-can.

Darren knows what is useful because of his experience. He can take a book, video or instruction and pick out what will work and what won’t.

It’s simple, train in what works. Train in the SDTS and then go look at other stuff. Once you have the concepts or more to the point, the RULES of engagement ingrained in your being you’ll be able to pick out what’s useful from anything and add it to your tool box.

[George (Instructor)]

I agree 100% with Darren. There are always some great nuggets that you may find in other systems but the SDTS is by far a much more complete system. Do as Darren suggests. Develop your skills with those strikes that fit you. Train to the point of being instinctive and convulsive. Develop the right mindset. Techniques are shit without having the right mentality. The SDTS is the perfect place to be. Just my thoughts.

[Damian (Instructor)]

Thanks for the reply guys. I have signed up for the insider and finally was able to get on the bag last night and I must say I can def see how the short and long axe hand would work, no one would really expect anyone to strike like that. I will keep training as I am falling in love with this system, one day I hope to be an instructor as we have only one SDTS instructor here in my area he is looking to start training people here soon but needs assistance due to his busy schedule.
Thanks again guys.

Archie

[Anonymous]

As a LEO, I, too, have some experience with SPEAR. For those who don’t know, SPEAR is basically a combination outside block/brachial stun type movement. You can find plenty of vids on Youtube. It’s effective. There is no doubt that it works. One must remember, however, as alluded to earlier, SPEAR is mainly used as a reactionary technique that takes advantage of OODA loop bypass. It’s a wonderful technique by itself, but it is not a complete system. It works well to “stop” an attack, but then what? After that, even Blauer himself moves into something that looks a lot like SDTS. We achieve much the same effect with things like Elbow Spike and such. Different moves, same result. SPEAR is a good compliment to SDTS, and if you already know it go ahead and use it, but having done both I can say you don’t really need it.

One thing I wanted to point out… earlier, Damian made the statement that, “Most systems of fighting have ‘something good’ in them. I good concept, idea, drill, technique – something. The issue is it’s usually lumped in with so much other crap that you don’t know what to use and what to shit-can.” This is 100% true. I have been going back over some of my old training manuals from other “systems”, such as TKD, Kenpo, and Krav Maga. It’s amazing how much of SDTS is in there — now that I know what to look for — but how buried it is in a bunch of BS designed more for earning belts than for self defense. SDTS simply strips all that BS away and leaves what works.

SDTS may not be for everyone. I’m okay with that. Everyone has to find what works best for them. On the other hand, I’d put my SDTS up against any dirtbag on the street; I’m that confident in my abilities (and, for the record, I’m still working on Mod 2… now THAT’S an effective system!) Stay Safe.

[Damian (Instructor)]

:D

[Damian (Instructor)]

That is true each system does have its good and bad. So far with SDTS I haven’t seen any bad. But my favorite strike has been and will always be the heel of palm or tiger claw or open hand whatever u wanna call it. With it I almost always take the wave master to the floor.

[Damian (Instructor)]

BTW I do have a little, very little experience with SPEAR, mainly thru some crossfire classes I taken. I like the outside 90 concept that he shows. But even thr really only helped out when I was doin MMA, haven’t been in a street confrontation to have to use it a s truly test it out.

[Author]

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