About

Meet Scott Hills, Owner – Instructor:

I. Background:

Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice – University of Akron

Graduated from Summit County Sheriff’s Academy

Graduated from Ohio Peace Officers Training School

Trained by the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency)

Trained in Special Weapons and Tactics

II. Self-Defense, Situational Awareness, and Firearms Certifications

Self-Defense Instructor – Krav Maga, Spear System

Acuri – SAS (Situational Awareness Specialist) via Self-Defense

NRA Pistol Instructor

NRA Home Invasion Trainer

IDS (Integrative Defense Strategies) Advanced Firearms Instructor

Florida Firearms Training – Certified Basic Pistol and Concealed, and Advanced Pistol

Universal Shooting Academy (Frank Garcia) – Intermediate Practical Pistol Trained

Simunitions Trained

Ultimate Training Munitions (UTM) Trained

III. Active Shooter Certifications

Active Shooter Prevention Trainer

ALICE Certified

ALIVE Certified

Workplace Safety Training Certification – Udemy

Acuri – SAS (Situational Awareness Specialist) via Active Shooter

Area of Practice

Fort Myers Self-Defense Classes (FortMyersSelfDefenseClasses.com) is the same as SmartSecureSafe (www.SmartSecureSafe.com). I just decided to individually promote each of my services to give more useful information to my customers.

01

Self-Defense:

Using the SPEAR system, which stands for Spontaneous Protection Enabling Accelerated Response, is vital in self-defense because it is based on the body’s natural reflexes and reactions to threats. It’s crucial for several reasons:

  1. Instinct-Based: Unlike many traditional martial arts, the SPEAR system doesn’t rely on complex motor skills or predetermined moves that can be difficult to recall under stress. It is designed to work with the body’s instinctive reactions, making it more accessible and effective for people of all skill levels.
  2. Adaptability: It is highly adaptable to a wide range of scenarios. Whether faced with an unexpected physical attack or an active shooter situation, the SPEAR system’s principles can be applied to increase one’s chances of survival.
  3. Accelerated Learning Curve: Given its basis in natural reactions, students can learn the SPEAR system relatively quickly. This is particularly important for self-defense, where time is of the essence, and there may not be the luxury of long-term training before needing to use the techniques.
  4. De-escalation and Awareness: The system emphasizes situational awareness and the ability to de-escalate potential threats before they become physical. This aligns with the broader goals of self-defense, prioritizing avoiding conflict over engaging in it.
  5. Holistic Approach: SPEAR is not just about physical techniques but a holistic system incorporating psychological and emotional components. Understanding the fear response, for instance, is an integral part of the training, which helps individuals manage panic and think clearly in dangerous situations.
  6. Legality and Ethics: The SPEAR system promotes using force that is proportional to the threat, which is an essential consideration in self-defense from both a legal and ethical standpoint. This helps ensure that individuals respond appropriately to the level of danger they face.
  7. Enhanced Confidence: Training in the SPEAR system can significantly boost confidence, not just in one’s physical abilities to defend themselves but also in their overall sense of security and preparedness. This increased confidence can be empowering in everyday life and critical incidents.
  8. Physical Fitness: The physical training involved in learning the SPEAR system contributes to overall health and fitness, which is beneficial for general well-being and enhances the ability to handle a physical confrontation.

In conclusion, the SPEAR system is essential to self-defense training due to its foundation in natural human instincts and reactions. It is adaptable, quick to learn, and focuses on the full spectrum of self-defense, from awareness and de-escalation to the ethical and legal implications of self-protection.

02

Situational Awareness:

Situational awareness is a cornerstone of self-defense training for several critical reasons:

  1. Prevention and Avoidance: Situational awareness is primarily about recognizing potential threats before they escalate into physical confrontations. By being aware of one’s environment and any anomalies or threats within it, individuals can take preventive actions, such as avoiding dangerous situations or de-escalating a conflict before it becomes violent.
  2. Early Detection: It allows for the early detection of potential attackers, giving individuals more time to react. This early detection is vital because it can provide the few extra seconds needed to implement a self-defense strategy or escape to safety.
  3. Decision-Making: Good situational awareness contributes to clearer and more informed decision-making under stress. When individuals are aware of their surroundings and can process information quickly, they are better equipped to make decisions that could prevent harm.
  4. Stress Management: Being situationally aware helps in managing the stress response in dangerous situations. It can prevent panic by providing a realistic assessment of the environment, which in turn allows for more controlled and effective responses.
  5. Resource Utilization: Awareness of one’s environment enables the identification and utilization of available resources, whether it’s finding an improvised weapon, identifying an escape route, or seeking help from bystanders.
  6. Tactical Advantage: In a self-defense scenario, having superior situational awareness can provide a tactical advantage. Knowing the terrain, potential obstacles, and the relative position of an aggressor can inform defensive tactics and movements.
  7. Enhances Training: Situational awareness training helps individuals understand and apply self-defense techniques within the context of real-world scenarios. This practical application of skills ensures that training is not just theoretical but can be effectively applied when needed.
  8. Legal and Moral Responsibility: Understanding the dynamics of an unfolding situation can also have legal and moral implications. It ensures that force is used judiciously and in proportion to the perceived threat, which is essential for legal self-defense claims.
  9. Continuous Assessment: Situational awareness is not a one-time assessment but a continuous process. It involves constantly monitoring the environment for changes, which is crucial in dynamic situations where threats can evolve rapidly.
  10. Confidence and Deterrence: Often, individuals who display a high level of situational awareness project confidence and control, which can deter potential attackers looking for easy, unsuspecting targets.

For these reasons, situational awareness is not just a supplementary skill but a fundamental aspect of self-defense training. It aligns with the proactive mindset of self-protection, emphasizing readiness and prevention over reactive measures.