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Who We Are
Tip of Spear is the premier academy for
physical security, personal safety and self-defence training
in Alberta, Canada.
We are:
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One of Alberta’s largest professional protection training centres.
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​Providers of both instructor-led, in-person courses and flexible self-paced online programs.
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​Accredited educators in physical security, private investigations, peace officer training, and other protection-related fields.
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Certified instructors in self-defence, de-escalation, situational awareness, and essential personal safety skills.
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We have a long-standing A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Tip of Spear is a privately held corporation based in Edmonton, Alberta, proudly serving communities across the province since 2011. The company is led by co-founder and owner Ida Agronin and supported by a dedicated team of three administrative staff and seven experienced instructors. Together, they deliver a diverse and expanding portfolio of twelve specialized training programs designed to meet the evolving needs of Alberta’s protection and security professionals.
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Why are we different?
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At Tip of Spear, we truly care about people - their safety, confidence, and ability to protect themselves and others. Whether you’re starting a new career, volunteering in your community, or simply wanting to be better prepared, we’re here to walk beside you every step of the way. Our goal is to share skills that make a real difference - helping keep communities safe and making sure everyone gets home to their families at the end of the day.
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Training and development aren’t just what we do—they’re what we excel at. In an ever-changing world, every course we offer is thoughtfully designed or carefully chosen to meet real-world needs and evolving industry standards.
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Unlike many providers, we are not a security guard company. This independence allows us to remain completely objective and ensures that we will never compete with your organization for contracts.
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We live and work right here in Alberta, giving us a true understanding of the local security landscape. We teach from experience and regional context, helping our students gain practical, relevant insights that give them a professional advantage.
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Our team is also flexible and adaptable to the needs of both large and small employers. Whether you require a full program review and redesign, temporary instructional coverage, or assistance shifting focus from training to service delivery, we’re here to help you achieve your goals.
To learn more about our customized support options, please visit our Specialty Services page.
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Our Vision
Our Mission
Our Values
We are dedicated to giving as many people as possible the opportunity to build the self-confidence and learn the skills to protect themselves and those they are responsible for, and ultimately enjoy a peaceful life.
To provide professional, practical, world-class, current, effective education in security, defensive tactics and self-defence to civilians and the protection industry, in order to keep not only themselves safe on and off the job, but the communities they live in and serve.
Our company was founded on the values of: Courage, Determination, and Faith (Peace)
We passionately believe every life is precious and deserves to be safe and protected as a basic human right.
Our Instructors
Our certified trainers teach from experience - not just theory. With decades of real-world work in security, law enforcement, and community safety, they bring practical skills and relatable insights to every class. Whether you’re a frontline worker, volunteer, or simply someone who wants to be better prepared, our team meets you where you are and helps you build the confidence to respond when it matters most.
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Sean Carter - Control Concepts Canada - Head Instructor
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Sean brings decades of expertise in Use of Force training and curriculum design for police, peace officers, security and military professionals.
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With over 38 years of experience in training and development at the Government of Alberta - including serving as Inspector of Law Enforcement Training - Sean led the design of major programs such as the Traffic Sheriffs Program, Investigator Program, and the redesign of the Community and Correctional Peace Officer Programs. He is also a 5th Degree Black Belt in Shotokan Karate and a certified Instructor Trainer with Human Factor Research Group - PPCT, Winning Mind Training, and International Instructor for Martial Blade Concepts.
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Beyond his professional background, Sean is deeply passionate about helping students succeed long-term. He has led women’s self-defence and children’s anti-bullying programs, and he is committed to ensuring every participant gains the confidence, knowledge, and practical skills to thrive.
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👉 Learn more about Sean here: Peace Officer Training and Recertification in Alberta
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Aaron McBride - Certified subject matter expert for Control Concepts Canada
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Aaron McBride has been a Use of Force and PPCT Instructor with Alberta Correctional Services since 2004, with expertise in control tactics, officer safety, and professional skills development. Over the course of his career, he has been directly involved in the design and refinement of training programs across the province. His contributions include revisions to the Young Offender Branch Instructor Development Program and the Staff Safety Awareness Program for civilian staff, as well as the creation of the Correctional Officer Recertification Program for the Adult Centre Operations Branch, later adapted for the Young Offender Branch.
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As a subject matter content creator, facilitator and instructor with Control Concepts Canada, Aaron provides accredited training in self-defence and use of force, integrating practical field knowledge with modern instructional methods. He is certified in Martial Blade Concepts (edged weapon defense) and trained in ground fighting, boxing, judo, and jiu-jitsu. Complementing his physical expertise, he also holds certifications in Addictions Counselling, Trauma-Informed Practice, Tactical Communications, De-escalation and Conflict Resolution, and Suicide Intervention. This multidisciplinary foundation enables him to deliver training that is not only physically effective but also grounded in psychological awareness and communication strategy.
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Aaron’s strength as an instructor lies in his ability to engage learners. He is recognized for his approachable teaching style, strong interpersonal skills, and ability to break down complex material into practical, applicable lessons. His expertise in tactical communications and de-escalation sets him apart, and participants consistently highlight his charisma, sense of humour, and supportive approach - qualities that create an environment where learners feel respected, capable, and confident in applying new skills.
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We are proud to welcome Aaron to the Tip of Spear instructional team alongside Sean Carter. Together, they bring unmatched professionalism, instructional excellence, and a commitment to preparing officers and the public, with the judgment, skills, and confidence required to perform at the highest level.
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Other Instructors
Tip of Spear is proud to have a team of dedicated instructors with extensive experience in their respective specialties. Each brings deep knowledge, professionalism, and integrity to their teaching—while creating a positive, engaging learning environment. Our instructors are available to meet the diverse training needs of our clients.
The "Tip of Spear" Name
"Tip of the Spear" is a term that military tacticians use to reference the first combat force that punctures the enemy's initial lines of defense. It is a proactive and reactionary team or force, which exists to provide security, protection, and assistance to the people and property under its care. As with a physical spear, the TOS doesn’t do all of the work, but without it, the spear itself is not a spear, but simply a blunt stick. The tip is the first to go in, the part the starts the process for the rest of the spear to do its job and disrupt hostile groups. Those team members which are the leading edge of an incident, or potential problem, are considered to be the “Tip” of the spear.
In more recent usage, it means to be a trailblazer; the first to venture into a new endeavor. We are passionate about providing current, cutting edge training to these "first responders" and public facing staff and volunteers.
Where did the phrase "Point the Way" come from?
"The real leader has no need to lead — he is content to point the way."
Henry Miller, "The Wisdom of the Heart" in The Wisdom of the Heart (1941).