Brian Anderson-Needham

Instructor # 3542734 | Weapon Brand

Certified with the USCCA since 4/7/2024

Certification Renewal Date 4/7/2025

USCCA Certifications

  • Concealed Carry & Home Defense

My Biography

There’s good firearms training, better firearms training, and then there's Weapon Brand firearms training. We stand behind our programs with a 100% money-back satisfaction guarantee. See why we're top-rated by checking out our nearly 100 five-star Google reviews! NRA and USCCA certified, you're in safe hands with Weapon Brand.

Brian Anderson-Needham’s career is nothing short of impressive, having served as a US Marine with a decorated background that instilled in him invaluable leadership skills and a deep sense of bravery. As a Sniper, Platoon Sergeant, and Route Recon Forward Operator, Brian led critical missions with a steadfast determination and unwavering commitment to safeguarding America's freedom.

Brian's exceptional dedication to service did not end with his military career. For over twenty years, he held various positions with the State of Ohio, including as a Hostage Negotiator, Violent Fugitive Task Force Specialist, and Defensive Training Specialist. Drawing on his extensive expertise in firearms, hand-to-hand combat, and de-escalation techniques, Brian was tasked by the state to develop a highly regarded state-wide training program for law enforcement agencies, parole and corrections departments. The program was so successful that it has been adopted by agencies throughout the country and sold by the State of Ohio for their own training purposes over the past two decades.

Today, we continue to offer some of the same programs that Brian created, providing invaluable training to law enforcement agencies and other organizations.

Over the years, Brian has trained over 50,000 law enforcement, probation, and corrections officers, and now takes pride in training individuals, groups, and corporate clients who prioritize safety and the importance of getting home to their families every night.

Brian also owns Combat Athlete Performance Academy in Warren, OH, which serves as a Weapon Brand’s mid-west training facility.

Outside of work, Brian enjoys spending time with his family and supporting his son, who is currently a US Marine. He also finds joy in training, boxing, competitive fighting, church functions, traveling, and riding his motorcycle. His passion for helping people become better and safer individuals is at the forefront of everything he does.

Qualifications: Military experience and certified in USMC Defensive LINE training, Hand to Hand Combat Skills, MCMAP (Marine Corps Martial Arts Program). Route Reconnaissance Marine and forward operator serving in a combat zone. Former kickboxing and boxing fitness instructor at Title Boxing Club and Skraphouse MMA & Fitness.

Lead Defensive Tactics Instructor: Advanced Defensive Tactics Defensive Tactics Instructor course Defensive Tactics Instructor Trainer course Defensive Tactics Specialized Skills Defense Against Multiple Subjects Defense Against Ground Attacks Defense Against Edged & Blunt Weapons Weapons Retention Tactics Sexual Assault Prevention instructor Unarmed Self Defense instructor Tactical SWAT/SRT Operator Defensive Skills Active Shooter Response

OPOTA (Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy): Legal Use of Force Instructor Basic Pistol Subject Control

Instruction Certifications: PDR (Personal Defense Readiness) SPEAR (Spontaneous Protection Enabling Accelerated Response) System Instructor Force Management Systems Instructor (FMS Talon Global) OSHP Police Instructor OPOTA/NRA Certified Concealed Carry Instructor Firearms (Basic/Combat Focus/Home Protection) SWAT/SRT Tactical Operator Semi-Auto Revolver Carbine (Rifle/M4) Shotgun CPR/First Aid/AED Interpersonal Communications/De-escalation Security Threat Groups Active Shooter Response/Critical Incident (ODRC & ICE Instructor) Crisis Intervention Tactics Vulnerability Assessment Inspection/Observation

Martial Arts Training & Certification: Muay Thai Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Judo Boxing Kickboxing Wrestling Jeet Kun Do

Physical Fitness: CPR CF-L Crossfit Striking Coach Crossfit SPEAR Coach Crossfit Defense Coach Crossfit Kettlebell Coach