About Weapon Brand

Training that makes you your own weapon.

Weapon Brand blends real-world law enforcement, military, and self-defense experience into training that’s simple, effective, and built for everyday people — at work, at home, and everywhere in between.

  • Over 50,000 officers, professionals, and civilians trained.
  • Trauma-informed, survivor-safe, and beginner-friendly.
  • Programs for individuals, families, and corporate teams.
Weapon Brand leadership team during self-defense training

Co-Founder • Lead Defensive Tactics Instructor

Brian Anderson Needham

Brian’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 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.

Meet the Weapon Brand team.

Military veterans, law enforcement professionals, healthcare experts, and trauma-informed instructors united around one mission: helping become your OWN weapon.

Brian Anderson Needham, Co-Founder and Lead Instructor

Brian Anderson-Needham

Co-Founder • Lead Defensive Tactics Instructor

US Marine veteran and architect of defensive tactics programs that have trained over 50,000 officers and civilians.

Jamie Anderson, Co-Founder and CEO of Weapon Brand

Jamie Anderson

Co-Founder • CEO

Advertising veteran turned safety advocate, leading Weapon Brand’s programs, partnerships, and adaptive training initiatives.

Tara Pendleton, Weapon Brand instructor

Tara Pendleton

Self-Defense Instructor

Known for her calm, hands-on coaching style that helps new students feel comfortable while learning hard skills.

Terry Moore, Weapon Brand instructor

Terry Moore

RN • Personal Trainer • Self-Defense Instructor

Brings decades of martial arts, healthcare, and crisis-prevention experience into every class.

Chris Hughes, Weapon Brand instructor

Chris Hughes

Law Enforcement • Fitness & Self-Defense

Former parole officer and police officer, blending exercise therapy with practical self-defense.

Amanda Purdin, Weapon Brand instructor

Amanda Purdin

Corrections • Medical • De-escalation

Former correction officer and nurse, specializing in de-escalation and trauma-informed training.

Dylan Brieck, Weapon Brand firearms instructor

Dylan Brieck

USMC & Army Special Forces Veteran

Former Marine and Special Forces operator, now focused on firearms mastery and real-world defensive tactics.

Kevin Baker, Weapon Brand instructor

Kevin Baker

Self-Defense & Firearms Instructor

Lifelong student of martial arts and personal protection with a focus on everyday threat awareness.

Paula Vivoda-Klotz, Weapon Brand instructor

Paula Vivoda-Klotz

Personal Trainer • Self-Defense Instructor

Creator of the “Bully Beware” program, empowering kids, women, and families with practical skills and confidence.

Gabrielle LePore, Weapon Brand instructor

Gabrielle LePore

US Marine Veteran • Firearms & Self-Defense

Marine veteran and USCCA-certified instructor, known for her welcoming, beginner-friendly teaching style.

Alexi Lake, Weapon Brand instructor

Alexi Lake

Law Enforcement • US Marine Corps • Security

Brings law enforcement, Marine Corps, and emergency management experience to modern firearms and safety training.

Ready to bring Weapon Brand to you?

Schedule a class, corporate training, or one-on-one session and start building skills that last long after the class is over.

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