Become a Certified Firewalking Instructor

Obsidian Firewalking is teaming up with FireHawk to bring an immersive, five-day Firewalk Instructor Training (FIT) to the United States. You’ll learn to build and lead safe, transformational firewalks and breakthrough activities — graduating with a dual certification recognized by both organizations.

Lead instructors: Ron & Patty Schaeffer (Obsidian Firewalking) and Mārtiņš Vecvanags (FireHawk).

What You’ll Learn

  • 🔥 Fire science, site design, safety & risk management
  • 🧭 Group leadership, facilitation & transformation frameworks
  • 🧱 Breakthrough activities: glasswalk, arrow-break, board-break, rebar bend
  • 🔥 Four training firewalks with progressive facilitation roles
  • 🧩 Logistics: permits, insurance, equipment, operations
  • 🌍 Business & ethics: pricing, agreements, culture, lineage
Training around the embers

Schedule Overview

  • Day 1 (Wed) — Arrival, orientation, safety, fire craft foundations
  • Days 2–4 — Instruction, drills, facilitation practice, breakthrough activities, nightly integration
  • Day 5 (Sun) — Final practicum & certification

Location & Lodging

Western North Carolina in the Blue Ridge — venue to be announced. A limited number of on-site residential packages are planned at approximately $820 (four nights @ $205/night including meals). Commuter option available.

  • 🛏️ 4 nights lodging + meals (residential package)
  • 🔥 Dedicated fire site & equipment
  • 🚗 Parking on site; nearest major airports: AVL, CLT

Tuition & Registration

Tuition

Training & dual certification

$2500

Residential (Optional)

4 nights lodging + meals

$820

Questions?

Ask about rooming, travel, or team rates.

Contact Us

Space is limited. Deposit and refund details provided at registration.

See the Work

Images from recent retreats, gatherings, and trainings.

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