My Training Philosophy

KISS - Keep It Simple, Shooters!

If you are a beginner or just want to shoot recreationally, that's great. Let's have fun. I can help you become a safe, accurate and confident shooter in a short amount of time. 

If you are ready to be a DEFENDER, read on. 

Do you want firearms and defense training to entertain you, or to prepare you?

There are many different approaches to firearms and personal defense training. I have attended courses from several different instructors and have attended many law enforcement training classes. In addition to this training, I have a law degree. Because of this background, I think differently than most other instructors. 

Many firearms classes are more entertaining than helpful. They are filled with excitement and cool techniques, often too many techniques to remember and practice, instead of focusing on what can easily be implemented by most people in everyday situations. That's entertainment, not preparation.

Unlike many other instructors, I'm not all about guns. I'm about preparedness. There is so much more to being properly prepared to protect yourself than just learning to shoot. In fact, the majority of personal defense situations don't need to involve a firearm. Emphasizing only guns actually increases one's personal risk and legal liability rather than reducing them. 

To be  adequately prepared, you must become familiar with four components that are equally important:

1) Firearms Proficiency - If you are going to carry a handgun for personal defense, you must work on your proficiency until your actions become subconscious and automatic. You must be able to act without having to remember how your firearm works, how to quickly and safely draw, re-holster, clear a malfunction, and more. A lack of total proficiency in the face of a trained attacker empowers them and threatens you.

2) Non-Lethal Alternatives - A handgun should not be your only option. If at all possible, it also should not be your first option. Many altercations can and should end with less force, such as a stun gun or pepper spray, or even non-weapon tools. Drawing your firearm, even if you don't shoot it, can make you criminally liable. Having other options is smart.

3) Mental State - This includes your awareness of and reaction to potential threats, as well as your emotional ability to use lethal force if required to.  If you can't be 100% committed to pulling the trigger if faced with an imminent deadly threat, it's simple: DO NOT carry a firearm. Non-lethal alternatives should be your priority.

4) Legal Knowledge and Insurance - Before you carry a handgun, know the laws regarding the right to carry weapons and the use of force. Know them well. Also, don't carry a handgun without proper liability insurance to protect you in the event of an altercation. Are you able and willing to fork over $100,000 in attorney and court fees to defend youself, even if you were 100% justified? You should never carry a firearm for defensive purposes without insurance that will pay for your legal representation as well as other costs. 

I blend these four components into one program that is easy to learn, practice, and implement. 

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MY BOTTOM LINE: 

Personal defense training needs to be easy to learn, easy to practice, easy to remember, and easy to put to use if the need arises. If it isn't easy, most people won't stick with it and do what it takes to actually be prepared. Because of this, I have developed a training program to help people achieve these goals.

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So let's make it simple. For most people, I teach one shooting technique with one situational modification. One set of safety rules. One method of safely and effectively drawing, managing, and re-holstering your firearm. One method of awareness. One or two options for non-lethal defense. Follow that up with regular (but not overwhelming) practice. Doing things in this simple way makes it much easier to learn, improve, and remember. This means that it's much more likely that you will be effective at protecting yourself and your family. 

Training that you can remember and use when it counts. 

WHAT ELSE MATTERS?