Like many others in the area, I teach Concealed Carry training classes. So what is the difference between what I do, and what training others provide. I’ve been teaching firearms classes to law enforcement and the public for almost thirty years. When teaching classes for law enforcement, I had limited resources. This required me to provide training quickly and with maximum efficiency to people with a wide ranging amount of skill and capabilities.

To make sure each of these officers met the required standards, and more importantly – to be able to protect themselves and others, I had to use a variety of teaching methods and had to change my approach with each officer to meet their specific needs. This experience was an invaluable opportunity to learn more about teaching firearms skills in less time, than any other experience I can imagine. The lessons I learned during these years, I still use today when teaching others.

While I regularly train others, attending training classes as a student is important to see what material and training techniques others use. I recently went through a local firearms training class to meet some firearms carry requirements. It not only gave me an insight into what other local instructors are doing in their classes, it gave me an opportunity to see what student needs are being met, and what other needs need to be addressed. even though I’ve been teaching firearms classes for a long time, after this course, I spend quite a lot of time and effort updating my lesson plan to include some critical information in my classes other instructors are not.

As a result, my classes will bring some content and material that is often not available through other courses. I’ll dispel a lot of the myths people have about carrying a firearm. I’ll talk about the mindset you’ll need to have to defend yourself. And just as important, we’ll talk about how to remain alert and aware of your surroundings to reduce the chance you’ll find yourself in a position where you may need to use a firearm.

Like most other CCW classes, we’ll discuss the use of force, and when you can and can’t use force, and what degree of force would be appropriate in a particular situation. We’ll also talk quite a bit about federal law, state statutes, and local codes and ordinances that may apply as you carry a firearm, and if you need to use it to defend yourself. If you are ever involved in a self-defense shooting, even if you are not charged criminally, you will also need to understand the potential liability that could cause you to lose in a civil lawsuit.

We’ll spend time talking about the physiological and psychological aspects that will effect you should you actually be involved in a shooting. What happens when your body get’s pushed into a critical situation, and you brain releases a variety of stress related chemicals? You’ll find out, and you’ll learn how to train to overcome these effects.

“Stopping Power” “Knockdown Effect”  “One Shot Stops” Nice phrases, but not very realistic in the real world. So, we’ll talk about what bullets do to the human body – a “No B.S.” discussion of what really happens. Not only so you will be able to defend yourself effectively, but also so you will be better prepared should you be wounded in a use of force conflict.

We’ll talk about what to do after the shots are fired. Things you can do now, to help you not just survive a shooting situation, but to prepare yourself for what happen when you are still standing, and the bad guy isn’t. Having been involved in several shooting situations myself, I can offer some insight into the reality that you want to know about, and be prepared to deal with.

We’ll talk about what equipment options are out there, and how to find out what will work best for you and your needs. The gun will be a starting point, but there will be holsters, belts, bullets, magazines, clothing considerations, what to wear, and how to keep that gun hidden from view.

I’ll talk about carrying a firearm every day. After doing so for over thirty years, including a couple of years carrying firearms when working undercover, I’ve learned a lot and it may not be what you think. What should you consider about carrying a gun in your car, in your house, when going out to dinner with friends, or just running around town doing errands?

But, in my opinion, the most important thing we will do, is to teach you how to manipulate your firearm and function effectively when you are scared, and your hands don’t seem to work as they need to because a load of adrenalin  just been dumped into your system. I’ve been there, I know what that’s like, and I’ve spend many years teaching people what to do in those situations to survive.

I only teach realistic techniques that have been proven to work when under stress, and in real world situations. When something looks good when done on TV or in the movies, that doesn’t mean it is safe, effective, or will be working when “Mr. Murphy” shows up to mess with you (Murphy’s Law – when something can go wrong, it will, and at the worst possible time).

I’m really look to providing this training, and I hope if you are interested in getting a concealed weapon permit, you will consider doing so with me.