Training, classes and student comments

Classes and Training:

BASIC HANDGUN SKILLS:
   This course is designed for people with little or no handgun experience. The student can expect to spend between 4 to 5 hours on a private range. Typically these type classes are conducted in a one on one atmosphere, but couples are welcome too. Small groups of no more than 4 can be accommodated as well with prior notice. It would be my recommendation that all adults in the household have sufficient handgun knowledge so they may learn the necessary skills in it's use. All classes are scheduled on a first come first serve basis, six and occasionally seven days a week. I will attempt to keep class size small to provide the best possible training to each student as an individual rather than turn large numbers in a class. People have different rates of learning and I find it important to teach with that in mind.
   The student can expect to learn a group of basic handgun fundamentals to build upon if they choose to do so. Students will learn the differences between revolvers and semi automatic type handguns, center-fire and rim-fire ammo, larger frame handguns and small framed too. Different types "actions" will be worked with as well including single action, double action, DA/SA, DAO etc.. I find it valuable to provide an array of firearms to be used as this helps individuals determine the best choice to meet their needs.
   Firearms, ammunition, eye & ear protection, targets, paperwork, and a packet containing the necessary forms for the State of Florida concealed carry permit will be provided. Upon satisfactory class completion each student will receive a firearms proficiency certificate that can be used as proficiency documentation in many States including Florida to obtain a carry permit.

INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED HANDGUN SKILLS:
   Many people stop at the point where they obtain a concealed carry permit. That is the BEGINNING of the journey. The permit will not be issued with a skill set so necessary to one's ability to lawfully defend themselves should need arise. I URGE YOU TO PLEASE TAKE TIME TO TRAIN TO DEVELOP SOME SKILLS.
   Typically I like to first evaluate a student to learn of their abilities. This then provides direction for the training. I prefer to do this type training in short time frames. Too many people have spent lots of money on day long classes only to come away cheated in the end. Most folks can't learn and absorb for 8 or 10 hours straight. Typically experience has taught me the best way to approach this is to work in 2 or 3 hour segments, thus providing opportunity for the techniques to be learned throughly. After the student feels comfortable that they have grasped the skills, we move on and teach more, with practice sessions being recommended in between training sessions.
   Typical factors covered in these sessions:
   * Help with carry methods, holsters, positions, fanny packs, etc.
   * Help with gear and accessories selections. Bottom line, don't buy it just because you saw it in a gun magazine.
   * Help choosing a correct firearm. This is huge, as I run across people weekly who are confused.Generally these folks went to a gun show and got a permit,,,no training, no education. I can help!
   * Learning & developing techniques on HOW to draw the handgun from concealment. Both a one hand draw and a two hand draw will be covered.
   * Handgun presentation (that mystical distance between drawing from concealment and the gun going bang).
   * Shooting positions, one handed, two handed, weak handed. There are also some critical techniques to be learned regarding how to engage threats at different distances. Engaging a target at 20' will require a different technique than engaging a target at 2'. Students can expect to cover this very thoroughly and perform repetitions of such until a comfort level is reached.
   * Malfunction clearance.
   * Speed reloading, and where to carry extra ammo & why.
   * Shoot & move, move & shoot. HOW to move, especially with others present. Couples can be taught to move together with each person having a role. This is paramount on the streets or in the home. This happens to be one of my favorite aspects to training. I love it!
   * Cover VS. concealment & how to use both.
   * Using sights and NOT using sights ( AKA point shooting).
   * Flashlights. Again, I have found lots of confusion out there on this issue. The right selection is needed first, then learning techniques associated with the use of light & handgun at the same time is valuable.
   In general there are way too many techniques to type out here without needing chapters and an index. I feel it necessary to remind everyone that you never arrive, it will be a journey. Once skills are established we then go into a maintenance mode to keep the skills fresh.

HOME DEFENSE:
   I encounter those who wish to learn techniques associated with home defense. This often involves shotguns as well which i consider to be a GREAT selection for a home defense firearm. Yes I can teach you about shotguns too, my skills are not limited to handguns only. Although a handgun could be used as a home defense firearm, some choose to go with a firearm with a bit more clout. Learning to safely move about in the home is a great skill to have, yet many have no idea what is involved. Remember, in the middle of the night, after a forced entry there will be NO time to undergo a learning curve. I have met with clients in their home to offer further insight into their personal circumstances. Again, I will offer personalized attention to an individual's abilities, needs and circumstances to help them develop defensive skills.

OC SPRAY (pepper spray) TRAINING:
   My first encounter with any form of OC spray training was a pure accident. How is that for honestly! I learned quickly that the use of OC sprays can be very effective in a defensive sense. The time it takes to learn is short compared to using handguns, but well worth the time and effort. So far everyone who has assumed it was just a point & spray technique has been surprised at the poor results they initially experienced. In other words, yes it does take a bit of education. For starters there are different spray patterns that hold different capabilities. Much like a handgun, having the correct spray pattern is a good place to start. There are some simple techniques to using defensive sprays that I tend to teach. Once a student has learned these techniques, I provide them with a bit more realistic training. I act as a live, moving target, and when I say moving, I mean moving! I obtain professional training canisters that are of different sizes, etc. but filled with water instead of OC spray. Students can expect a lesson in reality to see just how fast an attacker can move in on you while you retrieve your canister and deploy the spray effectively. The use of OC sprays are a great addition to a person's defensive capabilities. Remember, not every situation will justify the use of lethal force, hence the need for something other than a handgun. OC sprays offer people not quite ready to carry yet an option for defense as well.

TARGET SHOOTING:
   I have worked with folks who simply want to learn how to safely handle all manner of firearms to target shoot & plink. There is a fun & sporting side to firearms which is often overlooked by many including the media. I have worked with youth involved in ROTC training as well. I have had parents bring young folks to me to teach them the respect and necessary safe firearm handling skills. The earlier a young person starts to develop safe skills the better! Maybe you are perplexed by your shooting,,,,,as in you aim here but you hit there. I can generally offer help to get you hitting where you want to be.

WHAT NOW?
  I want to stress to everyone that not all instructional classes out there are alike. The instructor has allot to do with it. When you locate someone more serious than I am about all of this let me know . Please don't assume that just because you find a cheaper price somewhere else it automatically means you win out. I have people come to me all the time and tell me tales of how little they did at a so called class. If doing as little as possible for the cheapest price is how you choose to approach an issue as serious as firearms and defensive training, them I am probably not the guy for you.
If you are interested in taking a course or working with me please contact me for more information or to schedule a time. this can be done on the next page (contact me).

STUDENT COMMENTS:

Ron teaches a class with thought, care, and incredible expertise. He emphasizes safety, developing your awareness of surroundings, safety, gun control and accuracy, safety, body position and techniques that affects your accuracy, and did I mention safety? He is careful to progress at his student's pace; challenging and not scary, thoughtful and not boring. His classes have really developed my skills, have made me safer every day whether I am carrying or not, and have instilled a realistic confidence in my abilities. Can't recommend him highly enough!

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We found Ron after taking another class and walking away feeling real inadequate. Ron has taken enormous amounts & patience of time to help us. As a former teacher I can see his passion for what he does. We see him generally four times a year just to learn more and to stay in shape. We wish him all the best with his new web site.

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I’m a single mother and afraid to be home alone many nights. Ron, your expert training has really helped me to feel safer. Thank you.

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Ron, Congrats on you new web site!

I would like to tell anyone who is thinking about firearms training to seriously consider Ron . Ron has taught me and my wife to safely and confidently handle and shoot firearms, both pistol and shotgun. In fact, Ron took my wife from " I don't want guns in the house" to shooting my Mossberg 590 12 GA from her hip and loving it!!! And that was in ONE lesson. She now claims my GP 100 as "hers". I have watched him train friends and family over the past 3 years and the results are always the same. Excellent! When my son in law decided he wanted to get his CCL I asked (demanded) that he train with Ron. Hey I have 3 grandchildren under his roof and I want to know they are safe. Ron has shown my oldest grandson a thing or 2 about trigger control.

I have had lessons from others and I will guarantee you will not find a more thorough instructor, plus you are going to have a ton of fun while you learn skills that could possibly save your life someday. It's not just firearms training. Ron will show you how to heighten your awareness in your everyday travels. Trust me, you will be amazed what gets by you daily until you are trained to look for it.

D. M.
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Ron, we just wanted to say thanks for helping us as you did. Terry was dead set against even thinking of owning a handgun. After she was taught that she could safely handle a handgun she is now at ease with it. I thought I was prepared before, but after a session with you I began to realize I knew nothing. We are coming back for more real soon. Thanks again.

Terry & Wayne
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During July of 2012 4 of my girlfriends and I decided we were going to look into getting our permits to carry. Each of us found different courses to take. Each of us had an opinion about how much money to spend too. I chose to not go with the group after talking to Ron on the phone. They were more interested in having lunch that they were about learning anything. I can honestly say that is one decision I will not regret making. Just yesterday I met up with one of the girls who took another avenue to get her carry permit. She was so excited about showing me her new gun that when she pulled it out of her purse it was pointed right at me! I felt embarrassed for her. I asked her what they learned in their class. She quickly corrected me that they didn’t go to learn anything, just to get their permit. They asked me by email to go shooting with them soon. I think I will have to find ways to be busy as I don’t feel comfortable around people with guns and no experience. Thank you Ron for what you did for me. I am coming back for more training and I will be most happy to recommend you in the future.

Linda R.

North Port, Florida

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