FIREARMS • SELF-DEFENSE • PREPAREDNESS

Firearms & Self-Defense Training Classes

Practical, hands-on firearms, self-defense and preparedness training for students of all experience levels. Explore upcoming courses at our private training facility near Culpeper, Virginia.

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Extra-Curriculars

One-day classes, open to everyone. No membership needed, and Academy members save $50. See upcoming dates →

Several revolvers laid out on a weathered wooden surface

  • Learn how to select, set up, shoot, operate, and maintain a revolver for personal defense or field use.

    250 rounds, plus eye and ear protection. Food and drink for the day. Speed loaders highly recommended.

    November 15, 2026 session: $250. Register on ShootingClasses.com

Student in ear protection aiming a pump-action shotgun on the range

  • This home defense shotgun course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to confidently use a shotgun for home defense.

    Key topics include selecting and configuring a defensive shotgun, choosing the right ammunition, reliable loading and operation, shooting techniques, recoil management, and patterning.

    By the end of the course, you'll demonstrate proficiency in handling, loading, and accurate shooting at typical home defense distances, culminating in a shotgun qualification course.

    Students will need 150 rounds of birdshot and 50 rounds of buckshot, with loaner shotguns and affordable ammunition options available. Perfect for anyone seeking practical, hands-on training to enhance their home defense strategy.

    November 14, 2026 session: $250. Register on ShootingClasses.com

    Explore Home Defense Training →

Two students in ear protection firing shotguns on a grass range

  • This advanced course designed for those ready to build on the fundamentals learned in Home Defense Shotgun.

    This class focuses on enhancing speed and accuracy with a shotgun, tackling both single and complex multiple-target scenarios, and mastering competitive timed shooting. Additional topics include slug application, operating in close quarters, and navigating corners with a long gun.

    The day concludes with an abbreviated slug and buckshot qualification inspired by law enforcement standards.

    Students will need a minimum of 125 rounds of birdshot, 125 rounds of buckshot, and 25 slugs, with extra birdshot recommended. Perfect for students eager to elevate their shotgun performance and tactical skills.

    NO STEEL SHOT ALLOWED!

Academy Core

Included with every Academy membership, or book either one for $200. Click a photo to book. See how the Academy works →

Student in a cap and ear protection aiming a pistol on an outdoor range

  • A four-hour seminar dedicated to operating a defensive pistol to the “reflex” level. The skills required to efficiently load, unload, reload, reduce malfunctions, draw and accurately fire will be repeatedly drilled during this course.

    See how the Academy works →

Close-up of a student holding a red training tool at their side
Close-up of a student holding a red training tool at their side

  • This course will equip individuals with the mindset and skills needed to adapt to challenging situations and societal friction. It focuses on lawful use of less lethal weapons, like pepper spray, to prevent interpersonal violence.

    Combining pre-class video content with hands-on practical training, students will gain the essential experience to build resilience and survival strategies. “Stop the Bleed” and basic trauma training is integrated throughout the course.

    The course includes two inert and one active pepper spray dispenser for training purposes. Students will not be exposed to live agents during the class.

    Topics:

    • Stop the Bleed

    • Pepper Spray

    • Understanding Speed

    • Pre-Assault Indicators

    • Proxemics

    • Conflict Avoidance and De-escalation

    • Pre-Decisions and Self-Defense

    Perfect for those seeking to proactively enhance their personal safety and adaptability beyond basic concealed carry qualifications!

    See how the Academy works →

Academy Electives

Four-hour seminars, $200 each or 3 for $400. Members choose six a year (couples share six, families share eight, counted per seat). Click a photo to book. See how the Academy works →

Shooter with a red-dot pistol moving through a doorway inside a house

  • This four-hour seminar provides both hard “technical” skills and an understanding of securing a home while equipped with a handgun. Topics will be:
    Intelligence
    Hardening the home
    Warning
    Lights and lighting
    Involving the family
    200 rounds required.

    Explore Home Defense Training →

Student in a winter coat drawing a pistol from concealment beside cardboard targets

  • Carrying, and deploying, a defensive pistol during the winter months presents environmental challenges that will impact personal and ballistic performance. This seminar addresses these issues with hands-on practical application. 200 rounds required.

Student firing a pistol at paper targets on a wooded range while an instructor watches

  • Modern flashlights give self-defenders a lot of options, but they require consistent training to be effective in a self-defense situation. 200 rounds and a tail-cap activated flashlight required. A flashlight can be provided free of charge.

Aerial view of students shooting down a long range lane at distant steel targets
Aerial view of students shooting down a long range lane at distant steel targets

  • The mission of the traditional concealed handgun is changing as the threat we encounter is evolving. This class will “wring” and “ring” your ability to hit at distance via steel targetry.

    200 rounds required, ideally 50 of your concealed carry self-defense ammunition.

    See how the Academy works →

Aerial view of the range set up with marked lines and barricades for movement drills

  • In a dynamic situation, we must efficiently move and effectively employ cover to ensure our success. This four-hour seminar is moderately physically demanding, and we will scale as necessary. 200 rounds of ammunition required.

Student firing a pistol from the driver's seat of a car
Student firing a pistol from the driver's seat of a car

  • This hands-on self-defense course focused on navigating conflicts or criminal encounters in and around vehicles.

    Through live-fire exercises on the range and scenario-based training with your own vehicle, you'll gain practical skills to deter threats, stay safe, and, if necessary, prevail.

    This four-hour Academy elective requires 200 rounds for participation.

Student shooting a pistol while lying on his back on the range

  • Not all self-defense encounters are resolved with a perfectly functioning pistol from a rehearsed firing-line stance. This four-hour seminar is moderately physically demanding, and we will scale as necessary.

A line of students shooting pistols on an outdoor range
A line of students shooting pistols on an outdoor range

  • The standard four-hour classroom to qualify for a 2027 Virginia concealed handgun permit or a Utah non-resident concealed carry permit. The difference is ours will be fun, and we may actually sneak some shooting into the program!

A father, mother, teenage son and daughter standing together outside a rural farmhouse

  • Prepares families to act in concert in the event of societal friction or violence. Instruction covers communication, individual actions during the event and post-incident procedures.

Aerial view of students shooting rifles from the prone position on the range

  • The AR-15 is in common use across the country. This four-hour class covers the basics of setting up, zeroing, shooting and maintaining this effective tool for home defense. Your rifle must be equipped with a sling. You will need three magazines and 100 rounds of ammunition.

Two partners standing ready together, one holding pepper spray

  • Criminals have a hard enough time dealing with ONE well-trained individual. Imagine you and your partner operating in tactical concert against the threat. This class gives teams communication and security tactics for circumstances ranging from conflict to criminality.

Find Your Next Training Class

Ready to train? View our upcoming firearms, self-defense and preparedness classes to find available dates, locations and registration information.

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