Self/Home Defense Training Classes In East TN?

[mhl6493]

I'm new to world of firearms, and have recently applied for my HCP. In Tennessee, that means I've been through the required 8-hour training. I'm finding, however, that I really would like to get further training -- not just to be a responsible gun owner/carrier, but because I just enjoy it.

I know there are a few places in my general area that offer classes, but I honestly don't know enough to separate the wheat from the chaff. I don't have the time or money to waste on something that isn't going to do me any practical good.

So, my question is, do any of you folks in East Tennessee have any experience with businesses in the Knoxville or Chattanooga area (I live in Athens) that would lead you to make any positive recommendations? Thanks ahead of time for your input!

 

[major bumm]

East TN, not really, but maybe central. (oh yeah great... 4 hrs away)

Personally, I looked into these advanced courses a few years ago. I came to the conclusion that there are really only a few good ones around that would teach me more than I could get from a book. Mas Ayoob teaches courses, sometimes in states other than NH and also maybe courses from Gunsight in AZ. Obviously, I haven't taken either, yet.

If you haven't done so already, look into Mas's books before investing the $$ for the courses. Stressfire comes to mind.

...JMHO

 

[Protected One]

I don't know how far you are from Camden, but the link below provides info about "Tactical Response" classes. My recommendation would be a class called "THE FIGHT".

Tactical Response

Some are critical of James Yeager because of his disposition, but that means nothing to me. I find his knowledge and tactics sound.

 

[Protected One]

East TN, not really, but maybe central. (oh yeah great... 4 hrs away)

Personally, I looked into these advanced courses a few years ago. I came to the conclusion that there are really only a few good ones around that would teach me more than I could get from a book. Mas Ayoob teaches courses, sometimes in states other than NH and also maybe courses from Gunsight in AZ. Obviously, I haven't taken either, yet.

If you haven't done so already, look into Mas's books before investing the $$ for the courses. Stressfire comes to mind.

...JMHO

Massad Ayoobs books are good and I've read several. His "Gun Digest book of Concealed Carry (2nd Edition)" is on the table next to me right now, and is VERY good. Still, book learning alone does NOT adequately prepare one for the realities of an actual encounter. Even physical training courses can't...they are just as close as we can come.
On the subject of books, I also recommend Rory Millers -"Facing Violence". Excellent!!!

 

[Maze 686]

I don't know how far you are from Camden, but the link below provides info about "Tactical Response" classes. My recommendation would be a class called "THE FIGHT".

Tactical Response

Some are critical of James Yeager because of his disposition, but that means nothing to me. I find his knowledge and tactics sound.

I 'll second that. They are very professional and their methond of instruction is what you would expect from a military or law enforcement academies. I have taken Fighting Pistol and Fighting Rifle in the past and they helped in my duties as a law enforcement instructor.

 

[amazingflapjack]

My experience with Tennessee as a whole, and the eastern part in particular would cause me to question where someone starting that kind of business would raise enough customers. On the other hand, they would have a ready work force of "instructors" on hand. Ask your neighbor.

 

[Rastoff]

On the other hand, they would have a ready work force of "instructors" on hand. Ask your neighbor.

This is not relegated to any one locale. Trust me, they're everywhere. I just spoke with one yesterday. He doesn't even own a handgun, but is ready to teach classes.

Books and videos are great. However, nothing beats a live instructor for fine tuning those skills. Yes, I'm an instructor so I'm biased. However, it's been my experience that most who haven't had a live class, would benefit greatly from it. It's just like dry practice. Dry practice is probably one of the best tools a shooter can use to improve their shooting. Even so, if you never shoot live rounds, you really don't know how you'll do.

I offer a money back guarantee. At the end of any of my classes you feel you didn't learn anything or your shooting won't improve with the skill taught, I'll refund the price of the class.

Answer these three questions without looking them up:

1. What are the 6 fundamentals of pistol shooting?
2. Can you name the 5 steps in presenting a pistol from the holster?
3. What are the 4 levels of awareness? (Some teach 5 levels, that would be acceptable too.)

There is a lot more to shooting and self-defense. But, if you can't answer those off the top of your head, you'll benefit from some quality instruction.

 

[Doug M.]

Do yourself a favor. Do the research to find a top flight school, then put aside the money to attend. In TN, you might consider Tom Givens at Rangemaster. I sure would. HITS in Dallas is another top flight crew. If I can, I'll attend a class or two with them soon, and if you can find Bill Jeans (Morrigan Consulting), he's also worth considering.

Just a few suggestions, and not the be all and end all.

 

[Protected One]

This is not relegated to any one locale. Trust me, they're everywhere. I just spoke with one yesterday. He doesn't even own a handgun, but is ready to teach classes.

Books and videos are great. However, nothing beats a live instructor for fine tuning those skills. Yes, I'm an instructor so I'm biased. However, it's been my experience that most who haven't had a live class, would benefit greatly from it. It's just like dry practice. Dry practice is probably one of the best tools a shooter can use to improve their shooting. Even so, if you never shoot live rounds, you really don't know how you'll do.

I offer a money back guarantee. At the end of any of my classes you feel you didn't learn anything or your shooting won't improve with the skill taught, I'll refund the price of the class.

Answer these three questions without looking them up:

1. What are the 6 fundamentals of pistol shooting?
2. Can you name the 5 steps in presenting a pistol from the holster?
3. What are the 4 levels of awareness? (Some teach 5 levels, that would be acceptable too.)

There is a lot more to shooting and self-defense. But, if you can't answer those off the top of your head, you'll benefit from some quality instruction.

I realize you were not replying to the OP's question, but do you realize he's already said he wants training...that's why he's asking for recommendations! Why ask him questions about "fundamentals" in this case?

 

[Rastoff]

I realize you were not replying to the OP's question, but do you realize he's already said he wants training...that's why he's asking for recommendations! Why ask him questions about "fundamentals" in this case?

Yes, I'm aware he already wants training. My post is more directed toward the comments that books and videos are as good as any live class.

Also, it may not have been clear in my post, but those are good ways to interview an instructor. If an instructor doesn't teach those things or can't answer them, maybe you should look for another class.

 

[mhl6493]

Thanks for all the suggestions so far. I'll do some research on them, and go from there. I may start with a few books, but I definitely want something hands-on. I learn much better that way. I don't want to be "Tactical Tom" or anything -- I just want to be improve my skills and therefore my confidence.

 

[Kanewpadle]

Research all you can. Instructors are a dime a dozen. Good instructors are hard to come by. I second Tom Givens. It will be worth every penny.

 

[Maze 686]

Just to add to my above post.
If your willing to travel to North Carolina, you will find some others like Kyle Lamb, Gray Group, what ever Blackwater is calling themselves this week.

Kyle Lamb has an excellent book out called, "Staying in the fight ".
Dave Spaulding has a good one too, I just can't recall the name of it. I gave my copy to another police instructor from Alaska I was doing some training with.