Rob Pincus and ADSI

I recently posted this, but it’s one of those things that needs to get out there over and over again.  The winds of change are blowing and for the good…   Code of Professionalism for Defensive Shooting Instructors  Seven Tenets to Teach by!  by Rob Pincus  The number of people buying defensive firearms and the number of them seeking out training and Concealed Carry Permits are continuing to rise. Concurrently, the private sector training industry has never been busier and is also growing quickly. More and more ranges are hosting courses and allowing their members to practice progressively. New Instructors are joining our ranks every day. These are all GREAT Things. As I speak with my peers in the industry about the Ôgood timesÕ, though, one thing that is often lamented is the lack of ÒstandardsÓ among instructors. Thankfully, most of the focus is not on actual technique or doctrinal standards, but on standards of professionalism, safety and business practices. One of the great things about the state of affairs as it exists is the great variety in doctrines, methods and techniques that can be learned from the many professionals actively teaching defensive shooting.  This variety and the differences in what is being taught leads to the examination and critical thinking that is necessary for evolution and improvement. Sometimes, however, those differences go beyond the hard skills and bleed into areas that can cause a lot of heartburn. Areas like safety. Areas like the justification for why certain techniques are taught. Areas that often fall under the umbrella of Professionalism.   If you ask a room full of people what ÒprofessionalismÓ means, youÕll get a lot of different answersÉ trust me, IÕve done it several times! Words that are often heard include: Integrity, Knowledge, Expert, Dedication, Honor, Ethics & Standards. Recurring themes include: Attitudes, The Òway one conducts oneselfÓ and Respect for and from Peers & Students.   Over the past several months, IÕve engaged many training industry professionals in a dialogue to move towards a clearer understanding, both for us and our students, of exactly what a Professional Defensive Shooting Instructor is or how they conduct themselves. These conversations have taken place on the phone, via email, on a few ranges, in a at least a few bars, at a meeting held at SHOT Show and, most recently, during a presentation I gave on ÒInstructor Development & ProfessionalismÓ at The Rangemaster Tactical Conference in Memphis, TN. There were 40-50 people at the presentation and almost all of them were instructors. Some of their names you would recognize and I consider mentors and trailblazers, others have not had their 100thstudent yet and I might not even recognize if I see them next week. During that presentation, we engaged in a bit of a discussion about the concept of ÒprofessionalismÓ and I proposed seven tenets that are the result of the last several months of interaction. By no means are these tenets my own creation, hatched in a dark study and delivered down from a pedestal. I am certainly  They have grown from three bullet points that started in an email thread between myself, Grant Cunningham and Omari Broussard, two very different firearms instructors who are equally excellent and passionately interested in progress and professional development. Those bullet points were re-written, shared, discussed, changed, added to, taken away from and reviewed by too many other contributors to list here. The list includes names like Robbie Barkman, John Farnam and Marty Hayes, guys who have been involved in the industry since its earliest days and guys like Chris Collins, who have only recently become recognized names amongst the firearms community.  All of those contributors and contributions evolved the idea of a Professional Defensive Shooting InstructorÕs Code into the list of tenets that I presented last week and that I will include in this article.   As these conversations have been going on, it became apparent early on that the first thing that might need to be established for some people is that there is such a thing as a ÒDefensive Shooting InstructorÓ in the first placeÉ as opposed to just a generic Òshooting instructorÓ.  I think it is imperative, as we move forward, to distinguish the group of people, the area of study and the gear appropriate for Defensive Shooting. Just as you wouldnÕt show up to a skeet shooting event with a .308 rifle and expect to talk with others about mil-dots versus duplex reticles, we should be able to differentiate between the person who teaches hunter safety, target shooting or competition techniques from those who teach life & death skills meant for a very specific context of use. Similarly, there are differences between much of the gear and the techniques that make the most sense if you are trying to win competitions and the things that make the most sense to a Defensive Shooting Instructor. Once that is established, we can move on to trying to figure out exactly what that person does and how they do it. Of course, what we actually doÉ the doctrine, the techniques, the skills themselvesÉ will never be standardized. I believe it would be a foolÕs quest to try to establish standards for what is taught under the banner of Defensive Shooting. In fact, I even disagree with those who have proposed that we should have universal standards for safety related issues such as student-to-instructor ratios and whether or not it is okay let students shoot & move on an imperfect range surface. I also disagree with those who would say that things like using foul language or dressing in any particular way immediately mark you as ÒunprofessionalÓ. I do, however, believe that there are some much less objective things that we should be able to agree on. I believe that there are some fundamental things that anyone engaging in this trade should be able to support. Those things are represented in the tenets below. Those things are subjectiveÉ they are conceptual. To echo the words that I have often heard people use to describe and define ÒProfessionalismÓ, they indicate that a person has Integrity, Knowledge, Ethics, Dedication and Standards. They indicate that a person is interested in the ideas of Attitude, Respect and Evolution. They indicate that a person is very aware of how they conduct themselves and their courses. These, to me, are all hallmarks of Professionalism.   Over the past several weeks, these tenets have been presented to many instructors. Overwhelmingly, they have responded with ÒWhere do I Sign?ÓÉ and in fact, at both SHOT Show and the Rangemaster Conference many instructors actually did sign a copy of the tenets that was being passed around. Their names are listed below, along with a handful of professionals who have indicated their support but were not present at those times.   So, whether you are an instructor or a studentÉ or just an interested observer connected to the firearms industryÉ take a look at these tenets. Please share them in their entirety wherever you see fit, electronically or otherwise, attribute them to theAssociation of Defensive Shooting Instructors. And, if you are interested in being on the list of those who support this code, send me an email.   -Rob Pincus   The Professional Code of Defensive Shooting Instructors    1. I am committed to the safety of my students, and hold that the expected benefit of any training activity must significantly outweigh any known or perceived risk of that activity.   2. I believe that it is my responsibility to understand not just what I’m teaching, but WHY I’m teaching any technique or concept, or offering specific advice.   3. I recognize that defensive shooting skills, along with the drills and gear used, are inherently specialized and usually distinct from those of target shooting, competition and hunting endeavors.   4. I will encourage my students to ask questions about course material, and I will answer them with thorough and objective explanations.   5. I understand that Integrity and Professionalism are subjective traits and I strive to maintain high levels of both. I am capable of, and willing to, articulate the reasons for the way I conduct my courses and how I interact with students & peers.   6. I believe that it is valuable to engage my peers in constructive conversation about differences in technique and concept, with the goal of mutual education and evolution.   7. I believe that the best instructor is an avid student, and I will strive to continually upgrade my own skills and knowledge. As part of this belief, I understand that my own teachings need to be subject to critique and open to evolution.   Charter Supporters: Rob Pincus, Grant Cunningham, Omari Broussard, Robbie Barkman, Tom Givens, John Farnam, Tom Givens, Mike Janich, Claude Werner, Mike Seeklander, Billy Heib, James Yeager, Chris Collins, Mike Hughes, Alessandro Padovani, Paul Gomez, Jeffrey Bloovman, Larry Yatch, Curtis Dodson, Matt Devito, Justin Johnson, Eli Brown, Brent Wheat, Mark Craighead, Jim Perrone, Bryan Collins, Stephen Pineau, John Jouvelis, Chris Juelich, George Semchak, Jr., Ian Strimbeck, Jeremy Harrison, Dr. Robert Smith, Don Edwards, George Williams, Paul Carlson, Travis White, Jeff Dyke, Ralph Greer, Paul Mehn, Tobin Maginnis, Steven Grundy, Jim Clark, Jack Feldman, Zeph Thull, Tyler Capozzi, Ron Sparrow, Randall Holmes, Marc Seltzer.   Until next time, Stay Safe…

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More Women Taking Conceal-And-Carry Classes

The trend is on the rise, more and more women are getting into the world of shooting… Time to find a good teacher!

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Creative Way to Express

I am a fan of almost all things gun and training related.  I am also a fan of music, so add those two things together and you get a VERY creative way to express yourself. Judge for yourself…

Until next time,

Stay Safe…

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Advancement in the World of Defensive Shooting

Not to often in this world do you get an opportunity to get in on the ground floor of something that has the potential of changing an industry.  It just so happens I have that opportunity… Enter the Association of Defensive Shooting Instructors (ADSI).  In my opinion this has the makings of something great for the industry as a whole.  The idea is not to standardize Defensive Shooting, but to help develop and bring together a community of instructors and individuals within the mindset of using firearms defensively as opposed to hunting, competing, or some other aspect of the shooting disciplines.  There might be some very skeptical people out there but I fancy myself a forward thinker and I see what this could do for those of us in the industry.

Take a look at the what the founder of this idea; Rob Pincus of I.C.E. Training; had to say about this…

The number of people buying defensive firearms and the number of them seeking out training and Concealed Carry Permits are continuing to rise. Concurrently, the private sector training industry has never been busier and is also growing quickly. More and more ranges are hosting courses and allowing their members to practice progressively. New Instructors are joining our ranks every day. These are all GREAT Things. As I speak with my peers in the industry about the ‘good times’, though, one thing that is often lamented is the lack of “standards” among instructors. Thankfully, most of the focus is not on actual technique or doctrinal standards, but on standards of professionalism, safety and business practices. One of the great things about the state of affairs as it exists is the great variety in doctrines, methods and techniques that can be learned from the many professionals actively teaching defensive shooting.  This variety and the differences in what is being taught leads to the examination and critical thinking that is necessary for evolution and improvement. Sometimes, however, those differences go beyond the hard skills and bleed into areas that can cause a lot of heartburn. Areas like safety. Areas like the justification for why certain techniques are taught. Areas that often fall under the umbrella of Professionalism.

 

If you ask a room full of people what “professionalism” means, you’ll get a lot of different answers… trust me, I’ve done it several times! Words that are often heard include: Integrity, Knowledge, Expert, Dedication, Honor, Ethics & Standards. Recurring themes include: Attitudes, The “way one conducts oneself” and Respect for and from Peers & Students.

 

Over the past several months, I’ve engaged many training industry professionals in a dialogue to move towards a clearer understanding, both for us and our students, of exactly what a Professional Defensive Shooting Instructor is or how they conduct themselves. These conversations have taken place on the phone, via email, on a few ranges, in a at least a few bars, at a meeting held at SHOT Show and, most recently, during a presentation I gave on “Instructor Development & Professionalism” at The Rangemaster Tactical Conference in Memphis, TN. There were 40-50 people at the presentation and almost all of them were instructors. Some of their names you would recognize and I consider mentors and trailblazers, others have not had their 100^th student yet and I might not even recognize if I see them next week. During that presentation, we engaged in a bit of a discussion about the concept of “professionalism” and I proposed seven tenets that are the result of the last several months of interaction. By no means are these tenets my own creation, hatched in a dark study and delivered down from a pedestal. I am certainly  They have grown from three bullet points that started in an email thread between myself, Grant Cunningham and Omari Broussard, two very different firearms instructors who are equally excellent and passionately interested in progress and professional development. Those bullet points were re-written, shared, discussed, changed, added to, taken away from and reviewed by too many other contributors to list here. The list includes names like Robbie Barkman, John Farnam and Marty Hayes, guys who have been involved in the industry since its earliest days and guys like Chris Collins, who have only recently become recognized names amongst the firearms community.  All of those contributors and contributions evolved the idea of a Professional Defensive Shooting Instructor’s Code into the list of tenets that I presented last week and that I will include in this article.

 

As these conversations have been going on, it became apparent early on that the first thing that might need to be established for some people is that there is such a thing as a “Defensive Shooting Instructor” in the first place… as opposed to just a generic “shooting instructor”.  I think it is imperative, as we move forward, to distinguish the group of people, the area of study and the gear appropriate for Defensive Shooting. Just as you wouldn’t show up to a skeet shooting event with a .308 rifle and expect to talk with others about mil-dots versus duplex reticles, we should be able to differentiate between the person who teaches hunter safety, target shooting or competition techniques from those who teach life & death skills meant for a very specific context of use. Similarly, there are differences between much of the gear and the techniques that make the most sense if you are trying to win competitions and the things that make the most sense to a Defensive Shooting Instructor. Once that is established, we can move on to trying to figure out exactly what that person does and how they do it.

Of course, what we actually do… the doctrine, the techniques, the skills themselves… will never be standardized. I believe it would be a fool’s quest to try to establish standards for what is taught under the banner of Defensive Shooting. In fact, I even disagree with those who have proposed that we should have universal standards for safety related issues such as student-to-instructor ratios and whether or not it is okay let students shoot & move on an imperfect range surface. I also disagree with those who would say that things like using foul language or dressing in any particular way immediately mark you as “unprofessional”. I do, however, believe that there are some much less objective things that we should be able to agree on. I believe that there are some fundamental things that anyone engaging in this trade should be able to support. Those things are represented in the tenets below. Those things are subjective… they are conceptual. To echo the words that I have often heard people use to describe and define “Professionalism”, they indicate that a person has Integrity, Knowledge, Ethics, Dedication and Standards. They indicate that a person is interested in the ideas of Attitude, Respect and Evolution. They indicate that a person is very aware of how they conduct themselves and their courses. These, to me, are all hallmarks of Professionalism.

Over the past several weeks, these tenets have been presented to many instructors. Overwhelmingly, they have responded with “Where do I Sign?”… and in fact, at both SHOT Show and the Rangemaster Conference many instructors actually did sign a copy of the tenets that was being passed around. Their names are listed below, along with a handful of professionals who have indicated their support but were not present at those times.

 

So, whether you are an instructor or a student… or just an interested observer connected to the firearms industry… take a look at these tenets. Please share them in their entirety wherever you see fit, electronically or otherwise, attribute them to the Association of Defensive Shooting Instructors. And, if you are interested in being on the list of those who support this code, send me an email.

 

-RJP

 

The Professional Code of Defensive Shooting Instructors

 

 1. I am committed to the safety of my students, and hold that the expected benefit of any training activity must significantly outweigh any known or perceived risk of that activity.

 

2. I believe that it is my responsibility to understand not just what I’m teaching, but WHY I’m teaching any technique or concept, or offering specific advice.

 

3. I recognize that defensive shooting skills, along with the drills and gear used, are inherently specialized and usually distinct from those of target shooting, competition and hunting endeavors.

 

4. I will encourage my students to ask questions about course material, and I will answer them with thorough and objective explanations.

 

5. I understand that Integrity and Professionalism are subjective traits and I strive to maintain high levels of both. I am capable of, and willing to, articulate the reasons for the way I conduct my courses and how I interact with students & peers.

 

6. I believe that it is valuable to engage my peers in constructive conversation about differences in technique and concept, with the goal of mutual education and evolution.

 

7. I believe that the best instructor is an avid student, and I will strive to continually upgrade my own skills and knowledge. As part of this belief, I understand that my own teachings need to be subject to critique and open to evolution.

 

 

 

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Check Out the New and Improved

Minnesota Firearms Training LLC is on the cutting edge of the training world.  From their online Conceal Carry Course to their Defensive Handgun and Carbine Courses, they have something for everyone. Check out their course offerings and website here CLICK FOR MN FIREARMS TRAINING .

Here is a video of some of their training in action…

Until next time,

Stay Safe…

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Front Sight 4 Day Defensive Handgun

I was afforded the opportunity recently to attend a 4 Day Defensive Handgun Course at the world-famous Front Sight Firearms Resort (FS) outside of Las Vegas Nevada.  I took on the wind, rain, cold temperatures, and a relatively new shooting technique to become a better shooter and a stronger instructor.  I will definitely have to say; 4 days well spent!

It started early on Friday, with all the good stuff like range assignment and weapons inspection.  We all filed into the GIANT classroom where classroom instruction on safety and orientation began.  All great and needed, the one thing I wasn’t a fan of was what I felt was “brainwashing”.  Felt like someone was trying to get me to drink the FS cool aid.  I understand that they have a captive audience, but at the same time they hit you the entire 4 days.  From a training standpoint there might be such a thing as to BIG.  Just felt less than personal and a bit too much propaganda. (And that is all on day one)

We then got sent to our ranges.  All in all it’s a great facility with great instruction.  I truly like how all classes are on the same schedule.  We had three, 4-day defensive firearms classes going on all at the same time, and we were all shooting and receiving the lecture pieces all within a 3 to 5 minute window.  On the larger scale that is a must.  The instruction and shooting drills were high quality.

From a shooting style perspective they are a weaver school through and through.  I being a hardcore ISO shooter for various reasons (competition, military, close protection work, and being of the mindset that we should train with what the body in going to do naturally in a critical incident) I was a hard sell on the weaver for every aspect of what we were doing.  But being the good student I am; I stepped in line with the teaching and I did (for the most part) what was taught the way it was taught and I think it helped me as an instructor to see another side of this industry.  I now have a better understanding and I truly believe that I can deliver that to my students!

I don’t want to give away the farm, but all in all it was time well spent.  The course was a good one and I would recommend it to anyone interested in taking a course from FS.  Anytime you can get out there, put rounds down range and get some quality trigger time its ALWAYS time well spent!

Until next time,

Stay Safe…

Related articles

• Continuing Education (firearmsguru.com)
• WAY Too Long… (firearmsguru.com)

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2012 SHOT Show In Review

First thing that came to mind when I entered the convention center was WOW!  Over 20,000 booths on multiple levels, it literally was the largest gathering of industry folks in the world.  This was my first time at the Show and I must say, this will NOT be my last.

 

 

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All the major firearms manufacturing companies were there.  Not to mention the big names in shooting sports and accessories too.  I met a ton of some of the biggest names in the industry such as Julie G (Smith and Wesson Shooting Team), Iain Harrison (Season 1 of Top Shot Winner), the entire Red Jacket crew from “Son of Guns”, The Incredible Hulk Lou Ferrigno, Mike Seeklander (competitive shooter and Instructor), And tons of other folks from around the shooting world.

I also got the opportunity to sit down with Rob Pincus from I.C.E. Training Company and some of his instructors from all over the world.  It was awesome to meet with a group of firearms instructors with such a wealth of knowledge and experience.  Keep your eyes peeled for what’s to come out of that camp; all I can say is great things are coming!

All in all it was a great experience!  I literally walked 20 miles the 2 days I was there and I didn’t even scratch the surface.  I would strongly suggest getting out to that show if you are in the industry.  There really isn’t enough space to go into all the great detail, so I suggest you go experience it for yourself!

Until next time,

Stay Safe…

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SHOT Show 2012

I’m writing this as I begin my decent into Las Vegas for the 2012 SHOT Show. I have heard some about some great stuff on the horizon for this years show. I have had a little bird in my ear that has been feeding me info, “Go here”, “Make sure to check this out!”. Ben thanks for the heads up, I will be expecting follow on intel! As I will be giving some real time updates from the show I’m sure!

Being in the training industry it’s good to see what’s out there and to see what to expect for the up coming year. I have heard some good about what Larue Tactical has to offer this go-round and NOT to mention Chris Costa is at the booth this year, so don’t be surprised to see a pic or two show up!

Time to land, so stand by for some more from SHOT Show 2012…

Stay Safe.

(Better late then never)

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Continuing Education

If anyone has read my past postings or read any of my articles published in The Circuit magazine, you will see that I have a common theme (most of the time).  I’m a teacher,  it’s what I do!  A passion of mine is taking the information I have stored away in my brain and passing it along to whoever will take time out of their busy lives to listen to it.

SO with that being said, me being a trainer and lover of all things shooting related, I am very excited about the up coming training course I’m taking.  I will be venturing out to Front Sight in Nevada for a 4 day defensive handgun course.

This is an exciting deal!  Being able to go out and take a course like this, being trained by some of the best instructors in the country, I just can’t wait.  This is a 2 fold experience for me.  First as a teacher and trainer I am getting information I can take back to my students.  I look at it this way; do med students learn from text books from the 1800’s?  I’m not a med student but didn’t they used to use leaches to cure everything?  I could be wrong with that, but as a firearms instructor why not fill your training bag with as much information as you can!  It only makes you a more valuable instructor and helps you see things from the students eyes.  And on the other side of the coin, it helps me as a shooter become better.  I strive to push myself at every turn in this industry.  I am a competitive shooter and I like to take every edge I can.  Getting behind the gun as often as I can only makes me better all around.  Hence the reasons I am SO pumped to be flying out there this week.  (I’m also going to the SHOT Show, but that will be a different beast).

Keep an eye out for my training updates as the week moves on…

Until Next Time…

Stay Safe

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WAY Too Long…

It has been entirely too long since I was on this thing!  A ton has happened in the last few months.  I don’t even know where to start.

Recently went to Lake Mary, FL for an Instructor Development Course through Gander Mountain and Rob Pincus earning a Cert. in Rob’s Combat Focus Shooting methodology. Check out Rob Pincus and his I.C.E. Training Company.

I have also been teaching on a regular basis with Gander Mountain in their Gander Mountain Training Academy.  I have had my hands full with the MN Permit to Carry Course and  ALL levels of the Handgun Fundamentals…

I am also prepping for the 2012 SHOT Show AND I will be finishing that weekend up at Front Sight with a 4 day Defensive Handgun Class (more to come on that one)…  WOW… 2012 is going to be a GREAT year!!!

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