The Challenge of Advancing in Skill

The harsh reality is that getting someone new to carrying or a first-time gun owner to commit to a multi-day training class is a big ask. There are many reasons why, but in the end, they don’t really matter. What matters is understanding how to build skill. Whether learning to drive or attempting Olympic lifts, some fundamentals of learning transcend activities. One of the best things you can do is challenge yourself by training with people who are better than you. This mindset fosters growth, cultivates humility, and creates new opportunities for personal and professional development. It also exposes you to higher standards of performance, helping you recognize what is truly possible with consistent effort. Over time, this approach not only accelerates your progress but also builds confidence in your own abilities.

Why Training with More Skilled People Matters

One of the biggest advantages of working with more skilled individuals is that it pushes me to improve and sharpen my abilities. It keeps me humble yet hungry, which makes me more receptive to learning. This experience fast-tracks growth by allowing you to learn from other people’s mistakes. Real-time mentors share their knowledge and experience, creating an environment of continuous learning through both instruction and mentorship. This type of open learning environment is something I see in our advanced classes, and it’s incredible to observe. While students still turn to me or the instructional staff for the “heavy lifts,” the group dynamics take care of the “smaller lifts,” making for an elevated experience for all. The camaraderie and shared pursuit of excellence create a strong support system, fostering both individual and collective progress. This dynamic not only accelerates skill development but also builds a culture of accountability, where everyone is motivated to push their limits.

Understanding Practical Shooting Standards

In this setting, newer or younger shooters are exposed to more realistic shooting performance standards. But what exactly are realistic shooting standards? The truth is that no two gunfights are the same, making precise definitions of shooting standards impossible. However, practical shooting standards offer observable and measurable outcomes. They prepare us for unknown and unknowable events by focusing on both speed and accuracy. Some argue that speed is the only true metric, but speed without accuracy is a fool’s errand. On the flip side, prioritizing accuracy at the cost of speed can be just as dangerous. A well-placed shot can often end a gunfight, but if it takes too long, the bad guy may get off multiple shots in return. More experienced shooters tend to focus on practical shooting standards—achievable outcomes that do not require excessive time, talent, or resources. They are also less likely to train solely for specific tests. While practicing various shooting standards is beneficial, becoming fixated on just one or two can create unrealistic expectations about real-world preparedness. Training alongside experienced mentors helps reinforce practical standards, ensuring a well-rounded skill set without overcommitting resources to any single area.

Observing Intermediate Students in Advanced Classes

Much of this insight comes from observing intermediate students in advanced classes. I can’t speak to other training programs, but in my experience, watching an intermediate student complete the entrance test for an advanced class gives me a solid sense of their skill level. The progress they make in the advanced class is significant. Observing intermediate students in intermediate classes shows good growth, but it is different—it is more relative to the rest of the students in the class. For example:

• A B student in an intermediate class will typically complete the course in the 57%-74% range.
• A B student in an advanced class will complete the course in the 51%-67% range.

The overlap is an interesting takeaway.

The Balance Between Knowledge and Application

Of course, there are differences in curriculum. Intermediate-level training focuses more on knowledge acquisition, while advanced training emphasizes practical application. This raises an interesting question: Would it be better to skip the intermediate class and jump straight into the advanced level? I’ve seen that approach fail—sometimes spectacularly. The real question is whether the failure is due to the student’s skill level or the training environment. Generally, those who fail are well below the acceptable level, barely meeting intermediate standards. The gap is simply too large to ensure a positive outcome. However, if the gap is manageable and the advanced student group acts as mentors, then intermediate students can make huge gains. When structured correctly, this type of challenge pushes students beyond their comfort zones without overwhelming them. The key is ensuring a balance between difficulty and support, allowing students to grow while maintaining confidence in their abilities.

The Key to Success: Knowledge, Skills, and Attitude

Make no mistake—there is no substitute for knowledge, skills, and the right attitude, but training with more skilled shooters for faster skill development will help develop these foundational pillars.

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Combat-Ready Mindset

The most fundamental difference between trained and untrained individuals in self-defense situations is the mindset. Trained people develop a combat-ready mindset through repeated drills and exercises that prepare them to respond effectively under stress. Training is designed to conditioned them to be calm and focused when danger arises. Through this form of inoculation the individual becomes somewhat desensitized allowing for an improved response. Untrained individuals, on the other hand, often experience heightened stress, fear, or panic, which can lead to poor decision-making. They are more likely to freeze, hesitate, or react impulsively without thinking through their actions. Take for instance an immediate action drill, commonly performed when a stoppage occurs. The trained individual will perform a conditioned response to remedy the issue in the most efficient and expeditious manner possible. The untrained individual will likely rely on luck to solve the problem. Which is better?

Situational Awareness

A major benefit of training is improved situational awareness. Trained individuals know to observe their surroundings, identify potential threats early, and assess exits or escape routes. This heightened awareness can help them avoid dangerous situations before they even begin. Untrained individuals are often unaware of what’s happening around them and may miss crucial warning signs, increasing the likelihood of being caught off guard. When a stoppage occurs with a firearm, there are two directions one could travel; diagnostic or non-diagnostic. The trained individual is more likely to go non-diagnostically relying on their training. An untrained individual more than likely will be diagnostic, not knowing what’s happening and requiring more information or by pass crucial information. In this case, the stoppage. What caused it? The trained individual is less concerned and will perform a series of actions designed to accommodate as many contingencies as possible to quickly return to the fight. An optimal response.

Controlled Response vs. Reactive Panic

Training is designed to instill control over emotions and actions. When faced with a threat, a trained person’s response is deliberate and measured. They’ve practiced scenarios where they have to decide whether to engage or disengage, how to act effectively, and to de-escalate if possible. What actions to perform and when. Conversely, untrained people often react based on instinct or fear, which can result in wild, ineffective responses. This reactive panic might cause them to miss opportunities to flee or defend themselves in a meaningful way. Video analysis is all the rage these days and before one goes too far down the rabbit hole ask yourself is the individual trained or untrained. I’ve observed enough videos of untrained or better, poorly trained individuals that during a deadly force encounter experience a stoppage. As they draw their handgun to deal with an immediate threat, they fire one shot and attempt to fire more when they realize the firearm is not firing. The cause, the magazine either fell from the gun during presentation or was not fully seated. This is not new, nor is it earth shattering news. It happens more often. During the conduct of thousands of hours of tactical training I’ve seen it plenty of times on the firing line. The immediate action is to tap the magazine, cycle the action and return to the fight. I’ve moved away from calling it “tap, rack, bang” but many know it as this.

Confidence and Posture

Training breeds confidence. A person who knows they have the skills and tools to defend themselves will carry themselves differently. Their posture, eye contact, and demeanor may deter potential violent criminal actors (VCA) from attacking them in the first place. Untrained individuals often exhibit nervousness, unsure body language, or timid behavior, which can make them more appealing to a VCA. The beauty of being non-diagnostic is I don’t need to know what caused the stoppage. Because I have the confidence to know my immediate action drill will solve the problem. I also don’t want to confuse untrained, luck or ignorance for a sound tactic to employ. Just because an untrained individual performed a series of actions with a favorable outcome doesn’t mean it erases thousands of trained favorable outcomes. It is also difficult to analyze all events that occurred without the benefit of video analysis. Just because they were not recorded or reviewed doesn’t mean they are any less valuable.

The gap between trained and untrained individuals in self-defense is stark. Training not only equips people with the physical skills to defend themselves but also instills the mental toughness and situational awareness needed to make quick, effective decisions under pressure. Should training techniques be updated and validated. Absolutely, but are we willing to allow an untrained individual dictate the outcome. Around the 1950’s CPR was codified to include rescue breathing to help provide oxygen to the lungs which is critical to the brain and other vital organs to keep them functioning. But, in 2008 rescue breathing was removed from the protocol. Not because it wasn’t effective, but for two reasons. To overcome concerns of mouth-to-mouth contact and to encourage more people to take action. Again, not because rescue breathing is not effective.

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How To Best Ensure Behavioral Change

The purpose behind training is behavioral change that leads to goal or performance standard achievement. I choose to define shooting archetypes as a pattern of behavior that guides or motivates a student. It is possible to have more than one archetype, but there usually will be a dominant one and others that can be subordinate. These warlike personality traits can help explain or define the student’s motivation, fears and goals. By themselves they are not bad, they are only bad if they prevent continued growth or goal attainment. Which is why I enjoy observing students while they are learning. I’m trying to better understand them, what makes them tick so I can get the very best out of them.

The Role of Time & Focus

I’ve also seen students change over the years. One of my greatest achievements is seeing returning students. I enjoy watching them grow as a shooter. I may see a student start out in one category, but as they develop they morph or flat out change into another. I’ve also seen an almost bi-polar condition where two archetypes are competing for dominance. The experience we undergo will help shape these archetypes. For instance, if your first exposure was more “Marksmen” related, you will typically have that as a dominant force. There is nothing to say these are permanent, in fact I feel they are more a state of flux. I can recall participating in different events when my focus might have drawn out more of a certain archetype. Different from my dominant role.

So here are the five shooting archetypes along with some details to help describe them better.

The Speedster

Usually a new student will start out as a speedster where they measure their performance by how fast they complete the task. The task may not meet the standard, but achievement is based on the time it takes and not the outcome.

Desire: To shoot as fast as possible
Goal: Achieve an arbitrary time standard that has limited application
Motto: Go fast or go home

The Marksman

Usually the student who takes their time learning and wants every shot to be a perfect shot. They often are flustered when forced to rush or perform their task quickly.

Desire: To hit the X-ring no matter the cost
Goal: Shoot the tightest groups at the furthest distances
Motto: Accuracy if final

The Metro

Usually the student who is interested in looking good at all costs. They want to have all the cool gear and toys first, then learn how to use them second.

Desire: To look like they know what they are doing
Goal: Be the first with the newest piece of gear
Motto: Everyone wants to be a gangster until

The Commando

Usually the student who is only interested in the outcome and doesn’t care so much about the tools. It is all about the mission and winning no matter the cost.

Desire: To meet the standard while using the least amount of effort
Goal: Mastery of everything so as not to be the weak link
Motto: Fuck it, we’ll do it live

The Gunfighter

Usually the student who is accurate and fast but competes for tactical realism, even when there is none to be had. They are burdened with statistics and knowledge in an effort to control an uncontrollable event.

Desire: To be tactically sound at everything
Goal: Act in the most statistically advantageous manner
Motto: This is the way

I love teaching and I love learning about how to reach students better. We talk about how important it is to know the different adult learning styles, but have we thought about the archetypes as well? Everyone processes and learns new information in different ways. There is no way to get around hard work or effort, you have to put in the time. Being somewhat more aware of these shooting archetypes might help reach a student who is struggling or provide a pathway towards improvement. There is always more than one way to skin a cat.

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Course Description:

In the Advanced Concealed Carry students will work from realistic defensive settings. Close range marksmanship will be the primary focus, with heavy emphasis on speed. Extended range marksmanship will be emphasized to display capability and opportunities. Main subjects covered include, combat marksmanship, shooting on the move, shooting from cover and shooting strong hand only. A terminal objective for the class is the rapid engagement of multiple rounds at close range versus multiple targets while on the move. Additional subjects where time permits include drawing from a seated position, reduced targets, hand transfers, shooting weak hand only, and shooting positions.

Gear List:

• Defensive pistol (9mm recommended)
• 3x pistol magazines minimum
• 500 rounds of training ammunition
• Range attire: long pants, comfortable shirt, athletic shoes and ball cap
• Sturdy belt
• On The Waistband (OWB) holster or In The Waistband (IWB) holster
• Single or double magazine pouch
• Ballistic wrap around eye protection
• Ear protection
• Firearms cleaning kit and quality lubrication (optional)
• Water, snacks, sunscreen and appropriate inclement weather clothing
• Notebook w/pencil
• Open mind

Course Prerequisite:

The below drills are suggested as minimum skill requirements to meet the prerequisites for the Advanced Concealed Carry. All drills are shot using primary carry pistol from the holster (unless otherwise specified) in an open carry condition. The recommended target is the TRICON TCT-MK4 available from Action Target or TRICON B8 target.

Registration fee does not include any associated range fees.

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Course Description:

In the Shooting Micro Pistols Fast & Accurate students learn how to shoot the Micros faster by improving recoil control through grip adaptations and modifications. Then shoot more accurately by understanding acceptable sight picture and fine trigger control. Close range drills are designed to test and expose weaknesses in the crush grip as well as emphasize rough trigger control and consistent follow through. Long range drills are designed to test and expose weaknesses in the aiming process as well as define fine trigger control. Subjects covered include combat marksmanship, sighting systems, crush grip and TDE theory. The course goal is to provide the shooter the experience on shooting fast when necessary, but metering speed when accuracy is the priority. Additional subjects where time permits includes reduced targets, shooting under high stress and shooter diagnostics.

Gear List:

• Micro Compact pistol (9mm recommended)
• 3x pistol magazines minimum
• 500 rounds of ammunition
• Range attire: long pants, comfortable shirt, athletic shoes and ball cap
• Sturdy belt
• On The Waistband (OWB) holster or In The Waistband (IWB) holster
• Single or double magazine pouch
• Ballistic wrap around eye protection
• Ear protection
• Firearms cleaning kit and quality lubrication (optional)
• Water, snacks, sunscreen and appropriate inclement weather clothing
• Notebook w/pencil
• Open mind

Course Prerequisite:

The below drills are suggested as minimum skill requirements to meet the prerequisites for this Shooting Micro Pistols. All drills are shot using primary carry pistol from the holster (unless otherwise specified) in an open carry condition. The recommended target is the TRICON TCT-MK4 available from Action Target or TRICON B8 target.

Registration fee does not include any associated range fees.

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Course Description:

The Advanced Pistol 3 (301) is a 2-day advanced pistol course designed to test modern gunfighter’s skill level. In this advanced pistol course, students are tested on both speed and accuracy from 0 to 50 yards (where available). The curriculum is largely made up of graded drills both with prescribed group standards and self-paced standards. Subjects covered included sight tracking, shot calling, self-evaluation and baselines. A major course objective is recognizing the individual elements or micro tasks that make up an activity and focus on perfecting them through concentrated effort. Additional subjects include shooter diagnostics, performance dissection, soft vs. hard focus and drill design for improved performance.

Advance Pistol Gear:

• Defensive pistol (9mm recommended)
• 1,000 rounds of factory ammunition (500 rounds minimum)
• 5 x pistol magazines (8 magazines for single stacks)
• 5 x inert training rounds
• Range attire: long pants, comfortable shirt, athletic shoes and ball cap
• Basic loadout: rigid belt, on the waistband (OWB) holster, magazine pouches and dump pouch (optional)
• Handheld flashlight
• Multi-tool device
• Wrap around ballistic eye protection
• Hearing protection
• Water, snacks, sunscreen and appropriate inclement weather clothing
• Firearms cleaning kit and quality lubrication
• Notebook and pencil
• Open mind

Pistol Course Prerequisite:

Combative Pistol 2 or similar. Students should be able to score an 80% or better on the following drills

• TRICON 455 Test; from the holster, 5 rounds at 5 yards in 5 seconds for 5 repetitions vs. B8 repair center. 250 points possible, must score 200 points or higher and be below par for each repetition.
• TRICON Test; from the holster, 10 rounds (9 reload 1) at 10 yards in 12 seconds vs. B8 repair center. 100 points possible, must score 80 or higher and be below par
• TRICON Bullseye Qual.; from the holster, 5 rounds at 25 yards in 10 seconds for 2 repetitions vs. B8 Repair center. 100 points possible, must score 80 or higher and be below par for each repetition.

Registration fee does not include any associated range fees.

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Course Description:

The Professional Development (099) or ProDev is a semi-private day long seminar. Participants will get first hand knowledge on the methodology Jeff uses to train; which includes essential skills identification, minimum performance standards, degree of difficulty and degree of atrophy. It starts by laying out the practice plan, goals and drills to be used. The session centers around his monthly live fire training so each seminar is unique and will be different. Each of the drills are briefed, demonstrated and shot individually for score. The standards are further defined for the various skill levels and how to properly document performance to evaluate progress. Due to time constraints and safety, all drills are shot from open carry strong side. The ProDev Seminar is ideal for shooters with an intermediate skill level and a desire to know how to build their own training program based off proven results.

Skills Test:

Participants must be able to meet a minimum standard on the Entry Level Skills Test. Failure to do so could result in dismissal from the seminar for safety and time considerations. The test is shot cold with no warm up for best results. You will need the following: defensive pistol, holster, 10 rounds of ammunition, timer and NRA B8 or similar target. The test is performed twice. Each test has a maximum of 50 points possible. Individual scores are totaled for final score.

• Task: On the signal, draw and fire five (5) rounds, perform twice.
• Condition: From the 15 yard line versus a bullseye target within a 10 second par time
• Standards: 80% or higher combined score.

Gear List:

• Defensive pistol (9mm recommended)
• 500 rounds of factory ammunition
• 3x pistol magazines minimum
• Range appropriate clothing
• Rigid belt, quality holster and magazine pouches
• Wrap around ballistic eye protection
• Hearing protection
• Firearms cleaning kit and quality lubrication (optional)
• Water, snacks, sunscreen and appropriate inclement weather clothing
• Notebook and pencil
• Smartphone
• Open mind

Course Prerequisite:

Tactical Pistol 2 or similar, see entry level skill test for admission.

Registration fee does not include any associated range fees.

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Course Description:

The Advanced Pistol 3 (301) is a 2-day advanced pistol course designed to test modern gunfighter’s skill level. In this advanced pistol course, students are tested on both speed and accuracy from 0 to 50 yards (where available). The curriculum is largely made up of graded drills both with prescribed group standards and self-paced standards. Subjects covered included sight tracking, shot calling, self-evaluation and baselines. A major course objective is recognizing the individual elements or micro tasks that make up an activity and focus on perfecting them through concentrated effort. Additional subjects include shooter diagnostics, performance dissection, soft vs. hard focus and drill design for improved performance.

Advance Pistol Gear:

• Defensive pistol (9mm recommended)
• 1,000 rounds of factory ammunition (500 rounds minimum)
• 5 x pistol magazines (8 magazines for single stacks)
• 5 x inert training rounds
• Range attire: long pants, comfortable shirt, athletic shoes and ball cap
• Basic loadout: rigid belt, on the waistband (OWB) holster, magazine pouches and dump pouch (optional)
• Handheld flashlight
• Multi-tool device
• Wrap around ballistic eye protection
• Hearing protection
• Water, snacks, sunscreen and appropriate inclement weather clothing
• Firearms cleaning kit and quality lubrication
• Notebook and pencil
• Open mind

Pistol Course Prerequisite:

Combative Pistol 2 or similar. Students should be able to score an 80% or better on the following drills

• TRICON 455 Test; from the holster, 5 rounds at 5 yards in 5 seconds for 5 repetitions vs. B8 repair center. 250 points possible, must score 200 points or higher and be below par for each repetition.
• TRICON Test; from the holster, 10 rounds (9 reload 1) at 10 yards in 12 seconds vs. B8 repair center. 100 points possible, must score 80 or higher and be below par
• TRICON Bullseye Qual.; from the holster, 5 rounds at 25 yards in 10 seconds for 2 repetitions vs. B8 Repair center. 100 points possible, must score 80 or higher and be below par for each repetition.

Registration fee does not include any associated range fees.

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Define Your Mission

When I have the opportunity to guide a student towards their first gun purchase I start by asking them what is the reason for the purchase. Why do they need a gun? I’m not asking them to justify why they want to buy a gun, I’m asking them to tell me what is the mission for the gun. Are they looking for gun to carry concealed, for home defense or strictly for sport. There really isn’t one gun that will accomplish all those missions well. There are a few that can do a good job, but they also may not be the best starting point for a first gun. Here is a harsh reality for many new gun owners, you will probably buy the wrong gun. You may do some research, talk to some knowledgeable sources and even try before you buy and still end up with the wrong gun.

It’s Always the Indian

To be honest, which gun your purchase won’t really affect the outcome as much as the training you invest in with said gun. Without the training it is nothing more than a good luck charm. Without training you will lack the insight into what really works for you, what you truly need. The other harsh reality is most who invest into training learn the original gun purchase may not be the best for their newly developed skills. As you train more, you learn more. You learn more about what you need. Can a nice gun help with the learning process, of course. It is not a requirement, it is only an enhancement.

Buy Cheap, Buy Twice

When the shooter invests in their training, they will by proxy see improvements in their skill. It wasn’t the platform as much as the hard work they put into learning. The first gun purchase becomes a stepping stone towards what will probably be many purchases. The problem becomes avoiding buyer’s remorse and realizing you don’t have to keep working with something that is suboptimal. You can find it a new legal home through a variety of methods. Don’t feel compelled to sale the ship into the rocks for the sake of staying on the ship. It’s okay to acknowledge a poor choice, don’t beat yourself up about it because you didn’t know then what you know now.

Out of the Box

As a first time gun buyer, don’t feel like you have go hog wild to update, improve or enhance your new purchase. Learn how to use it, develop skill with it and if you discover the new gun works for you then great. The flip side is there will come a point of diminishing returns. A point where you will drop more money into equipment with the expectation it will improve your skill. Yes, there is some truth to this notion. However, I caution you on using this as an excuse not to train or improve your skill. You may see some skill improvements, but do those improvements come at the sacrifice of other skill deterioration. At some point, you will find a gun you can perform well with under a variety of conditions. It is reliable, durable and accurate enough for you and your skill level plus the mission at hand.

I rarely see someone out shoot a gun out of the box. Don’t look to the gun as the source of the problems, look at your skills or lack there of and do something about them.

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The Basics of Advanced

If I had to put my finger on being advanced it would be simple. Mastery of the fundamentals. Then execute them faster than the bad guy. That’s it. Doing things faster is one thing, but with more precision at the higher speeds is the idea. In training, full speed is about as good as the average person can hope to achieve. At full speed you are moving as fast as you can accurately execute the technique. The operative words there are “accurately execute.” This is what separates basic from advance, where intermediate is the inability to be consistently advanced.

The Key to Standards

When we talk speed, the biggest challenge is consistency. When defining standards we talk about how they must be observable, measurable and the big one…repeatable. If you can repeat on command full speed performance with minimum accuracy standards then you are definitely dialed in and good to go. If you are all over the place, the biggest mistake you could make is thinking you are advanced. You might have achieved advanced speed, but you are not advanced. You don’t get to make that claim until you cannot do it wrong at full speed. In other words, the fastest you can go and still be accurate.

Luck Has Nothing to do with it

Early on in our classes I ask students to only shoot as fast as they can accurately hit the target zone. Many mistake my statement for go fast and hope you are lucky enough to hit the target. That couldn’t be further from the truth, luck is not a strategy. Instead, you need to have your technique so dialed in you cannot miss at the slower speeds then as your ramp up you accept a reasonable hit ration percentage such as 75-80%. The light bulb goes on when the student recognizes their speed is only a by product of making minimal mistakes and using minimal movement. That right there is the secret.

It’s Not that Hard

When your technique is dialed in your mistakes become fewer and fewer. This brings about a higher level of confidence in your ability for command performance. Meaning, when called upon regardless of circumstances you can perform. It is the epitome of unplanned events. You don’t’ know where or when, but you know you are ready and able. Then there is minimal movement. I tell the story of a famous sculpture being asked by a student how he creates his masterpiece. The artist’s reply; it is simple, I chip away the rock until the sculpture remains. For us, that means getting rid of unnecessary or redundant movement so you are left with the minimal amount of movement necessary to accomplish the task. The byproduct is faster movement over time.

Being advanced is a matter of doing everything, all the essential skills to a minimum level of performance. Then going as fast as you can, letting it all out when it counts; which is all the time.

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