So You Think You're a Qualified Firearms Instructor… (ASP BITS) | Active Self Protection Extra

[@jennywilliams1329]

John, I think that you are spot on. I have students that are embarrassed to ask me about my qualifications - and when they sheepishly do - I confirm that they DEFINITELY should ask me about my background since I am teaching about and how to handle/shoot a potentially deadly weapon, and that it should be a big deal. My goal is to get a min of 40+ hours of training each year, which I normally exceed and I normally train w/a local mentor, but I do go to others as well - and he does encourage it. When I come back, I find that both are on par w/each other, which makes me very confident in my mentor. But yes - instructors should never stop training - in ANY industry!

[@ASPextra]

Very good! I wish every instructor got 40+ hours a year. That's an amazing goal!

[@jennywilliams1329]

Thank you! Yes, and it is only limited by time...oh and that silly money ;) But shooting is my sport and hobby - I have to pay for that w/being an instructor lol - but I do love to teach as well. I also spend countless unlogged hours in regards to learning how to be a better teacher and communicator. That is always key!

[@masterchief8855]

"I was in the military." - extent of average instructor resume. I normally ask if they were a cook in the guard... That never goes over well

[@ASPextra]

I'm totally proud of my military service...I also know how little it contributes to my work as a firearms instructor!

[@randyreddig5239]

I spent four years in the Canoe Club, my training with firearms consisted of twelve rounds through a bolt action 22 while in boot camp... Pretty sure I shouldn’t be a firearms instructor.... LOL..

[@quitepossible4498]

My God, this needed to be said.

[@williamcockfield2985]

I agree. Don’t just sign up for a class or lesson. Take some time to talk to the instructor. I was looking for an instructor for my wife, and found someone who initially seemed great. I was talking to her for a short time about self defense, when she said “I don’t usually carry, but if I do I carry on an empty chamber, so someone can’t get my gun and shoot me. I’m so well trained that drawing and racking the slide is so fast it’s just safer to me.” We talked for a while longer I took her card and that was the last time we spoke. The point being she is a successful firearms trainer. Do your homework people.

[@wi1dwater742]

I'm interested in becoming a firearms instructor someday, this video was really helpful!

[@frankhellman6879]

I've watched over 100 ASP and ASP Extra videos, which makes me a QFI. 👍 lol Seriously, I've learned quite a lot about firearms control from the ASP channels, more than from other channels. And it's not dry, not boring. It's no substitute for practice, but it helps a lot.

[@ASPextra]

Thanks Frank!

[@Saint-Jimmy]

I was in the army, in combat arms for 4.5 years. One time i held an unloaded pistol...

[@ASPextra]

Haha amen!!!

[@CutlassOutdoors]

My TC is great. He’s very humble about his credentials, but if you pry, he’s trained under all of the big names, done all of the cool stuff, and is just an all around awesome guy. He makes personal connections and makes students feel appreciated. He lifts up others, encourages other instructors, and doesn’t put anyone down. Plus he’s an amazing adult educator, and he’s always wanting to learn more. He’s one of the most inspiring people I know. Humility says a lot about an instructor.

[@darrellgardner4561]

The main thing to remember when it comes to training for anything, firearms or just a job in general, is just because someone is good at something doesn't mean they're a good trainer. It isn't all about how well you understand the task, but how well you can relay that info to do the task to someone who doesn't. Some CCW trainers are cops/ military, but not all cops/military are CCW trainers.

[@CarlosRenfroe]

Great info John. While my instructor is a veteran, a deputy, and NRA Certified, he's also a master instructor at our Parish's training academy. In fact, he's one of very few instructors that the Louisiana State P.O.S.T. Council has authorized to write and amend the entire Louisiana state law enforcement officer training curriculum, and to train and certify every full-time and adjunct instructor for all law enforcement academies in the state of Louisiana. Really enjoy his thorough methods and knowledge.

[@ASPextra]

See, now THAT is an instructor bio. :)

[@outspokenconservative8492]

I heard FBI agents are great trainers. He may very well teach you how to do amazing backflips too.😂

[@blanco9295]

Timothy Jones I see what you did there

[@samiam9647]

🤣🤣🤣 you’re out of control

[@NHlocal]

Good video John. It really is important to know who our teacher is and if they are actually qualified to teach. Thanks for some more great information! Be safe! Randy

[@huntersedona]

As an instructor since 1994, I agree completely. Every class I teach, I explain the same to students, ask yourself why am I paying him/her to train me. Every class follow up by my qualifications and I point out my areas of expertise and where I may not be their best choice. If your going to Sig in NH, reach out me i'll buy you dinner.

[@ASPextra]

I will be there in August!

[@GreenOpsInc]

This is an excellent rant and I am often disappointed in folks using background without "instructor" experience. As a former military instructor, we were required to attend a basic 2-week instructor course and then instructor courses on the subjects we were to teach. We also had to be an Assistant Instructor (AI) under a Primary Instructor (PI) for at least 2 classes, before getting approval to be a PI or Lead. If someone wasn't an "instructor" in the military, then it was likely they didn't receive that type of instructor training (unless they were Special Forces).

[@contanimationnation8615]

Very good information as I was in the military and also a police officer for a short time. In the military I was qualified to shoot an M-16 in a very basic manner. With the Anchorage Police anyways, their firearms training was very extensive and intense but it wouldn't really translate well to self defense concealed carry. My pride and ego kept me from attending a course on basic to intermediate self defense carry until John was in my area (Michigan) earlier this year and I signed up and attended. It was EXCELLENT and I must say that John is a very thorough instructor who, above everything else, takes safety VERY seriously. Thanks again John.

[@ASPextra]

Thanks!

[@stevekiss616]

Great talk. In over 3 decades of LE experience and training, I learned to tell those who can from those who just say they can. I am convinced John is a real deal professional and knows his business.

[@ASPextra]

Thanks Steve!

[@djcmeyer11]

One of the best videos I have seen you make in a long time. I don't teach shooting, I go to classes as a student to lesrn. Yes I spent 8 years in the USMC, but still go to learn different things. Biggest point you made is about the police not being instructors. I shoot more in a month than most police shoot in a year.

[@Dfisocal]

Exceptionally good point made, (that is often ignored completely in training plans), regarding the difference between Police officers' duties and non-sworn folks. Generally, cops are expected to "go get 'em" (pursuits, investigations, etc.) when they can, whereas non-sworn folks, not so much. In the firearms training industry, as well as the unarmed combatives training industry, much more emphasis is needed on the decision-making components of defending one's self regarding the profiling - Yes, I said it! - of pre-assaultive behavior and the legal thresholds of deadly-force that can be dynamic. Good points made on the video.

[@dougo753]

You are spot on about the military part! I learned NOTHING about pistols in the army despite carrying an M9 (in addition to M4) in Afghanistan and I later discovered 80% of what I learned about rifles was demonstrably wrong! Its taken 5 years and a lot of money spent on quality private instruction to get straightened out! Thanks for preaching the truth as always!

[@ASPextra]

Glad to help!

[@lornenoland8098]

Firearms “Instructor” problems: 1) Dunning-Krueger effect- I don’t know enough to know what I don’t know, so there for I think I know it all 2) “Hey, look how good I Am!” 3) MY way is the ONLY way 4) “Pay me and I’ll sign off on you, no worries” 5) it’s one thing to be able to do something well, it’s an entirely other thing to be able teach someone else how to do it well 6) I’ve been shooting for (X number) years, so I know what I’m doing

[@evortd8705]

I'm a firearms instructor and Its hard to find a good class where I live, but I do a lot of reading to find out different new things to bring to a class or push myself forward.

[@caiman114]

Exactly. You don't need some organization to sign off on you and give you some credential to be a good trainer. I'd take your class in a heartbeat because you have humility. That's what makes a good trainer.

[@bobskinner6107]

You forgot to tell us to “Cover our ASP”. ;-)

[@andyuseman7980]

I agree with you overall. My philosophy is, as an instructor myself, to be teachable and keep learning. I don't have the time and money it takes for the top tier classes in the country but I find them where I can.

[@ASPextra]

It doesn't HAVE to be the top tier folks, for sure.

[@Rustebadge]

The only firearms instructor book I ever found is "Beyond the Muzzle: The Firearms Instructor & Shooter Development Guide". It reset my mind on instructing. Not sure where I got it but a search should find it. The best help I've found.

[@ASPextra]

I will take a look. Thanks for suggesting it!

[@MrCiruj20]

John, you're absolutely correct.

[@ASPextra]

Thanks!

[@levihindle1970]

Absolutely true! My brother was army infantry and is now a police officer and when we go shooting I give him a run for his money, I know being a good shot and being range officer certified are VASTLY different but it just proves your point, just because he was those things doesn't mean squat.

[@RC-bw8wk]

Today’s video and yesterday’s have been perfect for me as a beginner. This is why I messaged you on FB...I’ll have to watch these videos again but this time I will need to break out a notepad and take down some notes.

[@jlscfirearms]

This is a fantastic prospective. Thank you!

[@ASPextra]

Glad it was helpful!

[@michaelwyles6313]

Thank you John for all that you do in the Firearm's community , May the Lord Bless you & Your's.

[@ASPextra]

Thanks my friend.

[@michaelwyles6313]

Your Welcome.

[@s0nspark-public]

Excellent points, as usual...

[@sekonic1973]

thank you so much for all the great advice and the real world experience you bring to the table.

[@fee_lo8346]

The best instructor I’ve ever had has never been a cop. No military. Never shoot a competition other than club events for fun. What he has done is go to every school you can name and loves to pass on everything he learned. He does 2 hours one on one for 125 bucks. You’d be surprised how much you can get done in 2 hours one on one. At 125$ you can go as often as you need. Most importantly you can always find 2 hours in your schedule as opposed to 2 days

[@BirdDogey1]

My agency had a 3 weapon combat shooting qualification quarterly.

[@AJEI44life]

I always appreciate what you have to say. You ARE the real deal.

[@ASPextra]

I try to be. Thanks Scott.

[@AJEI44life]

You're welcome. I love watching.

[@johnwisch5491]

I have criticized you in the past, to which you did not appreciate. That said. This is the best video that you have ever done. I can't agree with you more on this topic. You gave everyone who doesn't already know better a great hand up if they actually see this video and take your suggestions. My opinion of you went from OK, to, you are a No Bullshit dude. Only thing you could have done better in my opinion is to upgrade your professional presentation of the video (Clothing & Back Drop Setting) to match the true quality of the great information that you are disseminating. As for me I don't care about the wardrobe. I only care about the info. But if you are trying to reach as many people as you can and get them to take you as seriously as they should. It would help you. But that's up to you. Thank you again for putting out such the great information. Keep up the great work, and much future success to you. WISCH.

[@ASPextra]

Well, this channel is informal so the setting is informal. And I don't remember your previous comment...I don't mind disagreement, but i do mind rudeness and will sometimes snark back in return. Thanks for the comment.

[@shooterqqqq]

Mike Seeklander. He knows how to teach when the student is having problems. He can correct the faults and elevate.

[@ASPextra]

One of the very best!

[@velvetpilot2008]

I live right near the Sig Sauer Academy, their pro shop is number one. Their classes are the real trucking deal. And they got a ton of them. How did you like it, John?

[@ASPextra]

You have it right. Pro shop was amazing, class was good.

[@firemanjeff911]

Bear with me. I have who knows how many Fire/EMS/Rescue certifications, and since I am a company officer, I'm also instructor certified at most skills. The instructor certification for each skill is basically the same course over and over again just teaching you to be a better teacher in general, and then a basic syllabus for the particular course. But really no extra training at all to provide anyone with the mastery of the skills.

[@ASPextra]

That kind of thing makes me bash my head against the wall. I get it though, Jeff, because it's SO common.

[@COBBADAMS]

I stumbled across this video and really enjoyed it. So first off, thanks. Secondly, I am not military or law enforcement. I am just a 47 year old freedom loving American and was raised up with a father who was and still is passionate about firearms. I also have that passion and even more and have been inspired to want to grow my brain to be a better student. I have made the decision to become a CCW instructor as well as a firearms safety instructor and beyond because I want others to be taught the right way about the responsibilities of carrying a firearm and help the next generation have that same passion that my dad inspired with me. If anyone has any helpful advice for me on where to start I would be grateful? I want to travel not only in my home state of Florida but all over the United States. Thanks and freedom on!

[@ModernSamuraiProject]

Thanks for the mention bro.

[@ASPextra]

Always, Jedi!!

[@JessicaAndraka]

"I made hot water the hard way" made me laugh, hard

[@joestella7538]

Thank you for your service

[@digitalaether]

"I made hot water the hard way." hahaha

[@homefrontfreedom]

Great stuff John. Another organization that I've been looking into is the Second Amendment Foundation Training. All of their disciplines are modularized. In order to teach, say Rifle 1 and 2, you have to pass the instructor courses for both modules. It is very well thought out. My wife and I are both NRA TCs. We are looking into some of these certs as well. Keep up the good work!

[@ASPextra]

I've had some interaction with SAFTD. Make sure to get Rangemaster and Seeklander done first. :)

[@mikecooper9302]

I am a new Instructor with Law Enforcement and Nuclear Security background and I have completely realized that although I do well at training basic fundamentals. I know very little about training a Concealed Carry Holder. It is overwhelming trying to pick quality training that is semi local. How do you know who is the real deal, a good trainer. I have found out that just because you can do something well , doesn't mean you can teach it. My Son is in Nuke School , so I know the hard work you put into that. Thank you for your service.

[@ASPextra]

Hey, MY son is in Nuke school too! What rate and what's your son's name? Which class is he in?

[@mikecooper9302]

Active Self Protection Extra , wow small world. He is a MM and class 1801 Graduates Power School the end of this month. How about yours, well maybe you better not tell on this public forum.

[@torysoper]

John, thank you so much for this video. I have spent the last 2 days looking for a training center close to my area found one who's website looks great but now I know what to ask...

[@mikes6961]

Like I tell people at my range when asked, with today's social media, check reviews and ask others around the gun spots

[@thisismylovehandle]

Hey ActiveSelfProtection! Your wife is a midwife! That's awesome, we live here in Phoenix and had all of our kids at home with a midwife. It's kind of normal to see a Christian who also is a ASPer or Warrior Poet (my other favorite John). But to be a homebirther too! Next your going to tell me you're Reformed?

[@ASPextra]

No Kellee, I have many friends who are Reformed and had some great Reformed professors in seminary, but I am a Molinist and have written a book about the issues surrounding various systems of soteriology. :)

[@LegacyFarmandHomestead]

Hey John are you losing weight? You're looking great!

[@ASPextra]

Thanks! Sure trying to.

[@m0314700308891515]

It shows man!

[@toddjayne9560]

Well said, John. And spot on.

[@gun101tactical2]

I agree with all of this John. Really good topic. I often hear people put a value on my military background or NRA certificates & they are a good “baseline” for people new to the sport. I would add however, placing "well" in competition matches (IDPA, USPSA, Steel Challenge etc., etc.) adds a degree of competence & the scores are verifiable to the public. Not the end all but a point of reference I submit. What are your thoughts?

[@ASPextra]

Yeah I didn't get into the competition side at all. Certainly, someone who is a good competitive shooter shows that they can be taught, and as an adjunct to their teaching ability it shows a level of ability with a firearm that is easy to verify. Still, it doesn't validate whether they're a good instructor. But a reference? Yes.

[@gun101tactical2]

Never competed? Okay, you’re in luck, Phoenix Rod and Gun Club has two events this weekend Practical USPSA on Saturday & Practical IDPA on Sunday (after church I presume). You’re NOT going to win the gold but there is no gold. 1st & last place pays the same. Please try it John. You don’t know what you’re missing. Steel Challenge however would be a better venue to start on. It’s a National program. Knowledge transfer training is a word you used. That’s the other side of the coin. Most NCO’s (Army) know how to teach. I believe a lot of your teaching skills on KZbin University come from your teaching in the Navy. Let’s try to get you to Raleigh, NC area one day. Team Jesus, keep up the good work friend. -COLE

[@bernardhayes4459]

Very educational

[@maxrees8445]

John, thanks for the info in this video. I'm sitting at my desk job and seeing my past present and future and they all looked the same(desk monkey). I've competed Utah POST and had job offers but it didn't feel right for me. I've obtained a high level of empty handed skills training under Jim Dean and the Pinedas, Parker side of the system, and kickboxing. I'm a WY outdoorsman and survivalist. I'm C.E.R.T. trained and active. I'm ready to leave my pursuit of project management and utilize my passions in the development of others. I'll be looking fur some of these instructors and finding out if I have a future in it. Maybe we'll do ASP training together one day. Keep up the amazing content, I'll become patreon soon!

[@ASPextra]

Get after your goals, Max! You can do it!

[@RaineyPowerTraining]

Wish I could train with you in person! Also, that's awesome your wife does midwifery. My mom had me and multiple siblings of mine at home with a midwife. Currently in NC it is illegal for midwifes to practice at an individual's home. Crazy. Great video as always.

[@ASPextra]

I am willing to book a class in NC.

[@RaineyPowerTraining]

Active Self Protection Extra That would be awesome! If you do please announce it on here.

[@irishrose7053]

Very interesting video John. Just stumbled across this. I'm actually looking to become an instructor to better serve my community. To educate folks on safe and responsible firearms handling. To protect themselves and their loved ones. Now that being said. Your state will have it's requirements to become a certified firearms instructor. There is a long path to do so. I've been researching what is required in my state the past few weeks. As I was recovering from Covid. I will say that one thing you mentioned was to go apprentice under someone before going down that road. This is a wonderful idea. Thank you. In my state You do the NRA courses 6 are required. Then you go thru business licensing doing your business name and all of that. I have estimated the cost for the courses and business licensing to be approximately $1000 for the classes. $400. For Business licensing. I am getting additional training to add outside of that First Aid CPR and AED certification, Stop The Bleed. Then more courses as time permits to keep skill set up. I love learning and enjoy the process. I have done training and instruction in my professional career and with my children's extracurricular activities. The main thing for me is wanting to help and educate others.

[@ASPextra]

My state has no requirements. :)

[@calamaridog]

It really depends on the level of the student and their individual needs what type of instructor they require. Many people are qualified to teach basic firearms safety and use, and they should stay in their lane and know their limitations and not try to oversell what they have to offer.

[@ASPextra]

Very true!

[@calamaridog]

I would also say that many people who can operate their tools at a high level are horrible at teaching. Teaching and the ability to teach adds a whole new level to the conversation. I teach a variety of topics to new employees in my agency, not because I'm the "best" at the topic but sometimes I am the best qualified to "teach" it. If your trainer is telling you the truth, they will be telling you where to go to learn even more about a topic after basic instruction.

[@johnwilburn]

Too many people teach firearm safety and too few teach firearm danger.

[@calamaridog]

@@johnwilburn I follow the logic here as a firearm is a tool and a misused tool can be very dangerous. Don't saw your fingers off.

[@johnwilburn]

@@calamaridog Similar, but saws are administrative tools and firearms should be part of a martial lifestyle.

[@joeparham2354]

thank God there isn't any regulations

[@BrandonDewater888]

Thank you

[@ASPextra]

Welcome!

[@johnjasonchun7905]

A certified instructor should= 1-NRA instructor class yearly 2-State certified 3- background check ✓CCW? 4-$5 million liability insurance 5-Google reviews acceptance 6-No civil court judgements

[@ASPextra]

No one will issue a $5 mil policy. The standard is $1 mil per occurrence, $2 mil aggregate.

[@johnjasonchun7905]

Many $3,4,5,10s million liability insurance, just not for average Joe's. I had $13million 4 policies. 7ccws, now retired and only $3mill.

[@geraldtrice4894]

My military weapons training consisted of instruction on loading a M16 magazine, identification of select fire lever, 10 practice rounds and 20 qualifying rounds. This took about one hour and everyone passed.

[@ASPextra]

Haha my Navy firearms work was even less than that! :)

[@geraldtrice4894]

Active Self Protection Extra: I was an AF observer during a Navy West Pac exercise and saw some fine shooting with the 5 inch deck gun. 55 gallon drum hit first round at horizon distance.

[@elijahbrooks8589]

That’s good info but I only know of 1 training thing in my area

[@brandonsimons543]

Spot on

[@DinoChongs]

Thicc bearded boys gang for life

[@ikesteroma]

Does watching every single one of your videos qualify me to be a firearms instructor?

[@ASPextra]

Nope!

[@rapidrrobert4333]

I am a decent or better target shooter, I can hit steel @ 50 yards 95% with a SW 686. I placed third in state indoor national match ... in 1980. I can shoot a 2 inch group at 300 yards with my 22.250 target rifle. But, I have no training in defensive handgun. What should I do next?

[@ASPextra]

If you're carrying CCW every day, then take a defensive handgun skills class! :)

[@gutierrezgerdardo4044]

Okay.

[@quincymcneeley8950]

That was awesome 😎 listened to every word and your 1000% correct. I took a Robert Vogel course he’s the real deal as anyone.

[@ASPextra]

Yeah, dude can shoot and can teach!

[@quincymcneeley8950]

@@ASPextra Touché to see it real time is amazing, but yes he’s a great teacher as well. He’ll show you to the letter what he does. Lol he’s got thousands of hours and rounds to back it. I’m going to continue my training hour’s also…Thanks

[@reinaldoperez1725]

Question: I live in Puerto Rico which is part of the US but it is a territory. To my knowledge our Carry license is not recognized by any state and as such I wonder how to take classes given the issue with Carrying / Transporting / Shooting at a class?

[@ASPextra]

Other than New York you shouldn’t have trouble with bringing guns to other states to train with as long as you’re aware of the laws in the state you fly to and follow them.

[@JJLTACTICALSOUTIONS]

The only thing I have a small issue is who can truly judge if particular person is a competent Instructor? Do I need to take a class from those individuals that this video speaks of? Due to the fact there is no true regulation for this field it’s up to the individual to decide who is a good instructor. I personally am biased and I don’t feel the need to take classes from any of these people who was mentioned on this video. With that said this is a great KZbin video.

[@ASPextra]

Those things all add up. :)

[@bluegrasskid4835]

Being a cop is a great START to become a good hand gun instructor but it is just a start. Being Army or Marine infantry is a great START to be a carbine or rifle instructor but again, just start.

[@BeDangerousGroup]

So are you saying the NRA course is not worth it? Should I skip it and seek out other firearms schools?

[@ASPextra]

It’s a start and probably the best start. It gives you the ability to teach their curriculum and not make your own.

[@polaire801]

I’ll give a shout out to Marksmanship Matters. I’ve learned a lot from them. Do your research.

[@LegendaryP-Nut]

Do you have any links for the training development courses?

[@ASPextra]

activeselfprotection.com/aspic/

[@brandonbeard8488]

Well said John but I will disagree with the military and law enforcement just a little. By no means am I saying there job makes them a qualified instructor, but I do think someone with the knowledge of the weapons system you are wanting to lean is an added bonus to your training (and you can get qualified with a handgun at least for the Army) . Not sure how it is in the Navy, but from the second week on in the Army we trained with our weapon non stop. From basic though AIT and that was 6 months not to mention all the training at my duty station

[@ASPextra]

With your rifle. If I want to learn rifle skills with the AR pattern rifle, sure someone who's been in the Army or Marine Corps has some ability to qual with that rifle and that's not irrelevant. But pistol? Nah.

[@brandonbeard8488]

Active Self Protection Extra ya you can be trained with a pistol. It's more at your duty station. But I had training and qualified with a pistol a few times during my service. So if someone did over 20 years then they could be a good example of someone who could give a real good understanding of the pistol at least

[@springbloom5940]

The most valuable thing you can gain from military service, is experience getting shot at. I saw some of the cringiest weapon handling from 'professionals' and half the gun myths I know, have come from soldiers and cops. I knew a door kicker that wanted to carry a 4" shotgun for room clearing, because 'you can take out a whole room with one blast'. Ive also heard countless Army and Marine instructors talk about how the 556 'bounces around like a pinball' inside the body.

[@williamwaddell5587]

Full disclosure, I have only basic firearms instructor certification (NRA Certified Pistol Instructor and NRA Certified RSO), but I have extensive teaching experience outside of the firearms community. I taught for seven years at the National Geospatial-Intelligence College (NGA is a Department of Defense agency and an integral part of our nation's Intelligence Community), during which time I developed several new courses and was the content lead for several courses of instruction. NGA requires extensive training and continuous instructor development on adult learning theory, critical thinking, and other teaching skills. My military career spanned 35 years including active duty and DoD Civilian, but I was never in combat arms; I was always a J2 intel geek. As a DoD Civilian, I deployed three times to Afghanistan and twice to Iraq, providing actionable (ahem) GEOINT support to combat operations by various USSOCOM elements. I am an alumnus of several prestigious training programs including Gunsite Academy; Pat Goodale's PFT (I've trained a lot with Pat and his crew, and I consider him a friend and mentor); ITI Centerra/ITI Armor Group; and qualification courses conducted by my own and other agencies, the live fire portion of which was held at the local FLETC facility. I currently teach Arizona CCW, Introduction to Handgun Shooting, Drill Night, Skill Builder sessions, and private lessons at a local range. One factor you should consider is that most local ranges, especially in rural areas, have difficulty hiring and retaining extremely qualified instructors. The pay is usually not great, which isn't of concern to me since I am retired and I am teaching primarily as a hobby, but is of concern to many others. The cost in both dollars and hours to earn and maintain advanced credentials is prohibitive for many instructors. None of our instructors teach more than a few hours a week, and although the pay is above minimum wage it is not nearly high enough to offset the cost of advanced instructor development courses. I end up spending quite a bit out of my own pocket for specialized targets, ammunition to use when demonstrating, PPE, gas to travel to and from work, etc. I plan to teach part time for only another few years before retiring completely. Certainly, when one is contemplating taking a week-long firearms course at considerable cost, one should ensure that the instructors hold advanced certifications. But for the average citizen who wishes to learn the fundamentals, or to receive their CCW, and who doesn't wish to (or cannot afford to) invest four figures into training, such expectations are unrealistic.

[@ASPextra]

I went through all of that as a new instructor as well. You're 100% right, but if you're teaching life and death skills, why would you think a weekend of sitting under an NRA TC is enough to do so? To teach all of your other skills you spent a LOT of time and effort to become proficient.

[@williamwaddell5587]

@@ASPextra I agree with you, an instructor in any field should do everything possible to ensure that he is correctly imparting the requisite skills to his students. One of the best ways to do this is to enroll in top-notch instructor development training. I wish that it was always practical for all firearms instructors to do so, but sadly this just isn't the case. I have an advantage over most of my fellow instructors (most much younger than I) at the range where I teach, in that I was able to receive quite a bit of world-class firearms training both at my own expense and at government expense prior to my retirement, and in my background teaching non-firearms skills. I also enjoy a generous retirement annuity and can thus afford to take additional training, albeit not as much as I would wish (lately my professional training is limited to Gunsite Pistol Range Day and Gunsite Alumni Shoot). Most small rural ranges, including the one which employees me, simply cannot find instructors with high-level credentials, nor can they pay enough to offset the cost of advanced training, especially training specifically geared towards instructor development. You are also quite correct that NRA Pistol Instructor certification, or even Personal Protection Outside/Inside the Home, is not nearly enough to teach critical life-saving skills. In my defense, however, I have been trained in defensive shooting by some of the nation's best instructors. Granted, the classes I took were not specifically tailored for "train the trainer", but I believe they gave me valuable knowledge which I can pass to students. I also keep an open mind and ask many questions of instructors more experienced and qualified than myself, whenever I have an opportunity to do so. I believe that this, combined with my experience teaching at NGC, allows me to successfully teach foundational defensive shooting skills for the types of students we typically see at my local range. Am I qualified to teach at some place like Gunsite? No, of course not. Am I qualified to teach someone like yourself who already possesses advanced defensive shooting skills? Big no. I always encourage students who express a desire to further improve their defensive shooting skills to seek more advanced training than I can offer. Can I start a student who has no prior firearms experience down the proper path? Yes, I believe I can.

[@Norman-Bates]

God bless

[@kylestewart4444]

It’s really not hard to find qualified trainers but the ones that everyone knows about are pretty pricey.

[@ASPextra]

You’re right. National level trainers get paid more to teach!

[@jburtonpdx]

many local instructors will offer a 1-day class at a fair price - take it, if they suck don't go back, if they are good take more classes from them... Apply critical thinking and use definable metrics to measure improvement, put skill set on a timer, consider what is taught, etc...

[@pbkgaming7767]

I can teach my wife or kid basic firearm stuff but I am no qualified instructor lol

[@mikes6961]

Really disturbing. I'm an RSO and lately have been seeing shooters coming in and claiming to just have taken 100 dollar an hour training just to grip their guns with thumbs behind the slide, standing straight up and having no clue how to lock slides back. With all the new gun purchases lately, ots obvious dirtbags are preying on these people who are new to firearms. When someone who claims to be from a beautiful range 50 miles away with "clients", I wonder why an instructor from that range would be at mine to give lessons. I urge everyone to check credentials and ask the owners of said range if these lot lizards are indeed associated with their range. Always clients driving nice cars and sporting expensive guns who can afford high dollar lessons too.

[@gmcjetpilot]

Not you but I found the "tactical Joe" instructors at the local range who thinks they are John Wick are obnoxious. I run not walk away. The best was a SWAT commander who had real life death experience.

[@mpeg4me]

Where can I learn to reload during the hondo roll, and pop up shooting...?

[@ASPextra]

lol

[@mpeg4me]

@@ASPextra I'm kidding. I do want to thank you for this video. It assures me as I start the journey of creating a firearms instruction business, that I am well certified and vetted with who I've trained and trained under.

[@mattmazzorato9813]

What woukd do you think of the Combat Marksmanship Trainers course for the USMC who become Primary Marksmanship Instructors who train recruits to 500 Yds. Accredited/ acknowledged or not..

[@ASPextra]

Generally I find Marine Corps-trained marksmanship coaches to be good teachers of rifle skills in a military context. Some can re-contextualize that for the civilian world, some cannot. Depends on the individual.

[@edreds2313]

I would love for you to teach me everything you know, I’ve been shooting since I was a kid and I want to take the next step in teaching gun safety and basics. Do you have any opening for someone to shadow you and learn from you?

[@ASPextra]

Place to start is with some basic certification like NRA.

[@chaselastname7918]

Take them to church John!!!

[@richardbenson4750]

Great video and I like most of your points; certificates, professional experience, combat arms or sof experience, leo experience, and such are good to but course reviews and other sources like KZbin video and such are other great ways to gain/form an informed opinion about competency shooting orientation. Keep up the good work.

[@mhfisc]

Instead of spending hours to vet an instructor, I would get a few references. The best judges are students. Most guys teaching are qualified to teach. It would be better to vet the course and whether it is relevant to you. What skills do you need in your life. An SF veteran can teach you small unit tactics, how to react to contact, peels, bounding, etc. However, are you ever going to work with a unit and have to use the skills? More applicable to most is how to fight in a phone booth by yourself. That being said, there in nothing wrong with taking a class that does not pertain to your life, as long as you made a rational choice. Finally, teaching a basic class/CCW class does not require a high level of proficiency with weapons. For the most part, the students are beginners and it is all about teaching basics.

[@ASPextra]

Tactical fantasy band camp is fun! :) Also, reviews alone don't do it for me because students don't know what they don't know honestly.

[@mhfisc]

Roger that about the camp. I think you underestimate students. They know their experience. There are also problems with certifications. There may be a few exceptions, but if you pay your fee, your get a certification. Also, it is very difficult to judge a person's ability to transfer knowledge in a efficient manner. People have their sacred cows. Elite instructors disagree on tactics and techniques. For example, many instructors teach to pull the trigger with the first finger pad. Others teach to sink the whole finger on the trigger. Some instructors will have students point weapons at each other, others will condemn those instructors. Personally, I think references are an easy way to avoid a bad class. Frankly, for most classes, the skills taught are fairly basic. The key is to find an instructor that makes a person a better "operator(lol)". They can tell if they are operating better.

[@johnwilburn]

@@ASPextra Exactly! A student dazzled by BS has no idea what he/she has just been served.

[@lukehague5082]

Good instructors in Oklahoma? Never been to a firearms class before. Suggestions please

[@ASPextra]

Spencer Keepers of Keepers Concealment in OKC. Jack Barrett at BDC Gun Room in Shawnee.

[@williamstewart9514]

Luke, those are good instructors. I am Scott Stewart out northwest Ok Rangemaster Certified as well.

[@williamstewart9514]

Luke, those are good instructors. I am Scott Stewart out northwest Ok Rangemaster Certified as well.

[@williamstewart9514]

Luke, those are good instructors. I am Scott Stewart out northwest Ok Rangemaster Certified as well.

[@williamstewart9514]

Luke, those are good instructors. I am Scott Stewart out northwest Ok Rangemaster Certified as well.

[@elmerfudd4837]

I appreciate what your trying to say but you may want to tone it down a bit. So you’ve carried a gun for ten years or so and taken a bunch of classes, that’s all well and great and don’t get me wrong you know more than the vast majority of people, but you come across like you know it all and are an expert. You do in a lot of these videos. Just because someone had been to school to be a Brain Surgeon doesn’t mean they can perform what they learned. From what you’ve shown of your shooting your somewhat above average and that’s great. I just think maybe your overstepping a Tad. That being said you have great content on your other channel and I enjoy most of your videos and appreciate the content. Just my internet nobody knows what’s I know opinion for what it’s worth. (Probably not much)

[@ASPextra]

Well feel free to come shoot with me some day. We'll see where that gets.

[@elmerfudd4837]

I would love to if I was closer to Arizona

[@johnwilburn]

A teacher who isn't sure of himself, won't inspire confidence in anyone he teaches.

[@caiman114]

@@ASPextra lol wow.

[@steveholman5978]

I don't see the point of the green background you use for your video. Even if it covered everything behind you, it looks like a underfunded news station's weather forecaster or something. Either make it so that you don't see anything behind you, or get rid of it. What are you trying to hide behind it?

[@ASPextra]

It’s used daily for the main channel. On ASPX it’s just a place I have lights set to be able to talk.

[@mattmanbrownbro]

So.... what you're really saying is my momma is fat and my baby is ugly?

[@dbcooper2756]

Military experience can in fact make for a good instructor. Depending on the MOS, deployments, or relevant experience working ranges. The reality is that I already had more experience as a coach, range safety, and tactics instructor than just about any civilian instructor before I left the military. OPFOR NCOIC experience was a bit of a bonus too. I can teach tactics, proper room clearing, safe handling, pistol marksmanship, rifle marksmanship, and even LMG if that ever became possible. Claiming that experience in law enforcement isn't relevant is ridiculous. Law enforcement instructors are held to much higher pass/fail standards than civilian instructors. Any cop sure does benefit because thei also learn tactics, marksmanship, and safe handling from very qualified individuals. What bothers me about this guy is that he second guess victims of violent crime who react while also taking a dump all over far more qualified veterans and former LE instructors. No, he isn't the most qualified dude in the universe and his mouth gets too big for his britches on a regular basis.

[@ASPextra]

Well DB, you do you. I said military experience ipso facto doesn't make for a good instructor. You CAN be a good instructor because of military experience (Ernest Langdon comes immediately to mind) but military experience doesn't make for instructor credentials. Law enforcement experience is NOT the same as law enforcement firearms instructor experience. Conflating the two doesn't help anyone. That's what you did. If I bother you, it's a big internet and a big KZbin and you can watch those who you agree with. "Far more qualified veterans and former LE instructors" is a pretty bold statement...I would love to hear your idea of what that actually means. How might someone be more highly qualified to teach private citizen use of deadly force and handgun use than I am? I am all ears.

[@dbcooper2756]

@@ASPextra There it is again. The prideful arrogance that you constantly exude. You really do wonder if there is as more qualified operator than yourself anywhere on the planet. Narcissism and the ever present need to prove your delusions of grandeur are your downfall. Any and every cop learns from a LE instructor. LE instructor courses are extremely competitive pass/fail learning environments. They lose 50% or more of their applicants on the first day. Compare that to the civilian NRA auto pass courses civilians pay out of pocket for. The best instructors I know are all veterans and former law enforcement. Im not talking about Air Force supply clerks or Navy electricians. Veterans with relevant tactical and firearms experience are always going to have an edge. Self defense law? Students need to know the basics of what to do or say after a self defense incident. They need not spend 50 hours per week at a law library. They need to know that excited utterances can be used against them. They need to limit 911 communication to just the most basic facts (they're recorded calls). Saying too much is the path to prosecution no matter how justified they might be. Having a good legal defense insurance policy that aids them prior to arrest can be handy too. It doesn't matter if the arriving cop likes what he sees or hears, what matters is that the defender not talk himself into a shiny set of chained bracelets. Any LE who questions you after a homicide is not your friend. His job is to help you help yourself into the back of a squad car. Former LE capacity experience brings an aspect of training to the classroom that you can't. We can prepare students to know what questioning is going to be like and what pitfalls to avoid. In my case I worked 5 plus years as a CO in a level 5 state prison after leaving the military. I was questioned by white shirts and inspectors looking to hang someone often enough to learn the game. We can also help students understand how the predatory criminal mind works and how to avoid being targeted by them.

[@ASPextra]

Call it what you will, name calling doesn't help anyone. And you dodged my question. I don't wonder if there are more qualified people in the world than I am. I know most of them, have trained with many of them, and respect them. A random guy making big pronouncements on the internet gets questioned, though, especially when he puffs his own chest out. Your assertion that LE learn from LE instructors is meaningless, and you can't run that past me because I know too many cops and know how most cops shoot. I know about five dozen LE firearms instructors and they all have that same opinion. I also teach LE handgun use (mostly off duty carry), and have more than a few cops come through my classes on their own. The ones who actually take their own time and money to train to a high level of competence are rare. I am currently working with a good sized PD on a program to improve their academy curriculum to improve outcomes for cadets, so this is something I know a bit about. You're demonstrably wrong about understanding that little about self-defense law being "enough," and if that's all a defensive firearms instructor teaches their students they are negligent in their teaching.

[@ASPextra]

Also, for any readers, my background is on our website. activeselfprotection.com/our-owner-and-founder-john-correia I acknowledge it for what it is, and train hard. I don't denigrate anyone's experience or their actual instructor credentials, and value .mil and LE firearms trainers who train to excellence. I count some of them friends and respect them highly.

[@johnwilburn]

@@dbcooper2756 You're a product of institutional inbreeding and it's really narrowing your view of this.

[@McGuireJJ]

Voda Consulting

[@ASPextra]

Ugh!!

[@AOMartialArts]

JJ McGuire Voda is my go to. I judge all other instructors by the Voda standard. 🤓

[@McGuireJJ]

Active Self Protection Extra 👍🏻

[@McGuireJJ]

Rob Hodge 😉

[@johnwilburn]

I would take a class with him, but my plate carrier doesn't cover my head. Too risky.

[@griffyrule6553]

I get it. But some of this is gatekeeping. Skillset, knowledge and communication are what I look for in instructors. Idgaf who you know. Do you have knowledge or a skillset I need and can you communicate that clearly. There are guys out there that worked quietly on their own for years that can smoke most of the well know YT instructors. I don't care about your resume, I care that you can make me better.

[@ASPextra]

Skillset is king, and of course someone can gain proficiency in a number of ways. I think it’s highly unlikely that someone gains a high level of skill and teaching prowess completely under the radar though.

[@CombinedArms1]

Uh nukes are the worst lol. Surface or sub?

[@ASPextra]

I was a surface nuke. USS John C Stennis.

[@CombinedArms1]

Active Self Protection Extra nice been dealing with nukes on subs for 18yrs now lol most of them are good dudes the rest are just odd mostly the elts

[@mikealvarez7352]

Truth bomb lol

[@codyhess5713]

Thunder ranch or no one.

[@ASPextra]

I love Clint, but it's not him or no one. :)

[@codyhess5713]

Active Self Protection Extra areed just a little joke. I've had a hard time finding anyone decent. That's why I watch your videos and take it upon myself to learn and get range time.

[@codyhess5713]

So what if you are a weapons instructor in the military or law enforcement? Hahaha

[@ASPextra]

They you're teaching LE or .mil TTPs and ROEs! :)

[@jtop2038]

There is no such thing as a good instructor who does not seek additional instruction for himself/herself. They can always learn from others, even if it is a technique or teaching method they do not use or agree with. There also no such thing as a good instructor that does not teach and demand firearm safety from all students, no matter the level.

[@ASPextra]

PREACH!! :)

[@flyingdutchman7585]

Wait...so because I haven't trained with some big name instructors recently and can name them I'm not qualified to instruct? So the fact that I was on the the Army Pistol team, was in the 3/75th Ranger Batt, served with JSOC, graduate of US Army Sniper School, combat veteran, left the military and worked over 20 years as a DEA Agent carrying undercover the whole time, am a DOJ trained and certified Firearms and tactics instructor (17+ years) and taught pistol and rifle and sub guns to Special Agentsand Local LE's (both men and women), LE's in El Sal, Colombia, Guatemala, Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia in Spanish, received training from and trained with IDF, SAS, GSG-9, Delta (don't remember any of the instructors names...damn) and many others and hold a Florida "K" instructors license, I'm not "really" a qualified instructor. Um...ok. While I agree with you that just because you were in the military or a cop doesn't make you qualified to teach, I will disagree that just training with some big name instructors does qualify you to teach. Instruction, good instruction comes from doing it, lots. Every shooter has things they can improve on and a good instructor through experience can pick up on those things and properly correct them. Any hoot...I get where you were coming from in the vid and agree mostly, but I'm at a point in my life where if someone doesn't think I'm qualified enough to instruct them that's fine...go to some NRA no experience guy, what do I care...hell, I'm sure they can come up with something special they learned from watching U-tube to pass on.

[@longislandpatriot6745]

someone is impressed with themselves. Ever see the you tube video of the DEA dope who shoots himself in a classroom of young kids?

[@Flugabwehrkanone]

@@carlvonfuckwits2934 You need someone else to observe and correct your form, so it's really hard to avoid training scars if you train yourself.

[@carlvonfuckwits2934]

@@Flugabwehrkanone that is why you go with a buddy. You check one another. And form goes to shit In many bad situations. Grip sight alignment and pulling the trigger are most important, having the same draw each time. These can be very subjective aspects as there are several effective methods and every shooter is different.

[@carlvonfuckwits2934]

@@longislandpatriot6745 we are talking about practicing vs cool guy training for 600 bucks. Majority of training is draw from the holster and shoot a paper target. There are plenty of resources on this. If you are experienced with firearms you should be able to accomplish this without the 101 stuff most trainers teach. Not saying do not go get training but never act like it's the know all be all. Most trainers are not those youtube guys or ex SF, they are NRA RSOs run of the mill and only know basic stuff.

[@johnwilburn]

I doubt you'll believe this, but you really are missing out.

[@user-ZfarmpondPatrolZ]

Meanwhile back in BRAZIL...................................

[@ASPextra]

lol