Most shooters freeze when stress hits. Advanced Pistol Defense teaches you to think fast, move smart, & stay in control when milliseconds matter.
During This Class, You Will:
Make Split-Second Decisions
Develop the mental clarity to make legally sound, life-saving decisions even when your body is flooded with adrenaline. By the end of this class, you’ll confidently assess threats, recognize danger cues, and take decisive action without hesitation or second-guessing.
Turn Stress Into Advantages
Convert your body’s natural adrenaline response from a liability into your greatest asset. You’ll learn practical techniques to maintain fine motor skills, expand visual awareness, and execute precise shooting mechanics when it matters most.
Stop Multiple Threats
Within just two days, you’ll develop the ability to efficiently engage multiple attackers while maintaining optimal positioning and cover. You’ll immediately apply techniques that eliminate dangerous tunnel vision and build the awareness that’s essential for real-world protection.
Conquer Pistol Malfunctions
Master rapid malfunction clearance techniques that become automatic even in high-stress scenarios. By the end of day one, you’ll confidently handle any common pistol failure without breaking your concentration or compromising your defensive position.
What is Advanced Pistol Defense?
Advanced Pistol Defense is a two-day defensive pistol class that bridges the gap between technical skill and real-world survival. You’ll learn to stay calm, think clearly, and act decisively under stress—because in a defensive encounter, accuracy alone isn’t enough. This course teaches you how to process rapidly evolving threats and apply sound judgment when milliseconds matter.
Most shooters never train their decision-making under pressure. They rely on flat-range drills that fall apart the moment adrenaline hits. Without exposure to stress, their fine motor skills break down, they freeze in confusion, and they risk making fatal or legally disastrous choices.
This course delivers a breakthrough: the confidence to perform under fire. You’ll engage multiple threats, clear malfunctions under pressure, and apply movement principles that give you the advantage—mentally and physically.
During this 2-day, 14-hour course, you’ll:
- Execute one-handed shooting techniques and weapon manipulation under stress
- Practice rapid pistol malfunction training with a focus on speed and focus retention
- Make split-second shoot/no-shoot decisions in dynamic scenarios
- Move to and utilize cover while maintaining situational awareness
- Learn stress-mitigation strategies to preserve control and accuracy in chaos
Why this class delivers:
You’re not just learning techniques—you’re rewiring your instincts. Unlike other training courses, Advanced Pistol Defense equips you with the mindset, muscle memory, and movement skills to survive high-stakes encounters. With personalized coaching and repeatable drills, it’s training that sticks.
Who should attend:
Graduates of Pistol Defense Fundamentals and responsible civilians, concealed carriers, or security professionals ready to level up.
Our courses are available only to U.S. citizens (both natural-born and naturalized immigrants) and lawful permanent residents (green card holders).
In accordance with the Department of State’s regulations regarding the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), certain non-U.S. citizens are not allowed to participate in our training courses. Only non-U.S. citizens who are lawful permanent residents are eligible to attend. We reserve the right to verify the U.S. residency status of any student.
To Attend APD, You Must:
Meet These Requirements
- Have successfully completed DART Level 1 (Pistol Defense Fundamentals)
- Be 21+ years of age & a U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Be legally allowed to own a firearm in the state of Florida
- Be able to operate a firearm safely
- Complete a liability waiver before the start of the class
- A valid government-issued ID or driver’s license
- Please wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and pants/shorts with belt loops. No sandals.
Bring This Gear
- Semi-auto pistol (22LR, 9MM, .380, 40MM, or .45ACP)
- (3) magazines
- 450 to 500 rounds of ammunition
- Outside-the-Waistband holster
- Pistol magazine carrier for (2) mags
- Gun belt (reinforced)
- Eye & ear protection
- Water, snacks for the duration of the course
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the prerequisites for this class?
Advanced Pistol Defense requires completion of Pistol Defense Fundamentals (DART Level 1) as foundational knowledge. Orlando-area students must be 21+ years old, legally permitted to own firearms in Florida, and demonstrate safe firearm handling abilities. This ensures everyone is prepared for the challenging one-handed pistol shooting drills and dynamic movement and shooting tactics covered in this intensive course.
What specific malfunction clearing techniques will be taught?
Students learn to rapidly identify and clear Type 1-3 malfunctions while maintaining situational awareness. Our Orlando instructors teach advanced tap-rack-assess techniques, one-handed malfunction clearing, and emergency reload procedures under stress. These timed pistol reload drills prepare you for real-world scenarios where maintaining composure during equipment failures is crucial for survival.
What type of holster is recommended or required?
An outside-the-waistband (OWB) Kydex holster with active retention is required for advanced pistol accuracy techniques and dynamic movement and shooting tactics. Orlando students should secure their holster on a reinforced gun belt to prevent shifting during timed pistol reload drills. No appendix, shoulder, or ankle holsters permitted for safety reasons.
What are the legal considerations taught in the class?
Orlando students learn Florida’s self-defense laws, use-of-force continuum, and liability considerations for multiple-threat scenarios. We emphasize legal decision-making while practicing one-handed pistol shooting drills and dynamic movement and shooting tactics. Understanding these principles could save you from criminal charges or civil lawsuits after a legitimate defensive shooting.
