Most shooters train for comfort, not reality. Pistol Defense Fundamentals replaces false confidence with real-world skill, giving you the clear foundation and control you need when protecting yourself.
During This Class, You Will:
Get Started with Defensive Shooting
You’ll take your first confident steps beyond basic range shooting, by learning real-life proven point-and-shoot techniques. This class bridges the gap between static target practice and real-world defense.
Improve Your Handgun Skills
You’ll practice fundamental techniques that improve your comfort and efficiency with your firearm. Through our proven drills, you’ll become more consistently accurate with your firearm.
Develop Your Defensive Mindset
You’ll explore the psychological aspects of personal protection learn critical mental components of self-defense that help you understand that true preparedness begins long before a firearm is drawn.
What is Pistol Defense Fundamentals?
Pistol Defense Fundamentals is the essential first step for anyone serious about civilian legal self-defense. In just one class, you’ll replace static range habits with dynamic, real-world techniques that prepare you to respond quickly and decisively under pressure. This is where your defensive pistol training truly begins – with confidence, clarity, and control.
The hard truth? Most firearms training in Florida stops short of what actually works in a life-threatening encounter. If you’re relying on casual range time or YouTube videos, you’re likely forming habits that could fail you when every second matters. Hesitation, poor grip, or misaligned priorities in a crisis can lead to tragic consequences.
This course promises to give you the tools and mindset to act – not freeze – when danger strikes. You’ll gain the foundation to shoot accurately under stress and start developing the mental framework of someone who’s truly prepared.
During this 7-hour class, you’ll:
- Develop proper grip, stance, and more – essentials for consistent, accuracy that doesn’t rely on using your sight
- Get immediate feedback on common mistakes and how to fix them
- Leave knowing exactly what to practice next
More than just a class:
Pistol Defense Fundamentals is priced for accessibility but delivers high-impact training usually reserved for law enforcement or military. It’s beginner-friendly, milestone-based, and built to plug directly into our 3-level progression system, so you always know what’s next.
Who should attend:
New and intermediate shooters, concealed carry permit holders, or anyone who has a firearm for protection and wants to train like it matters. No previous tactical experience required.
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 PDF, You Must:
Meet These Requirements
- 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
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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
- 250 to 300 rounds of ammunition
- Outside-the-Waistband holster
- Pistol magazine carrier for (2) mags
- Gun belt (reinforced)
- Eye & ear protection
Before You Attend
What to Bring and Prepare
To get the most out of class (and avoid common frustrations), we’ve put together a quick guide on gear and preparation. These recommendations are based on real student feedback and instructor experience. We do not receive any compensation or affiliate income from the gear links below—this is just what works.
Learn to Break Down Your Pistol
Before class begins, you’ll need to insert a barrel plug for safety. This requires basic knowledge of how to field strip your handgun. If you’ve never broken yours down, now’s the time—check your manual or search “[Your Gun Model] Disassembly” on YouTube. This simple prep will save time and stress.
Full-Size Pistols Perform Better Here
We recommend full-size handguns for class—not compacts or subcompacts. Why? Larger frames are easier to control, especially under stress. They help you build fundamentals faster with less recoil and more grip surface. Bring what you carry, but know you’ll get the most out of class with a duty-sized pistol.
Use a Quality OWB Holster
We train from Outside the Waistband (OWB) holsters to focus on speed, safety, and consistency. Look for a Kydex holster with good retention and no thumb breaks or flaps. Level 1 or Level 2 retention is ideal. We do not allow Appendix and IWB holsters.
Don’t Skimp on a Gun Belt
A good belt keeps your holster stable and safe. We suggest a rigid, purpose-built gun belt—not a department store leather one. Look for a ratcheting or stiff core belt with minimal flex. Our favorite: Kore X5 Tactical Belt. You’ll feel the difference instantly.
Bring a Solid Mag Pouch
You’ll need a secure mag pouch for reload drills. We recommend a dual pouch with adjustable tension and OWB mounting. Avoid soft nylon or floppy gear. We like the Blade-Tech Total Eclipse 2.0 for its fit, speed, and durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the prerequisites to attend?
Pistol Defense Fundamentals in Orlando welcomes students 21+ who can legally own firearms in Florida. No tactical experience needed—just bring a willingness to learn and improve. Our instructors gradually introduce defensive shooting stance techniques while ensuring you’re comfortable before advancing to more complex threat response movement strategies.
What gear and ammunition are required?
Orlando students need a semi-automatic pistol (9mm recommended), three magazines, 250-300 rounds, an outside-the-waistband holster, and a reinforced gun belt. You’ll use this equipment for emergency reload drills for self-defense and drawing and firing accuracy improvement methods. Eye and ear protection are mandatory for safety throughout training.
How is the class structured for skill development?
Our Orlando curriculum progresses methodically through marksmanship drills for handgun proficiency before introducing defensive applications. Morning sessions focus on fundamentals, while afternoon training incorporates decision-making under stress in pistol training scenarios. Each skill builds upon previous lessons, creating a comprehensive foundation for real-world defensive capabilities.
What legal principles are taught?
Orlando students learn Florida’s self-defense laws and the legal framework governing defensive firearm use. We explore threat response movement strategies within legal boundaries, emphasizing decision-making under stress in pistol training scenarios. Understanding these principles is crucial—knowing when you can legally draw your weapon is as important as knowing how.
