Nicole Hughes

Instructor # 2213895 | Defensive Training Solutions

Certified with the USCCA since 8/19/2022

Certification Renewal Date 7/10/2027

Townsend, DE, 19734

5.0

See Reviews

USCCA Certifications

Concealed Carry & Home Defense
Women's Handgun & Self-Defense
Countering the Mass Shooter
Emergency & First Aid
Range Safety Officer
Children's Firearms & Safety Fundamentals

My Biography

If you are looking for someone that is "tacti-cool," look elsewhere for an instructor as that is NOT me. I was never part of the “Cool-Kids Club,” and I am thankful for it. Owning a Firearm and Self Defense Company was NOT my intended career path, but a stalking situation changed everything.

I initially hated guns and my education about guns back then came from the news. The news would report, “guns are bad, people that own guns are bad” but then my life was threatened. I quickly educated myself on the various use of force options and understanding the law behind it.

I am a true Delawarian…grew up in Newark and moved to Townsend, DE many years ago. I went from a career in finance to a career in personal safety and I LOVE what I do for a living.

Although I have been in the industry since 2020, Defensive Training Solutions (DTS) was established in 2024. Not only have I been selling my soul for the business, but I am loving it at the same time.

At DTS we offer a non-intimidating environment and whether you are inexperienced or experienced, we offer the perfect learning environment. I am all for keeping our loved ones safe and our classes discuss protection options ranging from non-lethal to the lethal use of force and the laws behind such force.

We offer Concealed Carry Classes for DE, MD, NJ, FL & UT, DE Permit to Purchase, Introductory to Advanced Firearm Training Classes, Self Defense Classes, Emergency First Aid Classes, Shotgun Classes, One-on-One and Private Group Classes and customizable workshops for HOA’s, 55+ communities, realtors and various organizations.

Current Classes Available

Sat, Jul. 25, 2026 8:30 AM
Delaware Concealed Carry (CCDW) Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Fri, Jul. 31, 2026 8:30 AM
Delaware Concealed Carry (CCDW) Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Mon, Aug. 3, 2026 8:30 AM
Delaware Concealed Carry (CCDW) Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Thur, Aug. 6, 2026 8:30 AM
Delaware Concealed Carry (CCDW) Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Sat, Aug. 8, 2026 8:30 AM
Delaware Concealed Carry (CCDW) Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Sat, Aug. 8, 2026 8:30 AM
Delaware Concealed Carry (CCDW) Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Fri, Aug. 14, 2026 8:30 AM
Delaware Concealed Carry (CCDW) Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Sun, Aug. 16, 2026 8:30 AM
Delaware Concealed Carry (CCDW) Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Fri, Sep. 11, 2026 8:30 AM
Delaware Concealed Carry (CCDW) Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Mon, Sep. 14, 2026 8:30 AM
Delaware Concealed Carry (CCDW) Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Thur, Sep. 17, 2026 8:30 AM
Delaware Concealed Carry (CCDW) Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Sat, Sep. 19, 2026 8:30 AM
Delaware Concealed Carry (CCDW) Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Fri, Oct. 9, 2026 8:30 AM
Delaware Concealed Carry (CCDW) Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Mon, Oct. 12, 2026 8:30 AM
Delaware Concealed Carry (CCDW) Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Thur, Oct. 15, 2026 8:30 AM
Delaware Concealed Carry (CCDW) Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Sat, Oct. 17, 2026 8:30 AM
Delaware Concealed Carry (CCDW) Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Fri, Oct. 30, 2026 8:30 AM
Delaware Concealed Carry (CCDW) Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Tues, Nov. 3, 2026 8:30 AM
Delaware Concealed Carry (CCDW) Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Sat, Nov. 7, 2026 8:30 AM
Delaware Concealed Carry (CCDW) Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Fri, Nov. 13, 2026 8:30 AM
Delaware Concealed Carry (CCDW) Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Mon, Nov. 16, 2026 8:30 AM
Delaware Concealed Carry (CCDW) Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Thur, Nov. 19, 2026 8:30 AM
Delaware Concealed Carry (CCDW) Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Mon, Nov. 30, 2026 8:30 AM
Delaware Concealed Carry (CCDW) Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Thur, Dec. 3, 2026 8:30 AM
Delaware Concealed Carry (CCDW) Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Sat, Dec. 5, 2026 8:30 AM
Delaware Concealed Carry (CCDW) Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Fri, Dec. 11, 2026 8:30 AM
Delaware Concealed Carry (CCDW) Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Mon, Dec. 14, 2026 8:30 AM
Delaware Concealed Carry (CCDW) Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Fri, Dec. 18, 2026 8:30 AM
Delaware Concealed Carry (CCDW) Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Mon, Dec. 21, 2026 8:30 AM
Delaware Concealed Carry (CCDW) Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Mon, Dec. 28, 2026 8:30 AM
Delaware Concealed Carry (CCDW) Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Sat, Aug. 8, 2026 8:30 AM
Maryland Wear and Carry (two-day class)
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$280
Sat, Sep. 19, 2026 8:30 AM
Maryland Wear and Carry (two-day class)
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$280
Sat, Oct. 17, 2026 8:30 AM
Maryland Wear and Carry (two-day class)
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$280
Sat, Nov. 7, 2026 8:30 AM
Maryland Wear and Carry (two-day class)
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$280
Sat, Dec. 5, 2026 8:30 AM
Maryland Wear and Carry (two-day class)
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$280
Sat, Jul. 25, 2026 8:30 AM
RENEWAL - Maryland Wear & Carry
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$150
Fri, Jul. 31, 2026 8:30 AM
RENEWAL - Maryland Wear & Carry
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$150
Mon, Aug. 3, 2026 8:30 AM
RENEWAL - Maryland Wear & Carry
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$150
Thur, Aug. 6, 2026 8:30 AM
RENEWAL - Maryland Wear & Carry
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$150
Sat, Aug. 8, 2026 8:30 AM
RENEWAL - Maryland Wear & Carry
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$150
Fri, Aug. 14, 2026 8:30 AM
RENEWAL - Maryland Wear & Carry
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$150
Sun, Aug. 16, 2026 8:30 AM
RENEWAL - Maryland Wear & Carry
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$150
Fri, Sep. 11, 2026 8:30 AM
RENEWAL - Maryland Wear & Carry
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$150
Mon, Sep. 14, 2026 8:30 AM
RENEWAL - Maryland Wear & Carry
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$150
Thur, Sep. 17, 2026 8:30 AM
RENEWAL - Maryland Wear & Carry
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$150
Sat, Sep. 19, 2026 8:30 AM
RENEWAL - Maryland Wear & Carry
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$150
Fri, Oct. 9, 2026 8:30 AM
RENEWAL - Maryland Wear & Carry
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$150
Mon, Oct. 12, 2026 8:30 AM
RENEWAL - Maryland Wear & Carry
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$150
Thur, Oct. 15, 2026 8:30 AM
RENEWAL - Maryland Wear & Carry
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$150
Sat, Oct. 17, 2026 8:30 AM
RENEWAL - Maryland Wear & Carry
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$150
Fri, Oct. 30, 2026 8:30 AM
RENEWAL - Maryland Wear & Carry
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$150
Tues, Nov. 3, 2026 8:30 AM
RENEWAL - Maryland Wear & Carry
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$150
Sat, Nov. 7, 2026 8:30 AM
RENEWAL - Maryland Wear & Carry
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$150
Fri, Nov. 13, 2026 8:30 AM
RENEWAL - Maryland Wear & Carry
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$150
Mon, Nov. 16, 2026 8:30 AM
RENEWAL - Maryland Wear & Carry
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$150
Thur, Nov. 19, 2026 8:30 AM
RENEWAL - Maryland Wear & Carry
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$150
Mon, Nov. 30, 2026 8:30 AM
RENEWAL - Maryland Wear & Carry
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$150
Thur, Dec. 3, 2026 8:30 AM
RENEWAL - Maryland Wear & Carry
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$150
Sat, Dec. 5, 2026 8:30 AM
RENEWAL - Maryland Wear & Carry
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$150
Fri, Dec. 11, 2026 8:30 AM
RENEWAL - Maryland Wear & Carry
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$150
Mon, Dec. 14, 2026 8:30 AM
RENEWAL - Maryland Wear & Carry
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$150
Fri, Dec. 18, 2026 8:30 AM
RENEWAL - Maryland Wear & Carry
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$150
Mon, Dec. 21, 2026 8:30 AM
RENEWAL - Maryland Wear & Carry
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$150
Mon, Dec. 28, 2026 8:30 AM
RENEWAL - Maryland Wear & Carry
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$150
Sat, Jul. 25, 2026 8:30 AM
New Jersey Concealed Carry Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Fri, Jul. 31, 2026 8:30 AM
New Jersey Concealed Carry Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Mon, Aug. 3, 2026 8:30 AM
New Jersey Concealed Carry Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Thur, Aug. 6, 2026 8:30 AM
New Jersey Concealed Carry Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Sat, Aug. 8, 2026 8:30 AM
New Jersey Concealed Carry Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Fri, Aug. 14, 2026 8:30 AM
New Jersey Concealed Carry Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Sun, Aug. 16, 2026 8:30 AM
New Jersey Concealed Carry Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Fri, Sep. 11, 2026 8:30 AM
New Jersey Concealed Carry Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Mon, Sep. 14, 2026 8:30 AM
New Jersey Concealed Carry Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Thur, Sep. 17, 2026 8:30 AM
New Jersey Concealed Carry Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Sat, Sep. 19, 2026 8:30 AM
New Jersey Concealed Carry Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Fri, Oct. 9, 2026 8:30 AM
New Jersey Concealed Carry Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Mon, Oct. 12, 2026 8:30 AM
New Jersey Concealed Carry Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Thur, Oct. 15, 2026 8:30 AM
New Jersey Concealed Carry Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Sat, Oct. 17, 2026 8:30 AM
New Jersey Concealed Carry Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Fri, Oct. 30, 2026 8:30 AM
New Jersey Concealed Carry Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Tues, Nov. 3, 2026 8:30 AM
New Jersey Concealed Carry Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Sat, Nov. 7, 2026 8:30 AM
New Jersey Concealed Carry Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Fri, Nov. 13, 2026 8:30 AM
New Jersey Concealed Carry Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Mon, Nov. 16, 2026 8:30 AM
New Jersey Concealed Carry Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Thur, Nov. 19, 2026 8:30 AM
New Jersey Concealed Carry Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Mon, Nov. 30, 2026 8:30 AM
New Jersey Concealed Carry Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Thur, Dec. 3, 2026 8:30 AM
New Jersey Concealed Carry Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Sat, Dec. 5, 2026 8:30 AM
New Jersey Concealed Carry Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Fri, Dec. 11, 2026 8:30 AM
New Jersey Concealed Carry Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Mon, Dec. 14, 2026 8:30 AM
New Jersey Concealed Carry Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Fri, Dec. 18, 2026 8:30 AM
New Jersey Concealed Carry Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Mon, Dec. 21, 2026 8:30 AM
New Jersey Concealed Carry Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180
Mon, Dec. 28, 2026 8:30 AM
New Jersey Concealed Carry Permit Class
with Nicole Hughes
5.0
Hughes Training Academy
Townsend, DE
$180

5.0

76 Reviews

What Students Are Saying

Class taken on Sat, Jul. 11, 2026
|Taught by
Instructors
Nicole Hughes
Townsend, DE
5.0
"instructor covered all aspect needed to carry a firearm safely and responsible."
Submitted on Sun, Jul. 12, 2026 by Carol H.
"Carol, it was SOOOO great to see you again and I cannot thank you enough for everything. Also a huge WOOHOOOOO and CONGRATULATIONS for "crushing it (again) on the range. Carol, thank you again...Nicole. "
Submitted on Mon, Jul. 13, 2026
Class taken on Mon, Jun. 29, 2026
|Taught by
Instructors
Nicole Hughes
Townsend, DE
5.0
"Nicole was knowledgeable, personable, and made the training an effective experience. I will certainly recommend her to anyone interested in the services she offers. "
Submitted on Tues, Jun. 30, 2026 by Geoffrey P.
"Geoffrey, thank you so very much everything. I'm beyond grateful for the opportunity and I appreciate you taking the time to leave a review. That means a lot. Thank you again, Nicole. "
Submitted on Wed, Jul. 1, 2026
Class taken on Sat, Jun. 13, 2026
|Taught by
Instructors
Nicole Hughes
Townsend, DE
5.0
Debra Radcliff
Townsend, DE
4.9
"Nicole and Deb did a fantastic job in the DE CCW course I took. Very informative and great guidance on the range. I would highly recommend Nicole to others looking for training and instructional courses. I will be signing up for future courses as well. Thanks!!!"
Submitted on Sun, Jun. 28, 2026 by Matthew M.
"Matt, we cannot thank you enough for joining Defensive Training Solutions in Townsend, DE. You had other options and we are beyond grateful for the opportunity. Also, way to go on the range although we both knew you would. Thank you for everything, Nicole. "
Submitted on Mon, Jun. 29, 2026

Nicole Hughes

Current Classes Available

What Students Are Saying

Instructors

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