Raphael Velez

Raphael first learned to shoot a rifle in 1968, after his father returned from Vietnam. He is a highly qualified and experienced instructor with multiple certifications under his belt. In addition to being a certified USCCA and NRA firearms and self-defense instructor, he is also a Grand Master in Tang Soo Do (Korean martial arts) and KunTao (Filipino martial arts), with over 35 years of teaching experience. Raphael specializes in five additional weapons: Katana, Nunchaku, Dagger, Escrima, and Bo staff. He has competed professionally and has been televised on ESPN2 under the International Sport Karate Association (ISKA), earning seven national and world champion titles. He has been inducted into both the Action Martial Arts Hall of Honor and the Masters of the Martial Arts Hall of Fame. In addition, Raphael is a certified Professional Dive Master with SSI, having completed over 400 dives. He has also worked as a mental health counselor for 25 years. Raphael is dedicated to helping individuals and families protect themselves and their loved ones through firearms training, martial arts, and other self-defense tactics. With his extensive knowledge, personalized approach, and unwavering commitment to safety, Raphael is the ideal instructor for anyone looking to improve their self-defense skills.