Raphael Velez
Instructor # 1560089 | Alliance Firearms Defensive Concepts, LLC
Certified with the USCCA since 7/17/2022
Certification Renewal Date 7/17/2027
USCCA Certifications
- Concealed Carry & Home Defense
- Countering the Mass Shooter
- AR-15 Fundamentals
- Women's Handgun & Self-Defense
My Biography
Raphael Vélez began his journey in firearms training in 1968, after his father returned from Vietnam. Since then, he has developed into a highly qualified and experienced instructor with multiple certifications and decades of hands-on expertise.
He is a certified USCCA and NRA firearms and self-defense instructor, as well as a Grandmaster in Tang Soo Do (Korean martial arts) and KunTao (Filipino martial arts), with over 40 years of teaching experience. His background also includes advanced training in multiple weapons systems, including the katana, nunchaku, dagger, escrima, and bo.
Raphael has competed at the professional level and has been featured on ESPN2 under the International Sport Karate Association (ISKA), where he earned multiple national and world championship titles. He has been inducted into both the Action Martial Arts Hall of Honors and the Masters of the Martial Arts Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions and excellence in the martial arts community.
In addition to his martial arts and firearms expertise, Raphael is a certified SSI Professional Divemaster, with over 400 dives completed. He also brings over 25 years of experience as a mental health professional, providing him with a unique and comprehensive understanding of both physical and psychological aspects of performance, safety, and personal development.
Raphael is dedicated to helping individuals and families protect themselves and their loved ones through firearms training, martial arts, and practical self-defense strategies. His extensive knowledge, personalized instruction, and unwavering commitment to safety make him an exceptional instructor for those seeking to develop confidence, discipline, and real-world defensive skills.
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Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals is a comprehensive course for anyone considering getting a CCW in Florida, owning or carrying a firearm for self-defense. The course includes the range time, ammunitions and pistol.
Focus on: Developing a Personal and Home Protection Plan Understanding conflict avoidance Self-Defense Firearms Basics Shooting Fundamentals Gear and Gadgets The Legal Use of Force Violent Encounters and the Aftermath Basic and Advanced Skills
Other topics covered: Personal Safety, Handgun Safety, Handgun Fundamentals, Handgun Operation, Handgun Selection, Physiological Reactions to Violent Encounters
Developed specifically with the firearms newcomer in mind. No prior experience is necessary. If you already have an AR_15, bring your own AR-15 platform. For some, learning about firearms can be intimidating. Learn firearms fundamentals, safety rules, safe handling, care and upkeep, and basic defensive marksmanship in an entirely safe and welcoming environment. –
This course is designed, from the ground up, for beginners to firearms training and the AR-15 platform in particular. It covers the basics to take a newcomer from no experience to basic comfort with the firearm, and to improve their basic skills.
This is individualized training to help YOU evaluate your current level of proficiency and assist you with developing a plan for improvement. We will cover safe firearms handling, and the fundamentals of defensive marksmanship as part of the class.
Firearms are tools and like most tools, when used improperly, they can be dangerous. FIREARMS SAFETY is of utmost importance during class. UNSAFE conditions or behavior will be immediately corrected. If the UNSAFE behavior continues, the session will be terminated. At the end of the day, we all want to return home safely.
Classroom and online instructor-led PowerPoint presentation highlighting the history and popularity of the AR-15 parts, features, and functions; overview of cleaning and maintenance; accessorizing the AR-15, and basics about using the AR-15 for home defense.
Instructor-led range time including safety essentials, confirmation of zero, and use/operation of an AR-15; students will work on practical drills that focus on getting out of the optic and working on effective shot cadence, along with skill building and AR-15 shooting fundamentals, including recoil management, reloads, and malfunction clearance.
Classroom & online, AR-15, overview of cleaning and maintenance and accessorizing the AR-15. Discuss which cleaning kits are best for your AR-15 and which best gun/riffle vise works best.
Instructor-led range time including safety essentials, confirmation of zero, and use/operation of an AR-15; students will work on practical drills that focus on getting out of the optic and working on effective shot cadence, along with skill building and AR-15 shooting fundamentals, including recoil management, reloads, and malfunction clearance.
Instructor-led range time including safety essentials, confirmation of zero, and use/operation of an AR-15; students will work on cognitive drills that build on AR-15 shooting fundamentals and require the application of skills for effective target transition, balance of speed and precision, and defensive accurate hits on target.
Taking apart AR-15, overview of cleaning and maintenance .
Fundamental of developing a personal & home protection plan and how we might avoid violent crime and Legal Use of Force.