Alex Tasco

This class is offered in partnership with DC Training Academy (https://www.dctrainingacademy.com/). Intended for strong intermediate and advanced shooters, this course will educate and prepare the shooter to deploy their weapon efficiently and effectively from concealment. Preparedness involves more than just being able to draw and shoot so students will learn about the physical and psychological effects that are experienced during high stress violent encounters as well as what to do and expect when and after they occur. With this knowledge in mind, students will learn how to draw and fire their weapon from concealment using a series of dry fire exercises followed by putting it all into action on the range.

Note: All students will be required to pass a practical dry fire exam demonstrating the techniques learned prior to the live fire portion.

Handgun Fundamentals 1 is for both beginners and those who have never had formal handgun instruction. This course will provide students with the necessary foundation to confidently handle and operate a handgun. The course takes place entirely on the range where students will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with their handgun and develop foundational skillsets using a series of drills designed to make them better and more confident shooters.

Whether you are new to the AR-15 platform altogether or looking to learn more, this class will teach you what you need to know. The topics include the history, function, operation, and maintenance of the AR-15 platform.

This course helps students create a strong foundation for defensive shooting with the AR‑15 platform. Participants will develop confidence through a clear understanding of use and operation, confirming their zero, proper use of a sling, and building solid mechanics through effective stance and grip. Students will work at close defensive distances, roughly 5 to 20 yards, while learning about concepts like follow‑through and mechanical offset, as well as how to manage essential actions—such as performing emergency and tactical reloads—all while developing the ability to balance speed with precision. The result is a well‑rounded, instructor‑led introduction to core defensive fundamentals in a safe, structured environment.

You must have completed "Defensive AR-15 Fundamentals 1" before taking this class.

This course reinforces and expands on the core concepts introduced in Level 1, helping students further develop confidence and consistency with the AR‑15 platform. Building on established fundamentals, participants are introduced to new concepts such as establishing a baseline for speed and control, target transition, and understanding and applying defensive context when engaging targets. The class also covers recognizing and addressing common malfunctions through immediate and remedial action drills. Together, these elements create an instructor‑led experience designed to strengthen defensive proficiency in a safe, structured environment.

In this class, students will learn everything they need to know about handguns including their components and function, ammunition, factors to consider when selecting a handgun, and defensive shooting considerations along with proper stance, grip, and aiming techniques. This class does not include range time, but students will get to practice stance and grip with inert training handguns while in the classroom.

Building on Handgun Fundamentals 1, this live-fire class introduces more defensive shooting concepts and incorporates additional skills such as working from an outside the waistband holster, performing emergency and tactical reloads, and malfunction drills.