Christy Hofstetter

David and Christy Hofstetter are passionate handgun enthusiasts and the founders of GRIP Defensive Training, where they equip students with safe, confident, and effective firearm skills. David, a USCCA-certified handgun instructor and NRA Range Safety Officer, grew up in Delaware and moved to Virginia in 2015 with his children, Samuel and Annabelle, seeking the peace of the mountains. A former cosmetologist of 16 years and current owner of Miller Cabinets Inc., David enjoys woodworking and the outdoors, and turned his love of firearms into a professional teaching passion. After relocating, he honed his skills with handguns, shotguns, long guns, and AR-15s, sharing his knowledge through professional instruction. Christy, born and raised in Staunton, Virginia, developed her love for shooting handguns and competitive marksmanship as a teenager competing in Tetrathlon events, comprised of Running, Swimming, Riding Horses and Shooting (air pistols). And, excelling through the National Level. She grew up in a hunting family, where venison was a staple at the dinner table. And, her dad taught her to be confident with a rifle at a young age. But, her true love for handguns became a part of life in her adult years. She earned multiple certifications, including USCCA Concealed Carry & Home Defense, Defensive Shooting Fundamentals Level 1, USCCA AR-15 Fundamentals Instructor, Women’s Handgun & Self Defense, Children’s Firearms & Safety Fundamentals, NRA Pistol and Rifle Instructor, and Chief Range Safety Officer, and also works as a fitness instructor coaching CrossFit and personal training. Christy co-founded a chapter of Armed Women of America and co-owned C-BAR Firearms Training since 2021, teaching students to handle handguns and AR-15s with confidence and precision. David and Christy married on May 11, 2025, and now raise a blended family of three children in their home—Samuel, Annabelle, and Blythe—while Christy has two older children, Tristan and Cooper, who are grown and living independently. Together, they aim to deliver unparalleled training experiences, focusing on handguns, AR-15s, defensive skills, and safe handling for all students. Through GRIP Defensive Training, they combine technical expertise, practical experience, and their Christian faith to equip students with readiness, confidence, and integrity.