I needed this, I want to be a firearms instructor but got unmotivated by people telling me I need a LEO or Military background to get anywhere. I just wanna be a Self Defense instructor. Ever since I was able to teach my parents and get them proficient pretty quick and how good that made me feel, I knew I had a passion for it. Getting my Dad from horrible accuracy to acceptable accuracy in one day made me feel great, he was so happy & grateful.
I think the world of self defense is shifting. For decades whenever people thought of self defence outside of the home, they would always envision preparing with the standard martial arts or using devices like pepper spray. Those things were seen as being "of the civilian" world, while firearms outside of the home were thought of as something only for the military. Now we're in the midst of a transition where our culture will begin to accept that a civilian can teach firearms instruction just as any or civilian could teach a karate studio as a primary or secondary source of income.
100% agree with everything you said in the video. I started my business after a few years of taking co-workers to the range on my days off, to help them shoot better, back when I worked private security. What you said about instructing needing to be your passion is spot on, I can honestly say I enjoy every hour I spend on the range helping others and feel rewarded after each class.
What can one say?! This young man is a gem to his craft, integrity always comes to mind when I watch his content and I can say I have been binging all week and the main thing that resonates with me more than anything is that he genuinely cares about what he does and seeks truth. This is fast becoming one of my favorite channels.
This video needs to be apart of any instructor course. Because this is all truth. Im on the pathway to becoming an instructor/teacher. Thank you for your service and your ability deliver such a powerful truth
Great advice. I instructed basic rifle, pistol, and shotgun before the military and now I teach dudes on our ranges. Really got to be adaptive and have a passion for translating your knowledge in a way that others can receive it. I've seen top-notch shooters who had no idea on how to teach, and I've seen it the other way around. I've taught Afghans and Iraqis on small arms, and I consider that probably one of the hardest environments to teach in with just about every challenge present, but if you can teach and have a passion and lots of "tools" in the tool box for presenting material and coaching your students, then you'll be successful. Great video, I was looking for a video talking about insurance/LLC/legal particulars but this video was a pleasant surprise, and a much-needed conversation in a flooded field of static and noise. Good stuff, I'm subbed. -Mr. 2nd
Ive been looking for that same info sir, on LLC’s/insurance etc.. have you found anywhere that pinpoints on those topics? I know it probably varies from state to state (im in CA) but maybe whatever you found might help me. Im a prospective instructor. Focusing on the fundamentals for new/beginner shooters.
Great video! Keep up the great work! The best instructors that I've had were relaxed and patient with students. It's a trait that I've learned to implement with my students and it sure has paid off! Thank you for the great video.
Thanks! This is exactly the video I needed.. I’ve been training people to become boat captains and sailors for over a decade and looking to transition into firearms instructor.
Thanks for the video! I connected with everything you talked about in this video and was like "this guy gets it". I just separated and im running around looking for resources to become a fire arms instructor. I appreciate you helping me stay focused on what I want to do
Awesome video. I'm taking your defensive handgun class in ATL next month. I've taken tactical response fighting pistol but I am looking forward to your approach to self defense shooting.
Excellent advise... I actually bumped onto this whole video by accident... but i guess timing is everything...as I have been thinking about becoming an instructor and passing some of the knowledge I've acquired through training.
Which is absolutely ridiculous because its quite often that the Civilian shoots far more often than the Policeman or Military. Most shoot in basic or the Academy then shoot for their Bi annual quals and that's it. Most of the training that can be taught which I feel must be extremely severely lacking these days can actually be taught by Former Military and Former Police or Private Security Forces to the Civilian.
Bs there are plenty of comp shooter instructors or recreational shooters who become instructors. Cops half the time are far more less skilled then the civilian who actually trains and practices far more then law enforcement. Military is different I’m some cases They actually get trained but then again sean Ryan and the other Cali dude he served with both gave a bad review of a cz p10c when they claimed you can’t press check it. What I’m saying is just cause they are in those professions doesn’t mean you’re qualified.
I wanted to not like you because you look more like an MMA fighter than Firearms instructor but this was a very well thought out and communicated video. I can see through the way that you communicate that you would be a good instructor. Can't judge a book by its cover! I am now subscribed to SageDynamics.
I've been shooting for 10+ years and competed in IPSC for 7 years and been top lady in Canada. I was also into instructing equestrian riding since a kid before i got into teaching new shooter's and new Action shooter's. I volunteered with my local gun clubs teaching hundreds of different people. What works for one body type/personality doesn't work for everybody! Volunteering is one of the best way to get enough people to "practice your teaching methods". I try to have a well rounded background by learning about psychology, anatomy and taken clinics from local and famous instructors.
Aaron what are your thoughts on instructors who focus on fundamental classes ? I would enjoy teaching people and would prefer to teach fundamentals. I feel as though i would not be the right person to teach a combative class or the like , ive never been in a "combative situation " so i do not feel that is my place to teach. But im a competent shooter and study as many aspects as i can and love learning new ways of doing things even if said procedure, action or philosophy doesn't work best for me . Yet, if i can retain that knowledge and understand that veiw i can introduce it to someone whom it may work best for. I just want to help other people grow as not only shooters but as thinkers. Doing so as safely and efficiently as possible.
For what it's worth, the classes that I teach are pretty much all fundamentals-based; I too have never been in a gunfight and so I'd feel out of my lane teaching that. The other thing is that new shooters really need the fundamentals more than anything (and likely can't handle much beyond fundamentals at first anyway) and the more experienced shooters often tell me that their thought process when I start with fundamentals is "Oh, great, this boring stuff!" but when they actually start doing things like shooting at small targets under time constraints, they are reminded that "the boring stuff" is something that they've been neglecting in favor is practicing John Wick-type ninja moves. Ninja moves are all well and good, but they don't put holes where holes are needed; fundamentals do that. But because it's more showy to do the ninja stuff, we have a tendency to practice it and let our fundamentals atrophy. I would say that you don't need to be an 'operator' to teach people marksmanship, safe/efficient gun-handling, or really even things like the use of cover (the latter is a bit tougher to know if you're teaching right; you can't check it easily by measuring a group size or putting it on a shot timer but you can still study what's important in that regard and pass along the fundamentals of how to reduce the odds of getting shot) so if those are things that you're good at and you have a knack for making others understand how to do them too, then by all means start (keep?) teaching the fundamentals!
Most clinics I've been to have a high fundamentals component...this is how I teach. Just keep working on inefficiency of technique. It's the small things that matter and make up the whole picture. Few people have as good a fundamentals, as they think they do. It's all about the basics.
What i meant is, I would love to be an instructor and more so a teacher. And i would love to teach everything from safety and basics to first time shooters, to advaced self defense techniques, to advanced physical and mental tactics for civilians, law enforcment and military memebers but its doesn't seem like its possible or even right to do so as a civilian whos never used alot of the skills they teach in a real life scenario. Especially with the mental aspect of training. Any thoughts or opinions or advice on civilians with no law enforcment or military history, learing, practicing and teaching advanced tactics?
You have to understand the fundamentals we are being taught today NEVER came from the military or the police. It was competitors who learned how to control recoil and develop accuracy. Join the NRA for their instructors course, compete in USPSA or IDPA and join a gun club. Some gun clubs have closed memberships but they are open for competitions. If money is an issue, dry firing every day with good technique helps more that one would think.
SageDynamics That is fantastic. I am 20ish minutes away from SLC. I would love to attend a class of yours next time you're out here! I assume you have a schedule on your website? If so I will definitely check it out!
Well said, leadership as in instruction, if I turn around before I go through a door if there is no one there , I’m not leading regardless of my rank. If I have no students I’m not teaching regardless of what I call myself. Lol it ain’t about me. My identity is what I do not a title.
I honestly feel like there are 2 different things people are talking about here , shooting and tactics. If its shooting you 100% don't need a military or law enforcement if your doing tactic based training then yes you do
I needed this, I want to be a firearms instructor but got unmotivated by people telling me I need a LEO or Military background to get anywhere. I just wanna be a Self Defense instructor. Ever since I was able to teach my parents and get them proficient pretty quick and how good that made me feel, I knew I had a passion for it. Getting my Dad from horrible accuracy to acceptable accuracy in one day made me feel great, he was so happy & grateful.
That's very cool, I'm pretty much in the same situation. Were u able to start teaching?
I'm now wondering the same thing since I'm looking at doing this now.
I think the world of self defense is shifting. For decades whenever people thought of self defence outside of the home, they would always envision preparing with the standard martial arts or using devices like pepper spray. Those things were seen as being "of the civilian" world, while firearms outside of the home were thought of as something only for the military. Now we're in the midst of a transition where our culture will begin to accept that a civilian can teach firearms instruction just as any or civilian could teach a karate studio as a primary or secondary source of income.
100% agree with everything you said in the video. I started my business after a few years of taking co-workers to the range on my days off, to help them shoot better, back when I worked private security. What you said about instructing needing to be your passion is spot on, I can honestly say I enjoy every hour I spend on the range helping others and feel rewarded after each class.
This applies to being an instructor in any field. Great vid.
What can one say?! This young man is a gem to his craft, integrity always comes to mind when I watch his content and I can say I have been binging all week and the main thing that resonates with me more than anything is that he genuinely cares about what he does and seeks truth. This is fast becoming one of my favorite channels.
This video needs to be apart of any instructor course. Because this is all truth. Im on the pathway to becoming an instructor/teacher. Thank you for your service and your ability deliver such a powerful truth
Great advice. I instructed basic rifle, pistol, and shotgun before the military and now I teach dudes on our ranges. Really got to be adaptive and have a passion for translating your knowledge in a way that others can receive it. I've seen top-notch shooters who had no idea on how to teach, and I've seen it the other way around. I've taught Afghans and Iraqis on small arms, and I consider that probably one of the hardest environments to teach in with just about every challenge present, but if you can teach and have a passion and lots of "tools" in the tool box for presenting material and coaching your students, then you'll be successful.
Great video, I was looking for a video talking about insurance/LLC/legal particulars but this video was a pleasant surprise, and a much-needed conversation in a flooded field of static and noise. Good stuff, I'm subbed.
-Mr. 2nd
Ive been looking for that same info sir, on LLC’s/insurance etc.. have you found anywhere that pinpoints on those topics? I know it probably varies from state to state (im in CA) but maybe whatever you found might help me. Im a prospective instructor. Focusing on the fundamentals for new/beginner shooters.
This has been the absolute best and most honest piece of information I’ve receive since thinking about becoming an instructor, thank you
Great video! Keep up the great work! The best instructors that I've had were relaxed and patient with students. It's a trait that I've learned to implement with my students and it sure has paid off! Thank you for the great video.
This has been very helpful.
Thanks for taking the time
Outstanding. I'll be seeing you in a few weeks in Dover,TN vehicle class.
so many nuggets of wisdom. Thanks Aaron!
I appreciate your candor and insight.
Thanks! This is exactly the video I needed.. I’ve been training people to become boat captains and sailors for over a decade and looking to transition into firearms instructor.
I have yet to take a course by you,but i consider you as the best out there.
Articulated incredibly well, and highly motivating! Thank you for this!
Thanks for the video! I connected with everything you talked about in this video and was like "this guy gets it". I just separated and im running around looking for resources to become a fire arms instructor. I appreciate you helping me stay focused on what I want to do
Awesome video. I'm taking your defensive handgun class in ATL next month. I've taken tactical response fighting pistol but I am looking forward to your approach to self defense shooting.
I rarely subscribe to channels. But you've got my attention with this one. So I am gonna see what your other videos have to offer
These are great thoughts. Well put and spot on for this topic.
Awesome!!!! Watched this hoping to become an instructor one day and love that you think so multi dimensional! ...hope to one day achieve this level
Outstanding as always!
Motivational information for me Arron. I am getting ready to start my NRA instructor courses soon.
Excellent advise... I actually bumped onto this whole video by accident... but i guess timing is everything...as I have been thinking about becoming an instructor and passing some of the knowledge I've acquired through training.
Great video as always.
Pretty sure that was one take. Wow. Great job, brother.
Thought you were about to break out Bloom's Taxonomy there for a minute....and you did.
It seems like if you're not former military or law enforcement then no amount of classes will give you credibility
Which is absolutely ridiculous because its quite often that the Civilian shoots far more often than the Policeman or Military. Most shoot in basic or the Academy then shoot for their Bi annual quals and that's it. Most of the training that can be taught which I feel must be extremely severely lacking these days can actually be taught by Former Military and Former Police or Private Security Forces to the Civilian.
Bs there are plenty of comp shooter instructors or recreational shooters who become instructors. Cops half the time are far more less skilled then the civilian who actually trains and practices far more then law enforcement. Military is different I’m some cases They actually get trained but then again sean Ryan and the other Cali dude he served with both gave a bad review of a cz p10c when they claimed you can’t press check it. What I’m saying is just cause they are in those professions doesn’t mean you’re qualified.
nailed this one! Spot on and I agree its all about giving back and problem solving. Well said
Next Level Tactical what up brother!!
datzitteezy always good to see you here bro 👍🏻☝️. AC is spot on as you know. Let's do a class with him in the near future
I wanted to not like you because you look more like an MMA fighter than Firearms instructor but this was a very well thought out and communicated video. I can see through the way that you communicate that you would be a good instructor. Can't judge a book by its cover! I am now subscribed to SageDynamics.
I've been shooting for 10+ years and competed in IPSC for 7 years and been top lady in Canada.
I was also into instructing equestrian riding since a kid before i got into teaching new shooter's and new Action shooter's.
I volunteered with my local gun clubs teaching hundreds of different people. What works for one body type/personality doesn't work for everybody! Volunteering is one of the best way to get enough people to "practice your teaching methods".
I try to have a well rounded background by learning about psychology, anatomy and taken clinics from local and famous instructors.
Excellent!
Very well spoken.
Aaron wat do u think of press checks on rifle/pistol? Explain pls
Well said bro
Aaron what are your thoughts on instructors who focus on fundamental classes ? I would enjoy teaching people and would prefer to teach fundamentals. I feel as though i would not be the right person to teach a combative class or the like , ive never been in a "combative situation " so i do not feel that is my place to teach. But im a competent shooter and study as many aspects as i can and love learning new ways of doing things even if said procedure, action or philosophy doesn't work best for me . Yet, if i can retain that knowledge and understand that veiw i can introduce it to someone whom it may work best for. I just want to help other people grow as not only shooters but as thinkers. Doing so as safely and efficiently as possible.
For what it's worth, the classes that I teach are pretty much all fundamentals-based; I too have never been in a gunfight and so I'd feel out of my lane teaching that. The other thing is that new shooters really need the fundamentals more than anything (and likely can't handle much beyond fundamentals at first anyway) and the more experienced shooters often tell me that their thought process when I start with fundamentals is "Oh, great, this boring stuff!" but when they actually start doing things like shooting at small targets under time constraints, they are reminded that "the boring stuff" is something that they've been neglecting in favor is practicing John Wick-type ninja moves. Ninja moves are all well and good, but they don't put holes where holes are needed; fundamentals do that. But because it's more showy to do the ninja stuff, we have a tendency to practice it and let our fundamentals atrophy.
I would say that you don't need to be an 'operator' to teach people marksmanship, safe/efficient gun-handling, or really even things like the use of cover (the latter is a bit tougher to know if you're teaching right; you can't check it easily by measuring a group size or putting it on a shot timer but you can still study what's important in that regard and pass along the fundamentals of how to reduce the odds of getting shot) so if those are things that you're good at and you have a knack for making others understand how to do them too, then by all means start (keep?) teaching the fundamentals!
Most clinics I've been to have a high fundamentals component...this is how I teach. Just keep working on inefficiency of technique. It's the small things that matter and make up the whole picture. Few people have as good a fundamentals, as they think they do. It's all about the basics.
What i meant is, I would love to be an instructor and more so a teacher. And i would love to teach everything from safety and basics to first time shooters, to advaced self defense techniques, to advanced physical and mental tactics for civilians, law enforcment and military memebers but its doesn't seem like its possible or even right to do so as a civilian whos never used alot of the skills they teach in a real life scenario. Especially with the mental aspect of training. Any thoughts or opinions or advice on civilians with no law enforcment or military history, learing, practicing and teaching advanced tactics?
You have to understand the fundamentals we are being taught today NEVER came from the military or the police. It was competitors who learned how to control recoil and develop accuracy. Join the NRA for their instructors course, compete in USPSA or IDPA and join a gun club. Some gun clubs have closed memberships but they are open for competitions. If money is an issue, dry firing every day with good technique helps more that one would think.
There are 1000s of instructors that can't teach.
Line up the 3 dots and bang, pay me.
Actually, Amway was the real deal. It wasn't cheesy made up stuff like Herbal Life and such. Amway had the best laundry soap and cleaners! :)
You. Agree.
To all the Veterans here!! Thank you for your service!!! I really hope you hear that often!!
There are many instructors; there are few teachers.
Aaron, have you ever visited Utah to teach some classes?
parabellum 320 I teach in Salt Lake a few times a year.
SageDynamics
That is fantastic. I am 20ish minutes away from SLC. I would love to attend a class of yours next time you're out here!
I assume you have a schedule on your website?
If so I will definitely check it out!
Well said, leadership as in instruction, if I turn around before I go through a door if there is no one there , I’m not leading regardless of my rank. If I have no students I’m not teaching regardless of what I call myself. Lol it ain’t about me. My identity is what I do not a title.
I honestly feel like there are 2 different things people are talking about here , shooting and tactics. If its shooting you 100% don't need a military or law enforcement if your doing tactic based training then yes you do
I want that shirt