Optional format for DP1 and 2:
In an effort to better serve students looking for a certain level of instruction or specific topics covered I am now going to offer the material covered in Defensive Pistol 1 and 2 in a more flexible format. Let me explain my philosophy with regards to this material.
I'm not a big believer that you need high repetition in front of an instructor to get the concept of what's getting taught. I'd rather conserve your time and cover more concepts than force the expenditure of more ammunition. Understand I still believe you need significant repetition to fully learn and be able to utilize techniques but I also believe that if you have the fundamental movements and concepts down you can and should practice on your time. A large part of what I teach can also be practiced at home with an unloaded gun. In fact drawing a handgun from concealment should not be practiced initially with a loaded gun. A large part of what I teach can't be done on public ranges for safety reasons. The larger the class the more safety concerns there are. It's important you push your limits for accuracy and speed but never at the expense of safety. Larger the group the more concern there is for safety.
The 2nd issue is disparity of skill levels in medium to large class sizes creates a safety issue and a distraction to the body of instruction. The beginner student requires more attention which slows the class, potentially reducing the material covered. The effect is the more advanced student receives little input just repetition. In the end the new student is overwhelmed by the volume that's taught and the more advanced is bored. Both parties loose.
What I'm willing to offer is smaller class sizes, 1,2 maybe 3 people, (larger groups where eachothers skill level is known and is somewhat similar can work) where skill level can quickly be assessed and curriculum that is suited to the average skill level can be taugh. Instruction will be on an hourly basis with 1,2 or 3 hours instruction blocks normally. Cost will be $40/hr per student and scheduled on a individual basis. You the student will decide what material you want taught until you feel comfortable then we move on. Safety briefing is the only mandated portion. Discussions on use of force, tactics and any other topic regarding defensive use of handgun can done during reloading and breaks.
All of the material offered in Defensive Pistol 1 and 2 and the first half of Advanced Defensive Pistol can be offered. The Force on Force instruction block in Advanced DP will still be offered but that type of instruction only works well with larger groups. I will continue to hold conventional DP classes on a demand basis.