Brian Hill
The Complete Combatant
Instructor and Expert: Brian Hill is a highly experienced firearms instructor and coach, known for his holistic approach to shooting and self-defense. He emphasizes both the physical and psychological aspects of training.
Diverse Training Offerings: He provides a wide range of training courses, including entry-level pistol essentials, advanced classes like “The Inner Game of Shooting,” and specialized courses such as image-based decisional drills.
Focus on Self-Coaching: Brian teaches the importance of self-coaching, helping students identify and address their own weaknesses. This approach involves diagnostic skills, cognitive interviewing, and understanding individual learning styles.
Expert Witness and Public Speaker: Brian is also recognized as an expert witness in self-defense cases and frequently speaks at industry events, sharing his expertise on shooting and self-defense topics.
Personalized Coaching: He offers private lessons tailored to the specific needs of his clients, ensuring a customized learning experience that aims for the highest levels of performance.
Scott Jedlinski
Modern Samuri Project
Focus on Red Dot Pistol Training: The website offers specialized classes focusing on mastering the use of red dot sights (RDS) on pistols, catering to both beginners and advanced shooters who want to improve their skills
Diverse Training Programs: The site provides a variety of classes, including RDS Pistol Fundamentals/Performance, AIWB (Appendix Inside the Waistband) Path to Performance, and one-on-one lessons, covering a broad spectrum of shooting techniques and self-defense methods
Black Belt Standards: The “Black Belt Standards” section outlines the rigorous benchmarks required to earn the Modern Samurai Project Black Belt Patch, including specific shooting drills that must be completed consecutively within strict time limits
Experienced Instructors: Led by Scott “Jedi” Jedlinski, a master-class USPSA shooter with extensive martial arts and tactical training experience, the website highlights the qualifications of its instructors, who have taught various law enforcement and tactical units
Community and Resources: The website also features sections for hosting inquiries, a podcast, and merchandise, providing additional resources for those interested in the training philosophy and community surrounding Modern Samurai Project
Tim Herron
Tim Herron Shooting
Professional Coaching: Tim Herron offers specialized coaching for both competitive and defensive shooters, with a focus on practical shooting skills that improve performance under real-world conditions.
Class Offerings: The site provides a range of in-person and online classes, including a flagship 2-day Practical Performance class. Other offerings include private lessons, custom clinics, and online training sessions designed for different skill levels.
Personalized Instruction: Tim Herron emphasizes a personalized approach to coaching, tailoring his instruction to each student’s strengths and weaknesses. His teaching style is inclusive, ensuring no student feels left behind regardless of their skill level.
Shooting Accolades: Tim Herron is a highly accomplished shooter, holding the title of USPSA Grand Master in multiple divisions, and has won numerous national and sectional championships across various shooting disciplines.
Flexible Training Options: The site offers various training options that can be customized to fit individual schedules and goals. This includes online training programs, which are a cost-effective alternative for those unable to attend in-person classes
AJ Zito
Practical Performance
Expert Gunsmith and Trainer: AJ Zito is a highly skilled gunsmith and firearms trainer with a focus on custom work and precision shooting.
Specialized Courses: Practical Performance offers in-depth training programs, including pistol, rifle, and competition-focused classes that emphasize accuracy and efficiency.
Custom Firearms Services: AJ Zito provides custom gunsmithing services, enhancing the performance and reliability of firearms for competitive and defensive use.
Holistic Approach: The training philosophy combines technical skills with mental preparedness, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.
Community Engagement: AJ Zito is active in the firearms community, sharing knowledge through articles, podcasts, and events.
Jim
Shanahan
Advanced Performance Shooting
Military and Civilian Training Career
With over 30 years of combined experience in military service, instructional roles, and private business, Jim Shanahan brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the security and firearms training industry. Jim spent 21 years in the United States Army, where he held various key positions, including serving as a Light Infantry Platoon Sergeant, Drill Sergeant, and Senior Non-Commissioned Officer for the Directorate of Common Leader Training and Senior Enlisted Advisor Fordham University Military Science program. Following military service, Jim transitioned to civilian roles, including 3 years as a contracted instructor for the Army and 9 years as a Department of the Army Civilian, where he held various key positions, including serving as a Military Police Special Response Team Instructor and Protective Services Instructor in the Advanced Law Enforcement Training Division.
Entrepreneurship and Firearms Training Excellence
\In 1998, Jim founded his own business, which became a full-time endeavor in 2015. With a focus on high-quality firearms training and tactical instruction, where he has earned numerous certifications and accolades in the field. These certifications include being a Rangemaster Professional Pistolcraft and “Master” Instructor, as well as a Modern Samurai Project Red Dot Sight Instructor. Jim is also a certified instructor in various advanced active shooter response, church security, and counter-terrorism programs.
Advanced Certifications and Continuing Education
Among his many qualifications, Jim is certified in specialized disciplines, including explosive entry, counter-terrorism, and advanced pistol and rifle techniques. Jim has trained under renowned experts such as Tom Givens, Mike Seeklander, Scott Jedlinski, and Ron Avery, and continues to refine his skills in pursuit of excellence. Jim’s commitment to education and instruction is also reflected in his development of university-level course material for the US Army School of Cadet Command and advanced firearms programs at Strategos International.
Tim Elmer
Sightline Strategies
Experienced Instructor: Tim Elmer brings over a decade of experience in firearms training, covering concealed carry, carbine techniques, and low-light skills.
Extensive Certifications: He holds certifications including Pat McNamara TAPS Instructor and Glock Instructor, emphasizing a high level of expertise.
Comprehensive Training: Sightline Strategies offers a wide range of courses for all skill levels, focusing on real-world applicability and safety.
Community Focused: The mission is to enhance community safety and independence through accessible firearms education.
Personalized Approach: Training programs are customized to meet the specific needs of individuals, ensuring effective learning.
Ryan Lee
Empirical Concepts Training
Versatile Handgun Training: Empirical Concepts Training offers a range of handgun courses, from large group sessions to personalized one-on-one training, tailored to various skill levels and goals.
Customized Instruction: The training is adaptable, ensuring that each client receives a program suited to their specific needs, whether they thrive in group settings or prefer focused, individual attention.
Expert Instruction: Led by experienced trainers, the courses emphasize practical, hands-on skills and mastery through observation and experience.
Community Engagement: The training center also supports community engagement through competitions and events, helping to foster a learning environment among like-minded individuals.
Ryan Lee’s Leadership: As a key figure at Empirical Concepts, Ryan Lee is committed to providing top-tier firearms education, focusing on real-world applicability and safety.