Defensive Handgun Operator Level 2 (2 days) $450
Class hours 9 AM to ~5 PM
Instructor: Gregory Urdaneta of Katy, Texas
Course Topics
1) Instructor Presentation: introductions…
2) Gun safety during the course: avoid complacency in weapon handling to the point of becoming sloppy and unsafe; the weapon will be in one of three positions, holstered, on target or at the ready (en SUL).
3) Four universal gun rules:
-always handle weapon as if loaded;
-finger off trigger until ready to shoot;
-never point the muzzle of the weapon at a person or object that you’re not willing to destroy;
-verify what’s behind and surrounding your intended target.
4) Range commands and administrative tasks (loading, unloading; chamber and magazine check will ALWAYS be used to determine the condition of a weapon prior to and after every exercise.)
5) Demonstration of two shooting techniques, *both eyes open: Isosceles and modified Weaver. Note: Under defensive shooting scenarios and circumstances a blend of components of each technique will be used, thus students will train in both. *Note: all shooting during this defensive handgun course will be conducted with both eyes open.
6) Evaluation of the shooting skills (technique and accuracy) of each student will be conducted non-timed and repeated timed. Note: each student will be shown how to properly grip their handgun and the use of isometric tension to control the weapon and insure improved accuracy;
7) Dry and live-fire exercise to improve trigger control.
8) Presentation from the holster. Note: the speed of presentation of the weapon matches the speed of movement of the support hand. THIS PROCEDURE WILL BE PRACTICED ROUTINELY DURING THE COURSE.
9) *^Malfunction clearances: dry/live; both hands; strong/weak hand; non-timed/timed. * At the moment of a malfunction and if cover is unavailable, take a knee while clearing the stoppage (GET SMALL). ^After clearing a malfunction, move to cover as is possible while shooting to cover your movement if necessary.
10) Reloads: non-timed/timed; without/with movement.
11) Center mass body shots exercise: dry/live; controlled pairs and double taps (at what distances to use each); non-timed/timed.
12) Designated head shots: dry/live; controlled pairs and double taps (at what distances to use each); non-timed/timed.
13) *Varied shooting platforms and scenarios: from knee (s); on the ground (side, back); CQC (one, multiple adversaries); from vehicle; working with a partner; hostage recovery; shooting while moving (forward; lateral; backwards, etc.) *Note that the extent we engage in such activities will be dictated by the skill level of the students as safety is paramount!
Enrollment
The minimum class size will be 10 students with a maximum of 20. To be placed on a tentative class roster, please contact Gregory Urdaneta ASAP. The tuition of $450 must be paid in-full and up-front to finalize reservation of a training spot. Please provide relevant contact information (address, email, phone number). Checks should be made out to Gregory. If for some unforeseen reason the class does not make the minimum required, tuition payments will not be returned, reschedule will be available, ~600 rounds of ammo will be required for this two day course, although exercises can be conducted dry if ammo availability is an issue.
Other requirements for the course follow; please have these items and qualifications to participate in the training:
- *Center fire semi-automatic pistol or revolver, functional and without dangerous modifications, and the ability to safely run this weapon. (Note: a .22 cal. handgun can be used if obtaining center fire ammo is problematic.)
- *Holster (with trigger guard) worn on the strong side of the body, and the ability to safely present and return the weapon to the holster.
- A minimum of three magazines and one or two magazine pouches worn on the belt on the support side. Speed loader holders worn in front of the holster for those using revolvers.
- Electronic hearing and quality wrap around eye protection.
- Sturdy belt, hat with brim, loose pants with deep pockets, comfortable footwear and a concealment garment.
- A suitable backup weapon and a training gun (orange gun) if available.
- Water, sun screen, lawn chair… (Think personal comfort while on the range).
- Bring your lunch. A grill, refrigerator and kitchen will be available at the clubhouse.
*Note: students deemed unsafe will be asked to unload and will run exercises dry!
I have known Greg longer than most. Indeed he has skills and is willing to help each of us improve our skills. But that is not why I like Greg. In my humble opinion, Greg has character and integrity.
-Guy F.
Greg ran a focused and safe course and range. He taught additional techniques I had not been taught at Frontsight and I love Frontsight. He is able to teach from some serious personal experiences that have saved him and his family’s lives.”
-Dan R.
The Advanced Defensive Handgun class taught by Gregory Urdaneta far exceeded my expectations. I plan to attend any and all classes I can that are taught by Greg!
-Chris C.
The course truly opened my eyes to a different reality that I didn’t expect to have from owning a firearm.
Greg had complete awareness of what everyone in the class was doing (correctly or wrongly), and it was his job to call-it-out. Greg was in charge, and following his directives was the safe thing to do. With safety first, he could then teach defensive skills. He made the class focus on the task at hand, with no aberrations allowed! It was truly amazing and energizing to see him in action and to be learning the skills he was teaching. Built into the class were opportunities to realistically and critically think about what an appropriate response to a particularly dangerous situation could/should be. He is totally street-wise and has the ability to teach from that perspective, educating the others about the bad guys’ possible intentions.
Greg is a talented communicator, and has an incredible command of information, skills, and the insights needed to teach them. This is what makes Gregory an exceptional teacher. He is a professional, smart, decisive, kind, challenging, humorous, and patient during the lessons; generous with his time and wisdom in answering questions after the lessons, as time permits. Greg has a huge personality and is definitely a people-person, fun to be around. As a teacher he is energetic, enthusiastic, and loves his job!
The format for learning each exercise was good. He explained what we were to do and why, demonstrated w/ an unloaded firearm, then with a loaded one. Next he had the class go through the motions several times, following his commands–unloaded–before going hot. The approach was good for all on the firing line, as it was safe. “ANY QUESTIONS?” he would ask, then, answer/clarify if there were.
The plan of having students “coach” each other during each drill was also brilliant, as it fostered: focusing, accountability, and empowered participants to recognize and speak up about incorrect form, bad habits, and most importantly, SAFETY–ALWAYS a GOOD THING.
Greg taught a number of physical and mental skills: teaching the participants to be safe, how to get the job done, how to make it happen, being persistent, being active vs. reactive, how to MOVE, and WHY. Doing something correctly, the same way (every time) will yield good and consistent results. Greg has the gift of knowing how to convey this fact to others! He is serious about making his students train correctly.
The class was rich with information, and the days were so full, I found myself wishing printed handouts had been available to help us remember what we were learning and to aid in practicing the drills afterwards–my only disappointment. Even the drill of shooting from a vehicle–which didn’t seem like a real-life possibility, a still car perfectly positioned–DID reinforce an important safety rule: DON’T SWEEP YOURSELF!
The day after the course ended, I was ready to go back to class. Thank you, Gregory. I’m looking forward to v2.0.
-Denise C.