Cheapest DECENT self-defense training

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lwsimon

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I was just awakened once again to the need to get some good training in self-defense. I'm short cash still, still haven't even gotten my permit to carry, although that's not far off now.

What is the cheapest Thunder Ranch-type intensive self-defense training out there? I know you get what you pay for, so I'm not looking for bottom of the barrel, just a good value. I'd like there to be some unarmed combat training, edged weapon training, and firearms training all rolled into one long session. A couple's rate would rock. Any ideas?
 
I've considered it. Ended up deciding its not worth it, as I'd have to give up my budding business, leave my new wife for months, and pretty much work my %^&* off for less than I have now. HOWEVER - I give the utmost in respect to anyone who has more gumption than me in this matter!
 
I would absolutely love doing something with Blackwater. I don't fancy myself a soldier though, I don't have the experience, training, or the will to do it. Fun to dream about though! I'll check them out, along with LFI-1. Thanks ET.
 
You should post your location. There is bound to be a school near you. Or if you want REALLY low cost you could host one of the many schools that travel. If you host us (Tactical Response) you get to shoot for free. That's pretty low cost :D

http://www.tacticalresponse.com/free.htm

As far as a training class that does empty hand, knife and firearms all in the same class that would be pretty rare. It would also be unlikely to be offered at the beginner level because there would be SOOOOO much to learn.

SouthNarc and Gabe Suarez are doing some integrated classes but I believe they all have prerequisites and expect a certain level of prior training.
 
Blackwater, is not set up to do entry defense classes...and requires some existing experience....usually allot. Start with a ton of range time, get yourself into shape....and focus on self, edged, and weapon training in seperate classes, then when your done....you have something, instead of just a taste, of everything.... the total cost is not cheap...but seperated into 3 complete levels,the cost will not be noticed as much...with the retun being much higher. It will require your time, lots of time, focus and commitment....and not just today, but everyday to retain the taught skills and keep them at the highest levels.
 
Defensive training

It would depend on where you are at? I have not had a chance to full check out the new NRA defensive handgun outside of the home but that might be worth checking. Some firearms instructor's at local police departments put on decent defensive training at reasonable cost's.
 
If I needed major surgery I would seek out the best and most experienced doctor who specialized that kind of work. Cost wouldn't matter. After all, it could mean the difference between life and death.

Same goes for self-defense training... I want the best and most experienced trainers. Cost wouldn't matter (within reason). After all, it could mean the difference between life and death.

I find it interesting that a person would consider buying inexpensive self-defense training, yet would never dream of seeking out an inexpensive doctor for major surgery...
 
Cheapest is not the best way to pick who you will train with. If you want something that is like Thunder Ranch and is more cost effective; go with Tiger McKee. He is one of Clint Smith's instructors and his price is very reasonable for what you are getting. www.shootrite.org
 
Seriously, though if looking for good training, the instructor is the most important part to look at. Find someone with real world combat experience. An instructor who has doen some serious law enforcement work or a military special operations background. You want someone who has been there and one that, as opposed to one who is just class room trained and has all theory. Not to say you could not learn still from a good intructor with no cmombat background, but I think for your time and money you will get the best training from someone with real world experiences. They will also be able to talk with more about the mental mind set and controlling your adrenaline surges. A real good course I wold recommend is Peyton Quinn's www.rcmat.com. They have instructors with real fighting and combat experience and they put the emphasis on fighting/shooting in stressful environments.
 
Whatever you do, don't put it off. The longer you wait, the harder it may be to get it.

I wanted training forever.
If I had time, I didn't have money.
If I had money, I didn't have time.
I got a back injury, so I was less able to defend myself, and wanted training more. But due to the injury, couldn't travel to get it.
I got married and started a family. More responsibilities, more need for training. Harder to get away.

Anyway, I finally stumbled across something relatively cheap, and close- The neighboring county's Sherrif's Dept.
Their head trainer is an instructor at GunSite. He gets trainers from various traveling schools to come in. What spots aren't filled by the dept, are open to us civilians.
He does some classes himself. I took his Intro to Defensive Pistol last fall. It was two days(sort of a very compressed GunSite API 250) and cost $150. If you have looked around, you will know that's less than the cost of a day at most schools.

So, check with your local law enforcement agencies. You never know, they may do something similar. Or, if an academy instructor does any work on the side, they might know.
 
JUst checked out RMCATs new prices for you. For a week long program that covers unarmed combat, knife and gun it is $1950 and includes airport pick up (from colorado springs) and all meals and lodging. I highly recommend this course over others, again, for the simple reason it is taught by those who have been there and done that and IT PUTS STRESS ON YOU AND HOW TO DEAL WITH IT AND YOU PRACTICE IN SCENARIOS. not just shooting some paper targets at a range. You will have people yelling at you and confronting you and fighting you for real.

The key to survival is controlling your adrenaline and knowing how to react when the crap hits the fan. You can train all you want at a ranges, but until you get into a 2 way range or simulated aspect for training, it is alot different!!!
 
I appreciate all the responses. First off, I'm in NW Arkansas. Second, some of you seem to think I'm trying to cheap out on training. This is simply not the case. I can't even afford a decent HD setup yet. Realistic training is six months to a year away. My income is growing, but right now, I'm lucky to be able to make rent on time and still have money to buy a couple boxes of ammo. Things are looking up, and I WILL get the best of the best eventually. I'm just investigating to see if perhaps it wouldn't be wise to find somewhere I can get the basics covered on the cheap while I save up for the more expensive complete training schedule.

Its looking like local stuff is going to be where its at for me. I'll scrounge up what I can and get some basic pistol stuff done, and enroll in a free tae kwon do class that I recently found available to me. Couple that with some self-directed fitness training, and I have my interim solution.
 
lwsimon....I think some were just seing it from a point of.... if your going to do it...do it right.. and that is a good way to address this question...BUT...reality is a key player here as well. Seeing the need for a program...is a great start....and realizing you must train before the time of the start of class...is also wise. A one week program, or a 6 month program...is far to short....to become a master in.... self, edged and weapon training.....what you learn must be expanded on daily, to learn and retain your lessons....for the rest of your life. Get into shape and spend as much time possible... with your goals in mind....focus, commitment, and clairity...will serve you well. Good luck on your quest.
 
Anyone remeber a good place for training near the chicago-land area?

I'm interested in learning (when my health improves that is) but I don't have the means to travel half way across the country.
 
John Farnam's Defense Training International (DTI) program has trained a ton of civilians, cops, and military types all over the world. Very practical, no-bull, unpretentious approach.

John's a Vietnam vet, a reserve deputy sheriff, and has also put on a bunch of cross-training stuff with all the other big names in the game.

You can get a pretty good education just by reading the essays and Lessons-Learned insights (many from former students who "See The Elephant" on a daily basis) posted on his DTI website.
 
An option to consider if you are economically challenged is to sponsor a class. Virtually all of the top notch traveling trainers like Tactical Response, Insights, Trident Concepts, etc. provide the host a free spot if he gathers attendees, arranges the venue and handles some logistics. Since they come to your location, you don't have travel & lodging or tuition expenses so it pretty much just costs you ammo.
 
I'll agree with Tonkin on John Farnam. Good training, good price, none of this "we'll make you an anti-terrorist super-warrior" nonsense that so many are using these days. Just an outstanding gentleman who can really TEACH the subject. As a travelling school he might be close to you at some time, and is a good place to start.
 
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