Guestbook Comments

.: TDSA Guestbook :.
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We'd love to get your feedback on TDSA classes you've attended, as well as any other TDSA experience you'd like to relate. Even if you'd just like to say hello, please click on the link below, fill out the form, and your comment will be added to our guestbook page.
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Author	Comment
Ray Crum Gainesville, Tx. - 04/24/03	AP IV was very informative---I have a CHL in Texas and constantly carry---I was particularly interested in the contact training involving the weapons----I highly rec. the course to anyone who feels it possible to be faced with a lethal threat situation--we worked from a vehicle-against a vehicle-using cover intelligently and cover penetration-----great job Len and Steve---------Ray
M.B. Clark Broken Arrow Ok. - 04/24/03 E-mail	I've been a Police Officer for 20 years. I have served as a patrol officer, FTO, Motorcycle officer, narcotics detective serving on two multi-jurisdictional task forces, K-9 handler/trainer/supervisor, former SOT member and am a current CLEET firearms instructor since 1996 and have attended training all over the country. I say all this to make the point that "I've been there/done that". I attended the level 1 training in March. I came to the school with an open mind but must admit that I was slightly skeptical that I could be taught anything that I didn't already know. I could not have been more wrong. The training was intense and challenging. This is absolutely the finest combat firearms training I have ever attended. I was very pleased with my results and level of improvement. Marshall, Len and the staff at TDSA were very accommodating to every student regardless of their shooting level or experience. I encourage every police officer to attend this school. If your serious about training and seek ways to improve your skills, speed and accuracy then the TDSA is for you. I am getting the message out to the officers on my department and encourage everyone who has attended this training to do the same. Marshall, if there is anything I can do to help in the future just let me know, see ya in June. Captain M.B. Clark Broken Arrow Police Dept.
Marshall Luton, Director of TDSA Tulsa Tulsa, OK - 04/23/03 E-mail	I've been waiting for the students from the last API to post their comments so I could sum up the overall results of the training. We had 22 students in the March school, 14 of which were full-time police officers. We were blessed with 2 of the top shooters in the State of Oklahoma attending this school, Jess Anderson and Vince O'Neill. Jess is a very accomplished Master Class IDPA and IPSC shooter while Vince, was once ranked 26th in the country in USPSA, is a full-time firearms instructor for C.L.E.E.T. (in addition to his many other talents and areas of expertise). Most importantly to me, as the director, I proved to myself that our system of shooting will improve even the best of shooters. Just imagine what it does for the ones that haven't had the luxury of world class firearms instruction. Our most improved student left the school twice as fast as he was when he first got here. He improved 48%! We averaged 34% of improvement overall and touched a lot of lives in the course of the two days of training. To the TDSA instructors.... Thank you for giving it everything you've got! The students see this and have been calling me personally to express their sincere appreciation for what you (the instructors) did for them. You guys are simply the best instructors around. I'd put you up against the best schools in the business and I know, without a doubt, you guys would all come out on top in the area of professionalism, dedication to the task, and sincere concern for the students well-being. I can't thank you enough. To the 22 students who attended, some firearms instructors themselves, others being S.W.A.T. trained, competitive shooters, and just plain old good folks, thank you as well. Please keep up the good work and don't get caught up thinking that "you're good enough", cause you're not. You "we" are never good enough. Keep practicing and remember, SLACK OUT! God bless you all. Marshall
Andrew Colglazier FW/TX - 04/22/03 E-mail	I also took the TDSA AP IV class this past Saturday. It provided me with much food for thought. I have a CHL and have carried concealed just about every day for the past 5 years. I take my responsibilities seriously, and I want to be dangerous ONLY to bad guys on the street. As Leonard has said, the course focused on several clear issues that are applicable to the real world; 1. How to protect your weapon from being taken away; 2. How to take away an attacker's weapon; 3. Hard cover use; 4. Soft cover penetration; 5. Action vs. reaction I may have missed a couple of points. The course also utilized force-on-force between students using Airsoft handguns. This helped reinforce the PROPER use of cover. Those little balls STING! I suspect that the curriculum for this course will change or modify somewhat in future offerings. I found it to be very useful, indeed, and I recommend it highly.
Leonard Head Fort Worth, Tx - 04/21/03 E-mail Homepage	I took the AP IV class this last weekend. Len and Glen were the Instructors. The class was very informative. It was much more than I expected. The class covered: gun retention, gun take aways, the difference between cover and concealment, and when someone grabs you from behind. Concealment was shown to us with the use of one of the range cars. We got to see how a 9mm and .45acp rounds will pass through both car doors and still hit the intended target. We also got to see how rounds will bounce off the hood and trunk of cars, then into the intended target. I would suggest this class to everyone who has been through AP I and AP II. Both of which cover knowing how to shoot properly and move while shooting. They are very crucial for the AP IV class. This class takes you to the next level of your training package for every CHL carrier out there on the street. Thanks again to Len and Glen. Great Job Guys!! Take care and be safe…
Patrick K Law Broken Arrow Oklahoma - 04/20/03 E-mail	I attended the class of March 29-30. I thought I would use the class just to get ready for qualification with my department. I thought I was a really good shot. After attending class with Marshal, I found out that I was not that good of a shot. If there was more than one target the odds were that I would end up dead. This class is a must if you are in Law Enforcment. In just two days my improvment was off the scale. SLACK-OUT AND BE SAFE
Jeff Downs Tulsa/ Ok - 04/18/03 E-mail	I am a Tulsa Police Officer and have over seven years as a Police Officer. And during that time I have become a pretty good shot. But I it was always a struggle and I always thought that I was missing something and that their had to be a better way. Well this is it. After this course not only has my skill improved but it is alot more fun to use my hand gun. "Happiness is a warm Gun!" I am now a better Police Officer due to the skills I learned in this class. Life-saving skills that benifit my family, me, and everyone I protect while I'm on duty.
D.M. Herrald Edmond Oklahoma - 04/18/03 E-mail	I recently attended TDSA two day AP 1 class in Tulsa (for the 2nd time). When I arrived at the class the 1st time I was looking forward to shooting for two days and was hoping to take something away from the class that would improve my skill level. Two days and 1500 rounds later I was not sure that had happened. You see what I did learn was that I was doing a number of things WRONG !!! At the next IDPA match in OKC after the my 1st trip to TDSA I discovered that I had learn a number of new habits that I was not even aware of at the time. (Yes even an old road dog can lean a new trick). Because I'm anal when it comes to always wanting to do better I once again loaded up and went to Tulsa to attend Marshall's AP1 class one more time. Once again I was hoping to take one thing away from the class to improve my skill level... Once again I was WRONG!!! I'm starting to think that Marshall and his team and yes you to Lynn goal in life is to prove me wrong. I waked away Sunday night with the knowledge That I was Better then I had ever been before. Would I recommend this course to anyone. YES I already have to my FRIENDS. In closing let me say thanks to The Whole staff at TDSA for their time, patience, and their desire to share their skills. God Bless and Remember SLACK-OUT D.M.Herrald
Reuben Davis Tulsa, OK - 04/15/03 E-mail	I had the privilege of attending the Defensive Shooting Academy on March 29 and 30. I had previously had firearms instruction in the military, and through law enforcement. I found the academy to be extremely worthwhile and highly recommend it to any serious shooter or law enforcement personnel. The quality of instructor was as good or better then any I had previously experienced. The instruction is individualized by people who know what they are doing. The shooting techniques to include grip and trigger manipulation will open up a new horizon for shooting speed and accuracy. The quality of this program is borne out by the fact that United States Military Special Forces to include elements of Delta Force have gone through this training. It is well worth the money and an experience you will not soon forget.
Jim Connor Tulsa, OK - 04/11/03 E-mail	I audited the last class in March to "tune up" before taking the Level II class in April. This is without question the best instructional class I have ever attended. There is a great deal of personal attention with a number of excellent instructors and their system flat teaches you how to shoot - quickly and accurately. It is also great fun. I would highly recommend this class to anyone that loves to shoot and anyone that wants to learn to shoot, for personal protection and/or sport. It will be the best money you ever spend. Thanks Marshall, Len and the rest of the guys!
Travis Q. Foster Skiatook Oklahoma - 04/08/03 E-mail	I attended the March 29 and 30 class in Sand Springs. My first thought about taking the class was, I know how to shoot and shoot well. I was Top Shooter in my academy and thought, what can they teach me that I don't already know. I quickly found out on the pre-test that if I were in a situation that had multiple targets, I was screwed. After the two day class and the wonderful instruction that I received from the staff, I am now confident that if I had to engage multiple targets, I can stay alive. Marshall has been trying to get me to the course for some time and with a little begging I got my department to send me. This is the first class that I have been to, in my five years in Law Enforcement that, that I have left mad and Relieved. Mad, because I could not believe that I was not taught this way the while I was in the academy. Relieved, because I was finally taught what I needed to know to stay alive. Have you ever been taught something by someone and left thinking that you did not say thank you enough or felt like you could never repay them or you needed to give them more money? That is how I feel after taking this class. I would strongly recommend this class to any Law Enforcement Officer. I will take the other classes offered by TDSA. The knowledge and experience you will gain is well worth the price.
Todd Poulson Oklahoma City/ Oklahoma - 04/07/03 E-mail	I recently attended the TDSA Advanced Combat Pistol Course (Level 1) in Tulsa, Ok. I had to travel from Oklahoma City and get a motel for the night in Tulsa. I would like to congratulate Marshall Luton on a superb and eye opening course. It was worth every bit of the time and money spent. I was amazed at the level of instruction and the knowledge of the instructors. I am a civilian that has shot my whole life (pistol, shotgun and rifle) and thought that I knew just about all there was to know. Boy was I wrong!!!! I can't recommend this course enough and plan on getting all the individuals I know to attend with me again in the future. It is definetly worth it even for a second time to fine tune how much I learned in the 2 day course. Thanks to all at TDSA for the professionalism and ability for gun and shooting enthusiasts like myself to have a place to learn.
Vince O'Neill Edmond, OK - 04/05/03 E-mail	On 29/30 March, I had a very interesting (and entertaining) weekend with TDSA. The two-day course was held at the Sand Springs Police Department, a department that’s incisively piloted by a very progressive administration – they take their training seriously. Let me introduce myself: I’ve been a commissioned law enforcement officer of nearly thirty years, twenty-eight of which have been spent (as a trainer) in training other officers and trainers, at the local, regional, national, and international level. I’ve been involved in the martial arts for nearly forty years. My training background is multifaceted addressing all UFO’s (Use of Force Options) in a matrix that includes tactical firearms as well. Most people would consider me a DT kind of a guy. I’m nationally/internationally certified in Tactical Communications, Soft Open Hand Tactics (LVNR Levels One and Two), Hard Hands, Active Countermeasures, Impact Weapons (PR-24, Police Nunchaku, Straight, Expandable, and Riot Baton Systems, LVNR Level Three), and tactical firearms (Revolver, ALP, Shotgun, and Rifle). In 1993 I developed the first Oleoresin Capsicum Counter Assault and Survival Tactics program for law enforcement officers. In fact I taught that particular course at an IALEFI regional in Topeka, KS, circa 1998. It met with rave reviews. (Officers did not know they could fight through the effects of OC and still hit the target with speed, power, and accuracy). I’ve been privileged to teach at many international seminars hosted by the most prestigious law enforcement raining organization in the world, e.g. the American Society of Law Enforcement Trainers. I’ve taught various courses to police trainers throughout the United States and abroad through the National Law Enforcement Training Center, Counter Assault Systems, USNSTA, Controlled FORCE, and the Monadnock International Police Training Council, among others. My philosophy is very simple: prepare to win at every opportunity. However, how we prepare to do it is actually more important than doing it, or trying to do it. Physical training is what’s required. Commitment and dedication to the task at hand is absolutely critical. By taking care of each and every task, we take care of those critical concepts that lead to achieving our goals. If we focus only on the goal, we will, more often than not, fail to achieve it. Focus on the tasks – concepts – and the goal takes care of itself. There are always, at least, two concepts to every principle, for instance a speed reload: From a proper two-hand fighting grip, (1) Punch the Button as you index and grasp the spare magazine on your hip… (2) Re-grip your pistol, as you bring up your magazine to the magazine well. (3) See the magazine well in 3-D configuration… (4) Insert the Magazine with Proper Index… (5) Ram the magazine home maintaining contact with the Magazine…(6) Reestablish your support hand into a fighting grip by… (7) Pancaking the pistol into a Two-hand Fighting Grip to the… (8) Ready-gun position (9) Find the Sights as you go to gun-point (10) Trigger -- Slack Out! (11) Extend Sights) (12) POW! -Slack-out -POW! -Slack out… these are the movements. But you’ll notice that we can break down the concepts involved in just gripping the pistol. In fact there are a minimum of four concepts in a proper combat grip. Once those have been satisfied, we now have achieved one primary principle: the grip. Another wording for principle might be fundamentals. TDSA dose a very good job teaching these fundamentals. I tell my students (and I tell myself everyday), that “Even if you were on God’s green earth for a thousand years, you can never, ever learn-it-all-up! You’ll forget most of it! But at least it will be there when the balloon goes up.” See, when we have the information, we can always act on it. If we don’t have the information – we won’t. It’s just that simple. I’ve been involved in firearms training since being certified as an instructor in the Federal System in 1979. I’ve won the Kansas IPSC and State Police Combat Championships in the early and late eighties, respectively. When I migrated to Oklahoma to take a job with Oklahoma CLEET, I competed in PPC in 1991 and ’92. I shot a total of eight matches in that time frame. In ’91 I was fortunate enough to win Match Two at the NPSC in Jackson, Mississippi. Our Four-Man Team took Second Place behind the Secret Service. In 1992, I won the Oklahoma State PPC Championship with a score of 1492. I have earned an NRA rating of High Master, and IPSC Master (ca. 1982). I used to compete once in a while in order to validate my training. Understand, firearms training is part of defensive tactics. Unlike most of my firearms training colleagues, I do not live to shoot. I shoot to live. Consequently, I do not compete as much as I should. I don’t have the time, or resources. But I do get out to school every once in awhile. I’ve been to Chapman’s, H&K, LFI, John Farnam’s DTI, etc. Now, I’m pleased to tell you that I’ve been to TDSA. Please, understand I’m not blowing my horn here. I’m just being candid. It’s important to understand that. I’m not in the habit of recommending just any shooting school. At TDSA, assuming you have the basics down, you will learn to shoot fast and accurately. The class started with a diagnostic analysis: an El Presidente (EP). The EP consists of three metal impact targets spaced one meter apart. From the Ready-gun position, the shooter responds to a beeper thus attempting to deposit two rounds on each of the three targets. At the end of the first six-shot string, the shooter conducts a speed reload, then fires two more rounds each on the same targets, for a total of twelve rounds. Some students took up to 12 seconds to achieve this – and not all of the rounds score a hit. But! At the end of the second day, some of those times were cut in half, with hits. For me TDSA’s speed reload, was a real eye-opener. In the past I used to re-align my grip and sights after the reload. There were many times that I had to readjust my grip to find the sights in a fast and furious competition like those found in IPSC. Of course, when I was Twenty-five, I was much faster in my movements, which, I’ve discovered over the years, wasted a lot of time. The TDSA speed reload posits that once you’ve punched the button, re-set your grip as you acquire your spare magazine with your support hand. Placing the magazine into the magazine well was another area I had not considered all that important. TDSA trainers will have you bring that magazine well into a 3-D visual field that’s right in front of your face (or about). Under control, the shooter inserts the magazine only a half–inch or so; then, with proper index, the shooter finishes seating the magazine by pushing the support hand knuckles up past the firing hand’s grip. This action automatically positions your hands thus re-acquiring a solid two-hand fighting grip -- just like flipping a flapjack…reference the sights, extend to Gun Point …Bang! I was using a Kimber in .45 ACP. I did my diagnostic in a little under eight seconds. My final test resulted in a 5.20 run using my Kimber, which has no Mag Well. When another shooter volunteered his Kimber (compact) with a Smith and Alexander Mag Well, I chopped that 5.20 to a 4.27. It was all in the grip (which I’ve used for years) and the speed reload technique as taught by TDSA. I’m 54 years old. My sight isn’t what it used to be, but I’m working on strengthening it. Now that I am older, I now understand that youth and talent can be overcame by old age, and treachery. (Something I once heard Ray Chapman say.) Yes, TDSA taught an old dog a new trick! All of the adjunct instructors take their time with struggling students. There was one female officer who was struggling with a .40 Glock (too much firearm for her diminutive hands). By the end of training, she was up and running with a significant increase in her speed, recoil recovery, and time with requisite hits. (Where there is a will, there is a way, right?) TDSA’s Tactical Reload has been around for quite some time. I learned the concept with a gentleman by the name of Manny Kapplesohn way back in the mid-eighties. It’s the best tac-reload on the planet. Learn it from TDSA. They do it right. The DTSA staff is motivated! Professional in all their manners, they are a real pleasure to work with. There is a noticeable lack of visible ego. By the way, the staff is always put on the spot. They must perform! Failure to perform up to standards is not tolerated, however, any barbs hurled are hurled in fun and in a good-natured fashion. I didn’t see one grimace during the two-day session resulting from verbal abuse. There’s a lot of honesty roaming ‘round these people. When you do well, they’ll let you know it. When you do poorly, they’ll let you know it! But they stick with you until it’s fixed. When you do well again, well, it’s as if you’ve been re-born. There is celebration aplenty! Would I recommend TDSA. Yes, I would. I’ve have always been able to take away something of value from each school I’ve attended over the years. TDSA gave me a new reload, a real shot in the arm motivation-wise, and best of all, I had a great time. When shooters get together, swap stories, equipment, insights, knowledge, it’s always a win-win situation. Shooters are some of the best people in the world. They share, and care. I met some more human beings just like that at TDSA. I’m a lucky guy. Was it worth the money? At TDSA fees, they’re damn near giving it away. Get together with them before they go big-time. You won’t regret it! You might ask, “What else does TDSA teach?” Well, you’ll learn how to grip your pistol correctly. TDSA instructors will explain the why’s and the what for’s. You’ll learn how to manage your trigger with greater speed, recovery time, and flexibility because of your newly acquired grip (which not only gives you bone support, but relaxes those shooting muscles a little better so you can shoot faster with more accuracy). You’ll learn the principle: Economy of Motion. You will learn a speed and tactical reload that are second to none. You will learn how to present your pistol in the most tactically efficient fashion possible. You will learn your limitations, and then you will stretch the envelope to improve and go beyond your limitations. You will learn how to learn the fighting pistol. You will have a great time being with you peers! It will be worth your time and hard-earned money. To TDSA: Well Done! To my brothers and sisters in arms: Keep your powder dry. Maybe I’ll see you at TDSA class. Till then, stay safe. God Bless you. God Bless America. Vince O’Neill Edmond, Oklahoma, USA.
Matt Kirkland Tulsa, OK - 04/04/03 E-mail	I have been an officer with the Tulsa Police Department for nearly 6 years. I attended the TDSA school held in Tulsa March29-30. I am angry that the last 6 years of my shooting life have been wasted. I worked my ass off to learn to shoot well enough to medal on qualification courses during that 6 years. I knew there were people out there who had far superior shooting skills but I believed that I just did not have that talent and would never be a really good shooter. Then I went to TDSA and learned their style of shooting. I was amazed at the difference in my shooting in two days of training. My shooting is far superior to what it was before I took the class. More importantly I have confidence that as I continue to practice and ingrain the foundations that TDSA taught me that more dramatic improvements will come. I no longer believe that I am near the top of what I thought were my naturally limited abilities. I now know that I have only begun to develop my potential and can't wait to go shoot again to further solidify the lessons I have learned. I strongly recommend this course to every police officer regardless of your skill level. If I could replace our Academy shooting curriculum with TDSA I would do it in a heartbeat.
Sam Rugeley Broken Arrow, OK - 04/03/03	Learning to shoot has always been a series of steps for me. I would pick up a tip here and another there, and slowly the puzzle would come together. I had a desire to attend a professional shooting school, and when I found out about TDSA Tulsa, I jumped at the chance. The TDSA system works, period. I will not need to keep searching for the next piece of the puzzle to improve my pistol skills. Instead, I can now focus on ingraining and improving the skills learned from the Level 1 course. I would recommend this course to anyone who desires to improve their skills.
David Duncan Stillwater, OK - 04/03/03	I attended the Level 1 class last weekend. I am have been a Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor for 10 years and I learned more in those two days than in the last 10 years! The class was incredible and entertaining (Len!) David Duncan, Stillwater Police Department Firearms Training Unit.
Anthony First Tulsa Ok - 04/02/03 E-mail	I have been an officer with the Tulsa Police Department for about 5 years now and am proud to say that our department offers some of the finest firearms training in the country. Unfortunately, like most big departments, ours lacks the funding and manpower to offer the kind of extensive combat shooting that most of us officers crave. Seeking just such training, I attended the level I class this past weekend. Words cannot adequately describe the kind of rush I got when I found my combat shooting skills improving within minutes and they just kept on getting better! The class was tough because I was fighting five years of shooting habits that were geared for killling two-dimensional paper assailants just to make a certain score to qualify. In this class, I experienced firsthand how much more effective my shooting can be under stress when taught by great instructors teaching methods specifically designed to help you win a gunfight. Although I recommend this class to ANYONE who wants to dramatically improve their shooting skills, I especially recommend it to law enforcement officers who seek any training they can get that will help them go home safe at the end of their shift. For that reason and many more, this class cannot be missed. Off. A. R. First Tulsa Police Dept. Tulsa OK
Brad McCombs Broken Arrow OK - 04/01/03 E-mail	I attended the Level I course on March 29th & 30th. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, however, instead of ranking it as an enjoyable experience(shooting is always enjoyable) I would say instead that I feel that I have finally unlocked the the door. I have been shooting for more than 10 years and I am on an Air National Guard Competition Marksmanship Team and compete with other National Guard Teams every year. I thought I knew what I was doing and considered myself to be an intermediate level shooter. What happened at your school was that I found out that before your school I hadn't even begun to learn what I am capable of. You and your staff helped me open the door. I am looking forward to practicing the technique you taught and attending a level II course in the future. Best Money I ever spent!!! Brad McCombs, BAPD
Andy Colglazier FW, TX - 03/21/03 E-mail	I audited the APII class this past weekend, and found the course and the instruction to be top notch. Thanks very much to Len, Dan, Leonard and Larry!!! The purpose of APII is to help the shooter learn the basics of how to manage shooting, and moving. The instruction focused on how to move forwards, backwards and sideways while shooting and maintaining a useful sight picture, as well as how to move to cover or a particular point where the shooter will be required to fire, and do so as efficiently, safely, and reliably as possible. The idea was to learn how to be ready to shoot fast and accurately as soon as possible when a stopping point was reached. These techniques are important not only in competition but also on the street. Being able to move through a course of fire as efficiently as possible can result in a better score; being able to shoot quickly and accurately WHILE moving can save your life. I recommend this course highly, but advise anyone interested to take the API course first, so that the basics of grip, trigger and sight picture will be ingrained. That way, when you take APII, you can concentrate better on fewer things, mainly, movement.
John Winters Houston, Texas - 03/17/03	I also took the APII class. It was great. Will be back. Need more classes for auditing. Need a TDSA Houston!!
Bob Rogers Spring, Texas - 03/17/03	I took the APII class. It was great. The best part is getting the timing down between the feet and the gun. Again, it was worth the drive from Houston.
Joe Helsley Mesquite, Texas - 03/17/03	The AP II class was very helpful and informative. It helped me see things that I have been doing wrong at some of the matches. You can't get any better shooting skills anywhere, bar none. My hat is off to the staff of TDSA.
Keith Hinton Midlothian, Texas - 03/17/03	On or off the line the instructors are working with me not just to help my shooting but also giving me the mental picture and confidence to feel the enjoyment of improving my shooting. Thanks a bunch guys.
Lee Pate Dallas Texas - 03/17/03	I just finished the APII class. It was Intense, fast paced outstanding instruction. I can't wait to use it in a match.
Strawberry Long Kaufman, TX - 02/03/03 E-mail	I also took the API class Jan 25/26. I came to the class not expecting much improvement at all due to some problems with my hands and my eyes. I was wrong. With the proper prodding and instruction, I succeeded beyond any expectation. 50% improvement. Yes, I sucked, but I will suck less in the future. Thanks
Joe Helsley Mesquite, TX - 01/30/03 E-mail	I also attended the AP1 class on Jan. 25/26 and as everyone knows the weather was miserable but I think that everyone who attended will agree that after we got started, the weather was secondary. As for me I was so excited to learn correct skills and techniques that the conditions never entered into my training. I believe that my skills, speed, accuracy and confidence improved as a direct result of the training received from the staff of TDSA. My special thanks goes out to Len and the staff @ TDSA for their guidance and encouragement. I would strongly recommend that anyone who would like to learn from the BEST!!! should contact TDSA and sign up ASAP. Thanks for everything, Joe Helsley
Rhonda Stonaker Plano, TX - 01/28/03 E-mail	I took the AP1 class this past weekend at TDSA and was very impressed. What really surprised me was the ratio of instructors to students - at any given time there would be at least one (if not two) of the instructors at my side, whether we were just practicing techniques or actually on the line shooting. This immediate positive feedback and/or correction helped reinforce good habits, so I feel confident that I can practice these techniques on my own. All the instructors, assistant instructors and instructors-in-training were outstanding - a great mix of personalities and teaching methods, and watching them perform proves that their techniques work. Video taping the students is also a great idea - you can see for yourself how much you have improved in just two days. And even though the weather was awful, they did everything possible to keep us warm and motivated. Great job guys, and I'll definitely be back to audit AP1 and for AP2.
Jim Neeley Dallas, TX - 01/28/03 E-mail	I recently attended the class January 25th and 25th in Dallas. I never even owned a pistol until just a few months ago. Although I had been going to a range and working on my own , I was completely humbled by the excellent shooters there. They all made me feel welcomed and were extremely helpful and encouraging. I cannot say enough about the excellent instructors there. They were all so patient and anxious to help. I learned a lot and will be looking forward to the next class. I know that with their help and instruction I will continue to improve!
Wade Brown Dallas, TX - 01/28/03 E-mail	I took the AP1 class on Jan. 25 and 26. I was very impressed with the class. The instructors could not only teach, but they could back up their methods with very impressive shooting. While shooting, there was always at least 1 (sometimes 2 and 3) instructor watching and correcting my technique. The atmosphere was always very relaxed and extremely safe. I never felt like someone might get hurt. I plan on auditing this class again in the near future. I highly recommend TDSA to anyone who wants to learn.
Drew Bumbak Dallas, TX - 01/26/03 E-mail	I just finished taking the TDSA Advanced Pistol I class is some miserably cold and damp weather, and I still learned more in two days with Len, Marshall, Dan, Steve, Darin, and all the other instructors than I have in my entire time in law enforcement (including at the academy range). Over the past two days, I have seen my accuracy increase dramatically with my new grip and the "slack up" training, and I have seen my speed in firing and moving from target to target drop by over 30%! I know that I have a lot of practicing to do to ensure that I do not regress to my old and bad techniques, but I am most definitely a believer in the TDSA classes. I am so glad that I finally got a chance to take this class, and I plan to come back for it again so that I really get the good new habits ingrained, and then move on to AP II. Len and everyone, thanks for an incredible class that was also lots of fun!
Eric L. Ashlock Tulsa, OK - 01/09/03 E-mail	Well I decided to post something a couple of months after taking the Adv. pistol 1 class. The reason I waited is because I wanted to see if the training would stick. Training without being able to use it is just entertainment. The class was very productive for me. I had struggled through the marksman rank in IDPA and shot a whole bunch of ammo into everything but the targets. I wasn't even very fast either. After the first few hours of coaching I was able to hit the targets. By the second day I was able to hit the targets very quickly. With my new found knowledge I am able to practice with purpose. I am able to correct when I try to fall back into bad habits. The way I look at this, is: Had I taken the class last season I would have made better use of the ammo that went through my gun, I would have not re-enforced the bad habits that I had started. The teaching methods helped the training stick. I have advanced farther than I could have ever gone on my own. Probably the best investment I've made in myself in years.
Lantz Stuart Tulsa, OK - 12/27/02 E-mail	In May, 2002, I completed the TDSA Advanced Combat Pistol Course, Level 1. At that time I was a six-year veteran with the Tulsa Police Department. I thought that I was proficient with a pistol. After completing the TDSA course, I quickly realized I was not as good of a shot. Len, Marshall, Pat and the rest of the TDSA staff in Tulsa, offered expert instruction, complete with individual training. The firearms instruction that I received in the two-day course was the best training that I have ever received. In August, 2002, I accepted a Special Agent position with the U.S. Secret Service. I recently completed 13 weeks of classroom and firearms instruction at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, GA. I qualified as an Expert Marksman, (the highest rank possible). Several times, FLETC firearms instructors would ask me where I learned how to shoot. If I had not received expert instruction from the TDSA staff, I am confident that I would not have been as successful in Firearms training.
Mark Kley Keller, TX - 12/15/02 E-mail	Well, I thought I knew how to shoot. After shooting 3 times a month for more than a year I thought I was doing good.. Big mistake! After the class (9/10Nov) I realized that 90% of what I was doing was wrong. I had a 60% improvement. I'm talking about 60%.. body position, grip, trigger pulling and speed were a few among all the things they taught. I advise to go like I went, not expecting much, you will be very, very impressed. I'm just waiting for them to open again (Len come back from vacation) to go back and audit the class, because besides been so good, to see if I was able to learn everything they thought.
Sgt. Greg Sipes Broken Arrow, OK - 12/12/02	Excellent course!!! First pistol course I have taken other than CLEET basic. NO COMPARISON! Instructors were great motivators and I learned something different from all of them. I will highly recommend this course to other officers in my department. Don't change a thing!! Sgt. Greg Sipes Broken Arrow Police Departent
Mitch Franklin Sand Springs, OK - 12/12/02	This course was the most informative shooting class I have ever attended. I wish I had taken this class eight years earlier when I started my law enforcement career. I would like to be able to attend this course over a week instead of just 2 days! I am thankful that my department sent me because I know that this training will SAVE MY LIFE in the future! Mitch Franklin Sand Springs Police SWAT team
Scott Oelke Broken Arrow, OK - 12/12/02	Marshall, I cannot stress enough how much I liked this course. There was a lot of info delivered quickly but I can honestly say I learned more from this course then any other training I've been to. The instructors were all professional and very willing to assist me and the other students at anytime. I would like to see this course expand into a three day course or maybe even a week. I think what the instructors and this organization is doing is excellant and I will tell everyone about this course. Every police officer should go through this training because it WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE! Thank you all and God Bless. P.S. I plan to repeat this course and plan on taking your shotgun course too. Thank you again! Officer Scott Oelke Broken Arrow Police Dept.
Carla Housley Tulsa, OK - 12/12/02 E-mail	This course was not what I expected. (Thank God). I was very accurate but lacked speed. I am now able to acquire my front sight and place it on target (or multiple targets) with assurance, speed and great shot placement. I really appreciated the consistency of instruction! Thank you again. Tulsa County Sheriff Deputy and CLEET Firearms Instructor Carla Housley
Chief Daniel Bradley Sand Springs, OK - 12/12/02	I have been shooting competitively and instructing for CLEET for over 20 years. I hold a Master Class ranking in PPC and still learned a lot from these instructors. I was very impressed with the method they use to teach, they develop a learning relationship with each student. These instructors are to be commended! Chief Daniel Bradley Sand Springs Police Dept.
John Zeigler II Tulsa, OK - 12/12/02	Good motivational course. Very well thought out and executed. Outstanding student/teacher ratio-I felt like I got a lot of one on one instruction. Usually it was two or three instructors with one shooter. Doesn't get any better guys!! I learned a lot, will practice what I learned and pass it on to my son. Thank you!
Mike Avey - Tulsa Police Dept. Tulsa, OK - 12/11/02	I recently attended the Advanced Pistol Course & was utterly amazed! I've been involved in military & police fields for over 25 years and have never had such awesome training as TDSA! The TDSA Crew break down the multiple shooting tasks into simple step-by-step procedures! The staff members are friendly and eager to assist in instruction! I highly recommend the TDSA way for anyone aspiring to improve their confidence and skill level.
Phil Whitehead Tulsa, OK - 12/04/02 E-mail	TDSA and its holistic approach to pinpointing inadequacies through positive reinforcement, correct repetitive shooting, and economy of motion definitely sets this system and its crew a cut above the rest. Len and his instructors raised the "BAR". By the end of the first day it was evident these guys were serious about teaching. Not one round was wasted, I swear. An avalanche of knowledge in 2 days, by the time I dig out it will be time to take the March class. God, help us if the bad guys ever learn to shoot like this. If you make a living with a gun, take this class, it might keep you living.
Chuck Poston Jackson, MS - 11/25/02	I drove (9 hours) from Jackson to Tulsa to take the TDSA course and was extremely pleased with the results. I found that I was doing at least 3 basic things incorrectly, and this has taken a lot of effort and shooting to correct these, I am still working on them. My scores and accuracy have improved dramatically with appropriate practice back home, I am amazed with the results. You will probably find that you are doing at least one thing incorrectly and probably more. Re-learning a pattern is time consuming and frustrating, however the results of exceptional instruction (TDSA) and practice are amazing. The instructors were pointed but considerate in their pointing out where improvement was needed and the ratio of 1 instructor to 3 students ensured each person got great individual attention. I highly recommend you take a course from these folks.
Terry & Ali Maurer Tulsa, OK - 11/25/02 E-mail	My husband and I both work with Marshall for the Tulsa Police Department. After hearing so many good things about the class from other officers who had taken it we decided to attend the Tulsa November 2002 class. It was definitely a hands on class (we shot 1000 rounds a piece in 2 days.) There was a great student to instructor ratio. At times there were 2-3 instructors would be helping one person so that they could observe all aspects. The thing that we found the most valuable was the "Slack Out". This principle along with the new grip the guys showed us improved our scores 35% and 57% respectively, in just 2 days.
Shad Rhames Owasso, OK - 11/24/02 E-mail	well I just got finished with the AP1 course this past weekend and it was the second time I have taken the course. The instruction you will recieve from the SLACK OUT gang will give you amazing results and will probably save your life one day. I have learned a great deal from Len and he inspires me to do better and feel more confident when I am on duty if I was put into a situation where I had to use my weapon. This group of guys are probably the best around Marshall, Pat, Shane, Kirk, and Brian. Guys you teach a great class. I appreciate everything you have taught me and I thank you very much. It will save your life one day and you will be thankful. Len & marshall you guys mean a lot to me for everything you have taught me. Shad Rhames Bixby Police Department Bixby, Oklahoma
Brent Barbee Amarillo, TX - 11/23/02 E-mail	I took the AP1 class with Len and the Tulsa guys last week. In 23 years as an officer and many as a firearms instructor, I have been fortunate to see many different firearms instructors teach. After the AP1 class, I can say that none have shown the combination of dedication and enthusiasm this group shows. The lesson presentation and style is not like any I have ever seen, it's like they start in the middle and work both ways, but it works. Len walks the line like an Amway salesman on crank...but it works, too. The student/instructor ratio was 4:1. I don't think any of the "big name schools" could match this. It is not just the enthusiasm and instructor ratio though...these guys WILL teach you shoot. They are not just kidding or screwing around when they tell you how much you will improve, just open your ears and do what they tell you. Warning: This is a SHOOTING school. You will not be camped in a classroom, you will be SHOOTING...and not just burning ammo, either. One last thing, they mention early on that you will you will also have fun, and I did. Yes, I'm enthusiastic about this program. I got a lot more in two days than I can learn, so I think that this class is a lot of bang for the buck. Yes, I'm going back! Gotta get sharp enough for APII! Many thanks, guys.
William Smith Wamego, KS - 11/02/02 E-mail	I recently completed the first AP1 course at TDSA Missouri (Oct. 19-20), and I could not be happier. I am in full time law enforcement and have shot IDPA and IPSC competition. I believed that some formal training would benefit my shooting, but Larry's teaching far surpassed my expectations. I came in shooting well, and left swelling with good information and refined skills. Larry's desire to be a great instructor showed in all of the effort that he put forth for class preparation and practical instruction. He also was a great host, and went out of his way to make the class a complete experience, both on and off the range. I will hopefully be visiting Larry again in the Spring for AP2, and I recommend TDSA curriculum to anyone looking to step to a higher level of shooting.
Scott Bryant Desoto, TX - 11/02/02 E-mail	As a Former Marine and someone who has been shooting guns for over thirty years I was pretty confident of my shooting abilities. It was therefore with skepticism that I listened to Len Baxley suggest that I attend the Dec. '01 API course. After I witnessed some shooting demos by Steve Mack, Dan Mancini and Derrick Birdsall I realized what top drawer shooting was really like and how much work I truly needed. While the USMC placed great emphasis upon shooting accurately, the instructors at TDSA will teach you how to shoot accurately with great speed. There is a world of difference between the two. You will be faster in putting the first bullet into the threat and faster in shooting multiple threats. I have completed API and APII and have audited both several times. The instruction is outstanding. If you are in the military, law enforcement, have a CHL or shoot competitively you cannot afford to not take these courses.
Jay Dolina Tulsa, OK - 09/15/02 E-mail	I am a deputy sheriff and I recently attended the AP I course in Tulsa. If somebody would have told me on Friday that I would be shooting like I was on Sunday, I would have told them to take it easy on the booze. I cannot believe how much faster and more accurate I am shooting now. Len, Marshall, Pat, Brian, Kurt and Shane made the class fun and gave me the $1000 course with an $800 discount. This class did more for my shooting in two days, than the academy and seven years of in-service training combined. Most of us in the class left feeling like we owed Marshall more money. This class is for everyone. People who shoot poorly will shoot better than they ever thought they could. People who shoot damn good will shoot REALLY DAMN GOOD! My confidence has increased and yours will too. Just ask any TDSA "Slacker" that has
Andrew Colglazier TX - 08/27/02 E-mail	I have now taken all three of the offered TDSA Advanced Pistol courses, having completed the Level III course this past weekend. Of the three handguns courses offered by TDSA, it involves far less shooting and far more thinking than the other two. The course was taught by Len Baxley and Dan Mancini, and they did their utmost to help me with the mental aspects of IDPA competition. If you are an IDPA competitor, how many times have you listened to a course description, walked through the course once, then while standing at the line, run over the target sequence in your head just before the buzzer? You felt that you were prepared to shoot a failure-free course, didn't you? And then, the classic brain-fart experience happens.... you shoot a hostage instead of a BG, you shoot targets out of order, or fail to shoot one at all; you forget to do the required tac-load and do a speed load instead... or, you even step up to the line without having loaded your magazines properly and you run out of ammo before you have finished the course of fire. All of these things can be embarrassing at the least, but they can also debilitate you mentally to the point that one such mistake ruins you for the rest of the match. At this year's OK Badlands match I felt I shot very well, overall.... except for the stage where I shot the GG five times and didn't shoot the BG at all, resulting in over 30 points down for the stage. This costly mental mistake cost me second place, and rewarded me with fifth. APIII is designed to help the shooter reduce these kinds of mistakes to an absolute minimum. I recommend it highly to the shooter who wants to make the most of their competitive efforts.
Steve Ackerman TX - 08/26/02 E-mail	I just finished my second AP1 course. My first one was June, 2002 and this one was August 24-25, 2002. I have been in Law Enforcement for 22 years and am a certified firearms instructor. By far this is the best fire arms training I have ever attended. I highly recommend TDSA to all police officer. I also highly recommend it to everyone who has a CHL. It will give you the training you need to assess situations, manager your weapon in a safe yet combat ready manner, it will teach you how to get on target quickly and accurately and be able to hit what you are aiming at. I could go on and on about this training. I am recommending this training to my fellow officers and my range master will be attending in October. After this I hope to implement it into our annual training and qualification. Thank you Len, Steve, and Derrick for your dedication and outstanding instruction during these two intensive yet fun days of learning a new system that works 100 percent of the time.
Robert Bennett Columbia, MO - 08/22/02 E-mail	I just completed the AP 1 class in Tulsa OK with Marshall, Len and the boys. I'm a full time Law Officer and firearms instructor. I've been to some of the best LE firearms schools in the nation and have learned from the best. I rank TDSA as one of the top 3. I have never been to a shooting school where the ratio of instructors to students was 1 to 3. Cops are the hardest to teach and that includes me. Marshall asked us to have an open mind during the safety briefing. I did and improved my shooting 29%. Not only was I surprised but very pleased as well. I am so impressed with this class that I am going to teach this material too the 150 officers in my department. Thanks to Len, Marshall, Pat, Brian, Shane and the other instructors.
Steve Marx Tulsa, OK - 08/21/02 E-mail	TDSA Tulsa is great! I took the AP Level 1 class this past weekend in the summer heat with several of the folks listed below. The instructors are all top notch LEOs. The class is a lot of fun! It helped me un-learn some bad habits and start to learn some good ones that have already sped up my times and improved my accuracy. I always wondered how people could shoot so fast....now I know! Many thanks to Len, Marshall, Brian, Pat, Curt and Shane! Hey guys! I think I got it! POW..POW..MOVE..POW POW :)
Jim Connor Tulsa, OK - 08/20/02 E-mail	I just completed the AP1 course this past weekend. What a great experience. Although I have been an avid hunter and shooter of all weapons for many years, I had never had any formal pistol training. I have been looking for a course for a couple years and finally settled on this one. If you carry or handle a handgun as a civilian or law enforcement, this class is an absolute must. I never envisioned I could improve speed and accuracy so much in two days of training. There were 6 instructors for 18 students and we received constant individualized attention. The instruction was fast paced, fun and informative. I will definitely go back for additional classes and this was the best $300 I have spent in a long time. Much thanks to Len, Marshall, Brian, Pat, Curt and Shane.
Steve Owens Clarksville, AR - 08/19/02 E-mail	I just finished AP I with TDSA Tulsa. I shoot IDPA as recreation and defensive practice. I was self-taught, and I'd hit a wall at a level about a notch and a half below mediocre. After getting my butt handed to me at a major match, I talked to a winning shooter, Steve Mack, and got a couple of pointers. I also found out he taught for TDSA, and that TDSA's students had a rep for rapid, significant improvement. I spoke to Ty O'neal, a recent TDSA grad who had done far more in 5 mos. than I had in two years! I decided I needed more instruction than books, videos, and advice from better shooters. I found out that most of the info I got from those sources was outdated or just wrong. I went a really long way towards "unlearning" years worth of bad technique in two days. That's how good these guys are. For your buck, you get plenty of instruction (It was one instructor to three students in our class), so you had no time to get away with bad technique before being corrected. You get tons of fast-paced, high-energy instruction, and virtually all your time is spent on the range, very little in the classroom. As soon as you're taught a concept, you're implementing it, right now. This class was definitely money well spent.
Carson Mansfield Salina, KS - 08/19/02 E-mail	My thanks to Marshall, Brian, Curt, Shane, Pat, and Len for the finest firearms training I have attended. From the safety briefing on (they even made that interesting), training was well thought-out, fun, productive and safe. I learned more, and improved my skills more, than I thought possible - Thanks! Slack out.
MPO Gary Everett Sand Springs, OK - 08/07/02 E-mail	I recently attended TDSA Tulsa's Advanced Pistol Course, and this was my first outside state academy/dept. in-service training and military training weapons training I have ever attended. When I was instructed I would go I was not real happy to "waste" my weekend. However, after the first day, I changed my mind! All of the instructors were very helpful and professional. It was a great two days of shooting. I hope to take the course again soon. I would recommend this course to any Police Officer. There is something you will learn from this course. Someday, it may even save a life. Thanks again and keep up the good work. Master Patrol Officer Gary Everett Sand Springs Police Dept. / Sand Springs, OK
Jeff Gentry St. Louis, MO - 06/25/02 E-mail	After researching numerous shooting schools across the country I am elated I recently took your Advanced Pistol I course. TDSA is the best value of any shooting school. The shooting improvement I obtained after the two days training in Tulsa was unbelievable. I now feel I can comfortably move up to that next class in competition. I hope to audit another Advanced Pistol I course in the near future and then register for the Advanced Pistol II. Your instructors are top notch. I can't wait to return!!
Doris Clatfelter Tulsa, OK - 06/17/02 E-mail	I just completed the AP I course this weekend and it was GREAT. I am a new woman shooter and this class improved my shooting 29% in just 2 days. There was plenty of one-on-one instruction and even sometimes 4 on one instruction. Len, Marshall, Pat, Brian and Larry have a wealth of knowledge they share. They make the class fun and interesting while you are learning how to be more proficient. This is a wonderful way for a woman to spend time with her husband or boyfriend. I've heard many guys say they wished their wife would shoot. Being able to shoot gives me a feeling of security and its fun. With the techniques I learned this weekend, I hope to improve in the ranks of shooting. It is well worth it. Thanks again guys, see you at the matches.
Marshall Luton Tulsa, OK - 05/12/02 E-mail	Len, just wanted to let you know that the TDSA system has proven itself once again. The Oil Capital Badlands Regional Championships took place on the 4th and 5th of May and the results were simply amazing. As you may know, one of your students won the entire match. That's proof in itself that your system works, and works very well. There were some of the nations top shooters at this match including Team H & K from the Columbia Police Dept. They are some shootin fools! Overall, there were 85 shooters. As you know, I shot my first IDPA match in August of 2000 and have been shooting in the SSP / Sharpshooter division for about 6 months. After working with you and our staff of instructors I was able to not only finish first in my division for the second year in a row, I placed 9th overall! Being the Badlands Champion two years in a row is nice, but being able to place 9th out of these 85 shooters was awesome. This "sharpshooter" beat every single expert in the match except for two. In addition to out shooting the experts, I "out shot" 6 master class shooters and finished 24 seconds ahead of anyone in my class. I truly believe that it is our staff of instructors and our method of training that have helped me get to the level that I'm at right now. Thank you so much for helping me achieve these goals. I look forward to working with our staff of instructors for the next several TDSA classes. I'm sure they will be as great as, if not better than, all of the other classes that TDSA and TDSA Tulsa has put on. Thanks to all the TDSA instructors as well for pushing me and helping me so much. It sure is nice being a part of the TDSA Family.
B.J.Baker Tulsa, OK - 05/10/02 E-mail	Before I took the Combat Pistol course I was a average shooter. I was so nervous that I would look like an idiot on the first day because I was in a class full of professionally trained police officers, I had to teach myself to shoot. To my surprise, I out shot a couple of them. By the end of the class, my shooting ability greatly improved and my confidence rose. I am now preparing to take the Combat Pistol Course for the second time in June 2002, I can't wait to see how much more I will improve this time around. See you all there!
Bill McPherson TX - 05/08/02 E-mail	Len, Steve, and Dan, I can't find words to say that would describe the training I received in the Advanced Pistol l course. You guys are the greatest. I find it hard to believe my shooting skills improved more in two days than they have over the last 30 years of shooting. Truth is in the first two hours of instruction I saw my skills improve more then 50%. I debated quit some time about taking this course because of my age but it only showed me old people can still be taught if they a willing and you can still improve your skills with age. I think all who take this course have one thing in common, we can't stop talking about how great it is and that everybody should take it no matter what level of shooter you think you are. Keep up the great work.
Jason Witt Panola, OK - 05/06/02	TDSA training was great for me! I have been shooting for more than 20 years, and most of my skill has been self taught, after the safety basics. After learning from Len, Pat, Marshall I was able to get "Above the plateau" so to speak, and surpass my current level of training. The instructors help you get rid of bad habits, form good new habits, and give you plenty to work on for months to come. Great class. After completing this class on Easter weekend, I won a trophy in my division for the first time at the Badlands Regional on May 4. Thanks guys, see you when I take AP2.
Andy Colglazier USA - 05/01/02 E-mail	I would like to "ditto" the comments below. I have been shooting handguns for a long time (24 years), mostly self-taught. I have been competing in IDPA since the beginning of 2000. I had some deeply-ingrained bad habits which Len, Steve and Dan went a long way towards ironing out. The course methods were simple, well defined and laid out. Improvement was rapid and obvious. I had my first opportunity to use my newly learned skills at a recent out of state match. I know that I improved my shooting greatly, and other shooters who have seen me shoot in the past also complimented me on my improvement. I felt that the course fee is too low. Len and Co. should be charging twice the amount for the value of the instruction they offer! My wife and I plan to audit the course in June. Keep a couple of spots open for us, please!
Greg Whittmore USA - 05/01/02 E-mail	Many thanks to Len, Steve, and Dan for their excellent work with the AP I class! I learned a great deal during the class and came away with even more. You all did a wonderful job teaching the concepts in an understandable manner and giving us ways to remember and practice what we learned. I highly recommend the class to anyone interested in improving his or her shooting. I eagerly await the AP II class. Meanwhile, I'll be practicing my "duck walk." Thanks again for a really valuable and fun learning experience!
Angela Gatz Tulsa, OK - 04/18/02	I’ve been shooting for about ten years, but this class brought me back to the basics and gave me more confidence in my shooting ability. The techniques I learned here will be helpful in competition or self-defense. I was only able to attend the first day of class, and I must admit I was jealous that the guys got to go back for more fun. (Oops! Did I admit to that?)
Greg Gatz Tulsa, OK - 04/18/02	TDSA Tulsa rocks! Watch out Texas... I sent in my deposit the day I heard about the Tulsa class. I also signed up my wife (She can add her own comments). My brother flew in from Katy TX. My poor dis-armed English friend even flew over the big pond so he could learn from the best. We all had a great time and were impressed with our improvement. I've been shooting expert class IDPA matches for years but needed to fine tune some basics. It seemed awkward and uncomfortable at first but it works! This class was a lot of hard work... but, I can't imagine that there's a better way to cram more improvement into 2 days. This is a class you can urge your friends to take with you. They’ll be safe, they’ll learn, they’ll have fun, they’ll thank you for bringing them. -Thanks Len, Marshall, Larry, and Pat for a great class!
Dave Frick TX - 01/29/02 E-mail	MY LEGS HURT!!! TODAY I CAN REALLY FEEL THE BURN! Len, Steve, Dan, Thanks again for a very informative and well-structured class. It amazes me how you guys can take a group of people, at such different skill and experience levels, and make them all better shooters in just 2 days. Nobody gets left behind or feels like they are waiting for everyone else to catch up. You have a great teaching style. Last year after I finished AP Level 1 I thought I had a handle on what to expect in AP Level II. Frankly, as good as AP Level 1 was I didn’t think you could top the content or presentation given in the first class. Today I can say from first-hand knowledge you guys pushed things way beyond my expectations (in what was taught and pain) and gave a class that was even more enjoyable than the first. Anyone who thinks AP Level II is just for people interested in competition has the wrong impression. The AP Level II techniques will be as useful for me in defense as they will be in IDPA and other competitions. I have said it many times before and I say it again, TDSA is the BEST training you can buy anywhere for ANY money. In fact, I think you get much, much more than you pay for! (how many times can you say that these days). I plan to see you guys again at the end of March when I audit the AP Level 1 class, and maybe even one of these Wednesday nights at Target Master. Thanks again.
Jens Hasse TX - 01/28/02	Mr. Baxley, I would like to thank you and your staff for what I consider the most valuable training I have ever received. The AP II class I audited this past weekend was superb. The improvement I experienced was truly a surprise. I had some concern as to how effective the training would be without you demonstrating technique with a firearm in your hands. I can say that in my opinion the quality of the training has increased since your decision to instruct without personally handling a weapon. With Dan, Greg & Steve doing the weapons demonstrations while you demonstrate the proper movements involved, the class seemed to be in afterburner mode. Quite effective in my opinion. I was also impressed in the way you addressed the fact that each student needed attention in different area’s from the next. I did not feel we were rammed through with an either you get it or not attitude. Every student received personal attention to the individual items they needed. I felt as is I was the only student in the class. Again, Thank you Len, Dan, Greg and Steve! You guys are the best.
Alan Colley Austin, TX - 12/27/01 E-mail	Just a note of thanks for the great class 12/16/01. I have already recommended TDSA to many friends who have, and will, be coming to see you. My only reservation is the judgment of the instructors... While some of the best I've had the pleasure to meet, they apparently spent all their money on snazzy bowling shirts and are now stuck with cheapy plastic guns (Glock) because they can't afford real pistols (1911).They seem to overcome this unfortunate deficiency very well however by deploying very rapid, accurate fire which, even from minor caliber ordinance as they are apparently forced to use, can be highly effective! Like others, I've been shooting IDPA for a couple of years but, after reaching a certain skill level, have made little improvement. With over 400 hours of formal and expensive training from various nationally renowned training facilities and hundreds more hours in matches and practice developing my (former) muscle memory, I will be wrestling with the new techniques I've learned for awhile-and loving every minute of it. I have no reservations though as I now have "tools" to improve with. I will be back to audit and once I've got everything significantly rewired, will be back for the rest of your handgun classes. You guys do a great job and offer a training style and method which will get any shooter off "dead center". See you again soon.
Terry Burba TX - 12/20/01 E-mail Homepage	Like others, I had run into the TDSA guys at competitions all over the country. They seemed to be a great group of guys. I recently took their Level 1 class. Rather than fill up a lot of space here, you can read my full review of the class here at Family Friends and Firearms where I am the moderator of the Competition and Training forum. This was a class that I would recomend to ANYONE who is serious about their shooting skills. Thanks guys.
Joyce Lofton TX - 12/10/01 E-mail	I took the ladies class a few days ago and just had to let everyone know how much I learned! Jeff and Derrick were excellent instructors, and I do mean excellent! They were patient but firm when it came to safety, stance, grip and aim. They went over all the basics that most people who grow up around guns take for granted but are necessary for safe handling. Before taking this course, I had never shot a pistol before, and was quite nervous around them. Now, I have the confidence that if I ever had to defend myself, I could. And ladies, if you have the slightest interest, I can highly recommend this course to you! You will come away with the knowledge and confidence you will need to handle a gun correctly and safely. And you men out there with wives...this is the course that will get your wives into guns! I loved it! And my Dad is thrilled to have someone to go to gun shows with now! Sincerely, Joyce Lofton
Sherry Morse - 06/26/01	I took the Ladies Only Basic Class and was very impressed. The instructors (Jeff and Derrick) were very knowledgeable and very, very patient. I am very much a rookie and was afraid of looking foolish. I liked the fact that it was a Ladies Only class. We didn't feel the pressure that would have been there in a co-ed class. From the beginning of the class, I felt comfortable. They taught the class assuming the women knew little or nothing about guns and shooting. They were able to put me at ease with constant praise and support. They did not hesitate to tell any of us what we were doing wrong and how to correct it, but they accomplished this without making us embarrassed.
David Moon TX - 05/27/01 E-mail	I recently attended TDSA's Advanced Pistol I class that was taught by Len, Jeff, Dan, and Steve. I can honestly say that I was impressed by the TDSA instructors, their teaching abilities, TDSA's shooting techniques, and the results that are produced. I came to the class with 8 yrs. of law enforcement experience, over 2 of those years as a member of my Department's Tactical Team. The instructors teaching abilities and TDSA's method of shooting enabled me to improve my shooting times 53% in 1 1/2 days. And this is from an Officer that consistently shoots 95% or higher on Dept. qualifications. This class gives the student the mental and physical skills needed to not only shoot fast, but shoot accurately as well. I would unhesitatingly recommend this class to other shooters and especially other Officers. I received more quality firearms training in the 2 days of this class than I have ever received during my law enforcement career, including the 40 hrs. of firearms training in the basic academy and a 40 hr. Tactical Officer School. This is the kind of training that should be attended by anyone who wants to know how to quickly, accurately, and efficiently use a handgun.
Clay Gross TX - 05/15/01 E-mail	The advanced pistol I class is a complete course on shot placement and speed. I learned very fast that the distance between you and the target is more mental than physical once you learn the proper form. I could have spent a life time trying to pick up on tips and tricks and never really get it down correct, but this class brings you up to speed with the best in a short period of time. At times I had two instructors with me watching and coaching me. I felt that the instructors were there because they wanted to be there, not because they had to be there. The class was well planned out and everything we learned built on the next skill we obtained. In this class you don't have to wait a year to see a slight improvement, you'll see a large improvement with in the first 20 mins. It doesn't matter how good or bad you think you are, after taking this class you WILL be better and you will see yourself doing things that you never thought you could do.
Doug Day TX - 04/05/01 E-mail	I enjoyed the Advance Pistol training I received on March 31 and April 1, 2001. This was not an April fools shooting training. No fooling, the training was excellent, with plenty of instructors who knew what they were doing. Even the NRA certified instructor (Homer) was really good. I intend to put on my calandar the Advance Pistol II. Thank you for providing this training at a reasonable cost.
LuAnn Muck TX - 04/03/01 E-mail	I just finished the basic class and cannot say enough great things about the training and instructors. I went into the class as a ROOKIE, never having shot a gun, and by mid-morning of the first day my confidence level had greatly increased. By the end of the second day I had improved my score by 72%. I am definitely going to audit the course and practice to improve my skills. This would be an EXCELLENT course for wives or girlfriends to take.
David Rhoden TX - 04/02/01 E-mail	Tremendous amount of great information and terrific training in a short period of time...having trained at Gunsite in Arizona I can truthfully say "you da man"....
Carter Porter TX - 03/18/01 E-mail	I took the basic class and couldn’t have asked for more improvement in my shooting skills. I cut my times in half and doubled my confidence level. I doubt there is a better team of instructors in Texas. For concealed care expertise or competition skills, TDSA classes will truly score in the 10 ring! I really got the best BANG for my buck at TDSA.
Jeff Smith - 03/05/01	I took the basic pistol class last summer and saw a significant improvement in accuracy and speed. I highly recommend it if you're considering a CHL.

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