Lou, in your opinion, how should an average citizen divide his/her self-defense training time in: general fitness, empty hands/improvised weapons, and firearms?  Thanks.  James

HI James. If you can, please let me know how much time/how many days a week you normally train. Thanks. Lou

Hi James. Thanks for the info. This will be helpful answering your question during the show. Lou

Hi Melissa. I’m not sure what size Sigma you are carrying but for concealed carry and for the reality of what we use our handguns for in real fights don’t feel uncomfortable with carry a compact version of your favorite handgun. Ian and I have done a complete podcast on handgun and caliber selection that will be released at some point in the future. So there will be a lot of info there. Do not hesitate to use a 9mm of your favorite handgun in its compact form . With modern ammo, you will not sacrifice the ability to stop someone. Remember, all calibers have worked and all have failed. There are some 9mm loads that are right at the heels of .357 magnum velocity and bullet weight. As an example, a Glock 26 loaded with Corbon 115 grain loads will deliver an extremely effective round in a compact package with the ability to use 15 or 17 round spare magazines. Train to hit multiple times rapidly and you will be well served with this or another brand that you like. Hopefully this helps out. If you need more clarification, let me know.
Lou

There has been a great influx of women stepping into the concealed carry firearms arena lately, what would you recommend prior to buying their first handgun? Also how often do you recommend the new shooter to return to the range for practice. I have recommended handgun retention courses for all that carry a firearm, are you aware of any quality instruction available? Thanks for your help! STAN

Hello Lou, I love the podcast you and Ian are doing. Anyway, my question is, is there any methods an average shooter can do, that has received no formal training, in target focus shooting to help fine tune his/her skill? Other that going to the range and shooting hundreds of rounds and spending thousands of dollars?
For me, I find for playing airsoft with a group of friends to be very helpful in being able to quickly identify “threats”, assess what to do, and execute what you decided to do. Is this a valid form of training for this? Because I find my self rarely using my sights in a “fire fight”, its more point and shoot, not point, aim, and shoot.
I also practice shooting with out sights at the range (I started doing this after I listened to the TFS podcast) and I find that I already shoot (to my surprise) very well with out sites on my Walther PPQ, and I also do dry fire practice as well.
Is there anything else I can do to help fine tune my TFS?

Thank, James

Thank you all for your input!  Please feel free to post more questions at anytime.

Hi Brian. Thanks for the kind words. It pains me to say this but in a couple of months I am hitting 60 – it’s hard to even type those two numbers together I am personally training 7 days a week and teaching about 80 hours of martial arts classes a month along with any of the company classes. Thank you for your comments about training. One of highlights of my life was meting you and Ian . I consider you both brothers and am proud of both you and Ian. You are an impressive instructor and a natural teacher and leader. All my best to your family too. Lou

Hi Brian. Thanks for the kind words. It pains me to say this but in a couple of months I am hitting 60 – it’s hard to even type those two numbers together I am personally training 7 days a week and teaching about 80 hours of martial arts classes a month along with any of the company classes. Thank you for your comments about training and my contributions. One of the highlights of my life was meeting you and Ian. I consider you both brothers and am proud of both of you and Ian. You are an impressive instructor and a natural teacher and leader. All my best to you and your family too. – Lou Chiodo

Hi Lou and Ian! Thank you for taking my question.
In a previous podcast you guys discussed integration of skill sets. If you guys had a brand new civilian student come to you with no back ground in fighting/self defense, what order of skill sets (hand-to-hand, sharp weapons, impact weapons, handguns, non lethal weapons, long guns, etc) would you teach them so the integration comes as natural as possible?

I always look at conveying the need for a defensive mindset to include “zones” or rings around you.

I think most training focuses on the firearm and the misconception that you will be able to draw it when needed. In a sudden violent encounter you may need to fight / grapple first to gain the time and distance necessary to be able to produce your firearm. What training would you suggest to prepare one for these types of encounters? How should one prepare mentally as well? One should expect to have a few blows taken as well as possible injury. You know the saying your handgun is used to get you to your long gun. One should think your hands and feet are used to fight back to the handgun as well.

Of course one should always keep a reactionary gap of at least 2 arms lengths around them.

Hi Lou and Ian…

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Stay Safe!

Best Wishes, 
Ian Kinder

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