Private Lessons

After spending time as a USMC combat engineer, Andrew joined the Shoot Smart family in 2017. He quickly became a great instructor sharing his vast knowledge from his experience in the Marines, numerous courses, and certifications. Andrew is especially good at helping students take their LTC skills to the next level and work on concealment methods and defensive pistol tactics. In addition, he feels called to train others so that they can protect themselves and their loved ones should they ever need to. Andrew is one of three Shoot Smart instructors to recently become USCCA certified instructors in Concealed Carry & Home Defense and Defensive Shooting Fundamentals.

Instructor Q&A

Why do you enjoy shooting?

• Shooting has always been something I understand and pick up quickly. I enjoy the challenge of constantly refining my skills mentally and physically. I have always felt a call to protect people by training myself and others so that they have the skills and confidence to be in charge of their own safety and to protect their loved ones.

What is your favorite part about teaching lessons?

• I probably get more excited than my students do when I see the improvement and leaps forward they take. I enjoy developing a close relationship with my students so that I know them and can be of better service to their needs. My favorite thing is receiving thank you cards as well as whole families that come in together to learn and knowing that you have made a difference in their lives.

#1 Safety tip

• Respect firearms but do not fear them. Learning everything you can builds knowledge and confidence in order to handle them safely in all situations.
  

Johnathon brings expertise from a competition background. He has competed in many shooting competitions and won titles too! His journey in competition shooting has given him a unique perspective on fighting nerves and maintaining accuracy and speed. If you are looking to increase your consistency, speed, or fighting nerves while shooting, Johnathon can help. He also spent some time teaching highschool sciences, giving him an understanding of different learning styles as well as patience with people learning new skills.

Instructor Q&A

Why do you enjoy shooting?

• I find shooting to be greatly rewarding with learning and improving.

What is your favorite part about teaching lessons?

• My favorite part is making people more confident and getting people excited about shooting in any form.

#1 Safety tip

• Treat EVERY firearm as if it is loaded.

Hayden joined the Shoot Smart team in 2020, but has been shooting for over 10 years. He recently became a Shoot Smart certified instructor and is NRA certified Range Safety Officer. He has a passion for working with new shooters to improve fundamentals and grow their confidence. He loves watching a student’s face light up when they realize they can hit the bullseye consistently.

INSTRUCTOR Q&A

• Why do you enjoy shooting?
  • It is a highly meditative and highly practical martial art. It is extremely fun and can be sufficiently challenging at all skill levels.

• What's your favorite part about teaching lessons?
  • I love seeing the look on a student’s face when they realize they can hit the bullseye consistently.

• #1 safety tip?
  • Keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction

Originally from Riverside, California, with thirteen years of active duty military experience and extensive training with leading industry professionals, Joe has a wealth of firearms and tactical knowledge to share with his students. From beginner to advanced shooters, Joe is ready to work with anyone who is eager to learn and has a passion for proper firearms handling. Joe has been a part of the Shoot Smart family for over 8 years and has instilled firearms confidence in hundreds of students. Joe is one of three Shoot Smart instructors to recently become USCCA certified instructors in Concealed Carry & Home Defense and Defensive Shooting Fundamentals.

Instructor Q&A

• Why do you enjoy shooting?
  • I enjoy the challenge as well as the confidence it builds to protect yourself and others if necessary.
• What's your favorite part about teaching lessons?
  • I love giving others the confidence and excitement that comes with increasing their shooting skills.
• #1 Safety Tip?
  • Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire.

Brian has been shooting for over 40 years and teaching for over 20! With over six years at Shoot Smart, Brian has incredible experience. He can help with basic skills but also specializes in AR-15 and other rifles. Looking for defensive training? Brian can also help.

INSTRUCTOR Q&A

• Why do you enjoy shooting?
  • I began shooting with my father when I was a small child. It is a tradition that provides food for the table and safety for our family.

• What's your favorite part about teaching lessons?
  • Teaching skills that will help people. I love seeing the joy my students experience when they accomplish their goals.

• #1 safety tip?
  • Treat all firearms as if they are loaded. Never point a gun at something that you are not willing to destroy.

Joyce came to us from a family of hunters, law enforcement officers, and military personnel. Being surrounded by these people, Joyce grew up an avid shooter and has been enhancing her own skills and training since she joined our team over three years ago. She has a passion for teaching anyone but has a special love for working with first-time shooters.

Instructor Q&A

• Why do you enjoy shooting?
  • At the age of 10 I took my first shot. My parents made sure that my siblings and I had a respect for firearms, and an understanding of how to handle them safely. I like that shooting challenges me mentally and physically.
• What is your favorite part about teaching lessons?
  • I especially love working with new shooters and experiencing their very first shot because it can be a very empowering and life-changing moment.
    
• Fun fact
  • I used to jump out of perfectly good airplanes for fun!

Charlie has been with Shoot Smart for the last few years and loves establishing a good foundation for new shooters to learn and excel. Previously, he was an instructor for USMCR rifle qualification and also obtained multiple expert badges during his 8 years with USMC. His wide array of expertise can help you improve your skills in many areas.

INSTRUCTOR Q&A

• Why do you enjoy shooting?
  • I’ve found shooting to be an enjoyable stress relief since JROTC. I like being able to actively incorporate all aspects of defense and offense into a seamless transition.

• What's your favorite part about teaching lessons?
  • My favorite part is watching students overcome fears or insecurities and further develop as individuals by establishing new levels of confidence.

• #1 safety tip?
  • if you don't know how to do something, ask.

Cain is one of the newer members of the Shoot Smart team joining us in Summer 2020. He quickly made a name for himself by being promoted to Shift Supervisor and becoming a certified instructor in that short amount of time. Cain’s background in competitive shooting gives him plenty of experience and knowledge to help new and experienced shooters reach their goals.

Instructor Q&A

Why do you enjoy shooting?

• Shooting has been a family passion for many years. However, my passion has always been to help those who are unsure if a firearm is the right choice for them. By the end of our lesson, my goal is for you to feel safe and comfortable when handling a firearm.

What is your favorite part about teaching lessons?

• I love teaching people how to safely use a firearm and defend themselves if needed. Especially those who start out scared or apprehensive around firearms.

#1 Safety tip

• In my opinion, the most important safety rule is to treat every firearm as if it is loaded at all times. Following this simple rule will prevent the majority of accidents from happening.

A Texas native, David has been an instructor at Shoot Smart for over 3 years and recently took over management of the Grand Prairie location. He has a passion for working with new and developing shooters to take their skills to the next level. If you don’t find David at the range, he’s probably at home barbecuing or riding his motorcycle, letting his Texas roots shine through.

INSTRUCTOR Q&A

• Why do you enjoy shooting?
  • I thrive on the challenge of shooting, learning new skills, and honing in on existing skills. There is always room to grow and improve your skillset.

• What's your favorite part about teaching lessons?
  • I love seeing students progress to the next level. It is great to share the excitement of learning or mastering a new skill.

• #1 safety tip?
  • Always treat firearms as if they are loaded.

David has been with Shoot Smart for four years, but has been shooting for over 20! He loves shooting because it gives him the confidence to defend himself if he ever found himself if needed. He also loves the rush that comes with hitting the bullseye and enjoys helping students experience that too. His passion is for teaching new shooters but he also specializes in helping others find the right gun, AR-15 skills, and shotgun basics.

INSTRUCTOR Q&A

• Why do you enjoy shooting?
  • I feel comfortable knowing that if I ever found myself in a situation that required me to use a firearm for self defense, I would most likely be better trained than the bad guy. I also enjoy the rush of hitting the bullseye. It never gets old!

• What's your favorite part of teaching lessons?
  • I love seeing the confidence that comes with knowledge regarding firearms. I have many students that come in knowing nothing, and are scared of the firearm they have purchased. I get a lot of satisfaction seeing students light up when they hit what they are aiming for.

• #1 safety tip?
  • Always treat firearms as if they are loaded. Please never say, “But it’s not loaded”