Courses & Services We Currently Offer
MBC Core Skills Course
This 4-hour course covers the most basic techniques of the Martial Blade Concepts (MBC) curriculum. It includes recognizing attack patterns and taking appropriate action with your own knife to decisively take the attacker out of the fight. This means targeting muscles and tendons that allow the attacker to hold and wield their weapon, as well as those used to stand and move.
The course is suitable as an introduction to MBC as well as a skill builder for return students to hone their technique. Training knives and eye protection are provided for use by participants.
MBC Study Group Session
Each 2-hour session focuses on honing basic techniques of the Martial Blade Concepts (MBC) curriculum, while expanding participants understanding of additional MBC techniques and Flow Drills. Study Group focus changes weekly and is posted in advance on the Thumb MBC Study Group Facebook Page. Participants are free to attend as regularly or irregularly as they wish and need only to have taken the MBC Core Skills Course before their first session.
Munio Self-Defense
Would you like to learn to use a personal protection device that can be carried in the open? Right here in the United States someone is violently assaulted every 35 seconds. This 1-hour session focuses on empowering students with the confidence to use a Munio Designer Key Chain in defense against a violent attack. Following a brief but frank & eye-opening presentation that includes current statistical information regarding violent attacks in the US, participants work with one another, practicing responses to several common attacks, as presented by the instructors. At the end of the seminar, each participant receives 1 of the 16 commercially available Munio Designer Key Chains.
ProTek Self-Defense
Did you know that a violent assault is perpetrated every 35 seconds in the United States? How would you like to have the advantage of carrying your personal protection device right out in the open in case you’re attacked? This 1-hour session focuses on empowering students with the confidence to use a ProTek Key Fob in defense against a violent attack. It includes a brief but frank & eye-opening discussion including current statistical information about violent attacks in the US, followed by instructor lead demonstration and practice using the ProTek Key Fob. At the end of the seminar, ProTek Key Fobs are made available for participants to purchase at a discounted rate.
Basic Situational Awareness Seminar
This 1-hour seminar exposes students to the concepts of Awareness Levels, Situational Awareness, Victimization Avoidance, Scenario Visualization, and Survival Mentality. It includes group discussion and Q&A to ensure each participant’s experience is relevant to their situation, but also causes them to think about other situations they may have never considered, by hearing what others are concerned with. It can also be tailored to meet the needs of specific groups such as real estate agents, traveling notaries & signing agents, process servers, and others who work alone or late in a variety of situations.
Situational Awareness & EDC Defense
This 3-hour program exposes students to the concepts of Situational Awareness, Victimization Avoidance, Survival Mentality, and Basic Self-Defense using Everyday Carry (EDC) items & Personal Protection Devices (PPD), also known as Force Multipliers. We discuss the use of Force Multipliers to improve Self-Defense success and systematically walk students through the various categories of EDC items on the market, while discussing their legality in Michigan. Finally, we enthusiastically provide students with a basic foundation to better “Live Aware” by discussing the concepts of visualization, well-rounded training, and choosing/using other active/passive PPD & EDC items along with items from their surroundings in defense of their lives. This is not a comprehensive Self-Defense Course but does include specific instruction on and practice in using purpose designed Key Chains/Fobs, Pens, Hard-Sided Wallets & Card Holders, and Impact Flashlights as self-protection devices.
Every Day Carry & A Tactical Mind Set
Whether you are new to the concepts of Personal Protection Devices (PPD) & Every Day Carry (EDC) self-defense items or you buy every new gadget that hits the market, employing a Force Multiplier in your Self-Defense takes skill, which comes from knowledge and practice. Do you know the difference between active and passive PPD? Have you found yourself carrying so many PPD/EDC items that you feel like an overboard Boy Scout with no pocket space left for coins? Do you know how to use what you have or would you like to look at something else? This 2-hour program not only discusses some of the most popular PPD & EDC items but also how they’re used and how to choose those most situationally appropriate for your daily routine. It’s an excellent follow-up to our popular “Situational Awareness & EDC Defense Course but can also be taken solo. Each item covered is presented in the hear-see-do education format with an intro to the item and how to use it, followed by an instructor demonstration, and culminating in participant-to-participant practice. The pace of the class is designed to cover the basic types EDC items students might be considering, without delving into the weeds on specific brands & models, to provide optimal practice time & skill honing for participants.
Effective Use of Improvised / Impact Weapons
This 1-hour seminar, which can be taught on-site for groups, teaches participants how to identify and use appropriate Weapons of Opportunity from their immediate surroundings in a variety of common everyday circumstances. It starts with discussing if anything the average person carries in their pockets or purse can be effectively used for self-defense, and then delves into identifying useful everyday items we might find in our homes and workspaces. While there is no hands-on practice, the most effective use of many common items is demonstrated so students have a better idea of the concept.
Situational Awareness & Self-Defense for Healthcare Professionals
This 3-hour program focuses on the unique workplace violence and off-the-job victimization our nation’s Healthcare workers are routinely subjected to. We include but move past the concepts of Situational Awareness, Victimization Avoidance, and Survival Mentality to provide participants with a basic foundation to better “Live Aware” by discussing the concepts of visualization, well-rounded training, and how to keep up on current criminal trends, even going over those currently most popular. We tackle the topic of the ever increasing Social Media Self-Defense industry and help them wade through the mire of “Bullshido” to glean the true Bushido gems posted by actual SMEs. We even provide recommendations on who they can trust. We also take to the floor on two separate occasions, learning to use Everyday Carry (EDC) items & Personal Protection Devices (PPD), also known as Force Multipliers, as well as how to escape some of the more common grabs and holds they may experience by attackers. This is not a comprehensive Self-Defense Course but does include specific instruction on and practice in using purpose designed Key Chains/Fobs, Pens, Cell Phones, Hard-Sided Wallets & Card Holders, and Impact Flashlights as self-protection devices, as well as very basic empty hand techniques. This course easily be adapted to your specific workforce, have your safety/security policy incorporated, and be provided to your staff of up to 100.
Situational Awareness & Defense for Real Estate Professionals
Is closing the sale or getting the documents signed really worth your safety or your life? This 4-hour program was specifically developed for Real Estate Professionals, Closing and/or Signing Agents, and Traveling Notary Publics to address specific dangers they could encounter while carrying out routine duties. It builds from our basic program, exposing students to the general concepts of Situational Awareness, Victimization Avoidance, Survival Mentality, and Basic Self-Defense using Everyday Carry (EDC) items & Personal Protection Devices (PPD); but goes on to address specific issues unknowingly faced by some of the most vulnerable business professionals in America. These topics include but are not limited to precautions for pre-showing prep, positioning yourself during a showing/signing, indicators to predator identification, concealed carry tips for business professionals in others’ homes, and seeing open houses through criminal eyes. It is not a comprehensive Self-Defense Course but does include specific instruction on and practice in using purpose designed Key Chains/Fobs, Pens, Hard-Sided Wallets & Card Holders, and Impact Flashlights as self-protection devices. Finally, it also provides students with a basic foundation to better “Live Aware” by discussing the concepts of visualization, well-rounded training, and choosing/using other active/passive PPD & EDC items along with items from their surroundings in defense of their lives. Some of the devices participants are taught to use during class are also made available for purchase after class and larger groups can arrange for theme specific door prizes.
Situational Awareness & Defense for Cosmetology & Spa Professionals
The Beauty Industry can be fraught with danger for many reasons. Many cosmetologists work off hours alone or go to their customer’s homes at all hours of the night, every masseuse has had at least one customer who mistook their professional thoroughness as personal interest, and with how expensive nails and hair can be, there’s always the chance of workers being targeted for the large sums of cash criminals expect them to carry. This 3-hour program is similar to the others in our series, teaching how to live aware and avoid victimization, what is and isn’t legal to carry for self-defense, and the use of force multipliers and basic escapes, but also focuses on found and improvised weapon selection and use, when your life may seriously depend on it. While not a comprehensive Self-Defense Course training does include specific instruction on and practice with purpose designed Key Chains/Fobs, Pens, Cell Phones, Hard-Sided Wallets & Card Holders, and Impact Flashlights as self-protection devices.
NRA Refuse To Be A Victim Seminar
Are you concerned about increasing, often violent, crime rates and their perpetrators’ ever-growing reach into previously safe and sleepy communities? Are you confident in your ability to recognize criminal elements and avoid becoming a victim? This 3-hour seminar was initially developed by the NRA in response to nationwide requests from women for crime prevention seminars and eventually became co-ed. It promotes awareness and avoidance of criminal confrontation and victimization. Topics include property, vehicle, phone, technology, travel and personal security. Participants are learn about a variety of common-sense crime prevention techniques, personal safety strategies, and personal protection devices they can incorporate into their daily lives.
Choosing A Handgun
This 3-hour course begins by reiterating firearms safety, moves into a discussion on considerations in choosing a handgun, allows students to handle and become familiar with some of the more popular handguns currently available, and culminates with participants shooting several of the guns they are considering for a future purchase. The cost per participant even includes ammo used.
Basic Pistol Fundamentals & Marksmanship
This 4-hour course includes classroom instruction and range work. It moves at a pace that allows beginners to acquire the basic knowledge, correct attitude, and fundamental skills necessary to own and use a handgun safely and responsibly. This course is a great foundation for all handgun owners. Even if you already have some experience or grew up shooting, but have never received formal professional instruction, it’s a great building block. Key points of instruction include an introduction to handguns, safety, handgun components, proper operation, ammunition, pistol shooting fundamentals, cleaning, proper storage, and basic legal considerations. The cost per participant includes use of a firearm, hearing & eye protection, and ammo for course guns.
Focus on Pistol Fundamentals
Want to shoot better? Most of us don’t have savant-like talent but by focusing on the fundamentals, we can still become better… even great. In this 3-hour course we begin by reiterating firearms safety, but then quickly move into discussion and drills specifically designed to help shooters improve their application of and build on the basic fundamentals of pistol shooting. This course consists primarily of hands on Dry-Fire training and Range Work, and requires students to have equipment in addition to a gun.
Pistol Skill Builder I
This 4-hour course, taught 100% on the range, is for shooters who have taken a Basic Pistol Course and are ready for the next step; but is as equally beneficial for new CPL holders to help them improve the marksmanship skills needed to carry in public with confidence. The course begins by reemphasizing safety, moves into target and combat marksmanship, and then takes students through a series of drills designed to hone their skills using the traditional building-block learning method and repetition. By the end of the course, students will have a good idea of what level their skill is at, what they can focus on for improvement, and which drills will help them achieve their goals. The Prerequisite for taking this course is NRA Basic Pistol, Thumb EDT Basic Pistol Marksmanship & Fundamentals, or current CPL Licensure.
Pistol Skill Builder II
Are you ready for intermediate handgun training? Would you like to improve your gun handling skills? During this 4-hour course, taught 100% on the range, shooters ready to take the next step in their training will work on draw technique, intermediate marksmanship drills, multiple target engagement, and various other drills to improve their marksmanship & gun handling skills, develop muscle memory, boost their confidence level, and prepare them for advanced levels of training. As with the previous Skill Builder Course, shooters will leave for the day will the skills & drills they need to improve through self-practice. The Prerequisite for taking this course is Pistol Skill Builder I.
MCRGO Basic CPL Course
This 1-day Concealed Pistol License (CPL) Course includes classroom instruction and range work, which meets or exceeds the training requirements to comply with Michigan State Law. The course is taught using the Michigan Coalition of Responsible Gun Owners (MCRGO) curriculum and comes with a 1-year MCRGO membership. Instruction begins with safety & basic firearm knowledge and takes students all the way through learning what to expect in a defensive encounter. The 3 hours of range time includes dry-fire training, reacting to and correcting malfunctions & stoppages, drawing from a holster, practice fire, qualification fire, and defensive fire training & practice.
While this is not a basic skill level course, we go to great lengths to provide this training to as many people as possible. To that end we occasionally schedule a LADIES ONLY session for women who would prefer to learn in an environment where the only male is the senior instructor. We are also willing to provide private group instruction of 10 or more students on-site at a private/home range or split over multiple days. For groups with students of varied skill levels, a 3-hour Pre-Course can be offered for a cost of $60/student on a separate day prior to the CPL Course, to cover pistol fundamentals.
Michigan CPL Refresher Training
We offer this course specifically for those wishing to receive a certificate attesting they attended MI compliant CPL Refresher Training prior to License renewal. State Law requires that Michigan CPL Holders attest they have received refresher training within 6 months of their License expiration date, to be eligible for renewal. While a certificate of proof is not currently required under State Law, it is within the power of County Clerks to require one be presented before they issue a renewal license, and many have been doing so randomly, even for on-line submissions. This 4-hour course includes classroom & range work, and is totally compliant with Michigan’s requirements for CPL Refresher Training. It includes a legal video and utilizes the principles of stress training on the range to give students better insight into how they might meet the challenges faced during defensive encounters. If you’re within the 6-month window leading up to your License renewal, then this is the course for you.
FLUTAZMI – Florida – Utah – Arizona – Michigan Concealed Carry Comparison & Training
On June 19, 2018, the Attorney General for the State of Michigan (Bill Schuette) authored Opinion #7304 in response to a question posed to him jointly by two Michigan Legislators, State Senator Mike Nofs & State Representative Lee Chatfield. His Opinion begins by restating the issue:
“You have asked whether a person who holds a concealed pistol license issued by a state other than Michigan is exempt from the requirement to register his or her handgun in Michigan.”
After thoroughly addressing the legal factors at play in writing, Attorney General Scheutte concluded his Opinion with the following statement:
“It is my opinion, therefore, that a Michigan resident who holds a concealed pistol license issued by another state is exempt under subsection 12(1)(f), MCL 28.432(1)(f), of the Firearms Act from obtaining a license to purchase, carry, possess, or transport a pistol as required by section 2, MCL 28.422, but is not exempt from obtaining a concealed pistol license under section 5b, MCL 28.425b, of the Act, in order to carry a concealed pistol in Michigan.”
Opinions published by Michigan Attorneys General are considered strong persuasive authority. According to Michigan case law, AG opinions are not binding on courts. However, they are binding on State Agencies “for limited purposes only until the courts make a pronouncement on the issue.” The takeaway for Michigan gun owners? The opinion, itself, restrains state agencies from acting contrary to the opinion. The weight of precedent, and the clear reasoning of Opinion No. 7304, mean that any local official, agency, or department would be on very weak legal ground if they attempted to enforce the licensing (registration) requirements of MCL 28.422 against a Michigan resident who holds another state’s concealed pistol license.
For those of you interested in the implications of Opinion #7304 and exercising your rights under it, we’re offering you the ability to obtain a Utah Concealed Firearms Permit (CFP), and an Arizona Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) and/or a Florida Concealed Weapons License (CWL), in the same 5-hour course; which also happens to be taught in a ratio of classroom to range time that also complies with (actually exceeds) Michigan’s requirements for CPL Refresher Training. Classroom training will begin with a basic pistol refresher and then move into specific material required to meet Utah CFP requirements. The finer points of those living a Concealed Carry Lifestyle in each state will then be contrasted and compared between the three to help emphasize how laws differ from state to state. The course includes 1 hour of range training specifically designed to teach participants how to introduce “stress fire” into their concealed carry pistol training regimen and concludes with students receiving certificates and application packets required for the permit(s) they intend to apply for. The base cost of the course includes a Utah certification packet, you can add an Arizona or Florida certification packet for an additional charge, or get all 3 states’ packets for discounted total. Additionally, while not currently required under State Law, those wishing to receive a certificate attesting they received MI compliant CPL Refresher Training, may do so for an additional cost. Fingerprinting services can also be arranged for outside of the course times at an additional cost per card (1/UT & 2/AZ are required).
Home Defense Plan – Discussion and Development
Are you concerned about violent home invasion? Do you know what makes your home more of a target than others around you? What will you do to save your family from falling victim to this heinous and life altering event? Make no mistake, if someone breaks in while you’re home, they are prepared to do you harm to get what they came for. What are you prepared to do to stop them? This 3-hr. seminar takes place entirely in the classroom and includes lecture and workshop formats in combination to quash the myths & urban legends, discuss your rights under the law, talk home defense tactics, and help you choose the best response to defensive situations in your home, for you and your family. We’ll discuss solid strategies & proven techniques for mitigating your risk of victimization, sheltering in place, close quarters combat (CQB), and evacuation. While this training doesn’t include practical shooting or CQB sessions, students will learn why certain weapons are favored for home defense, how to select weapons and ammo, and why distance and darkness are so important to their defense. Finally, students will leave with a draft plan to flesh out on their own once back in their own home, designed specifically to assist them in defending it. Weapon platform specific follow-up courses are offered separately.
Home Defense Pistol
Whether a handgun is all you currently have to defend your family from a home invasion or just what gets you to a shotgun or carbine, this course is essential for anyone who is serious about protecting their castle. The 4-hr. course takes place both in the classroom and on the range; and is designed to teach students the vital skills required to have the best possible chance of defending their home. Students will learn which types of handguns provide them better advantages for home defense, close quarters handgun tactics, choosing shooting solutions, and other solid strategies & proven techniques to afford them the best advantage in using a handgun in the defense of their home. Their newfound knowledge is then validated through shooting drills and a specially designed course of fire using their handgun. “Home Defense Pistol” is an excellent follow-up to our extremely popular “Home Defense Plan – Discussion and Development” course but is also more than able to stand on its own.
Home Defense Shotgun
Are you concerned your handgun may not be enough to defend your family from a home invasion? Do you wonder how you’ll fare, maneuvering your 28”-30” bird gun around corners and through doorways in your home? This 4-hr. course, which takes place both in the classroom & on the range, is designed to quash the myths & urban legends surrounding shotgun use in defensive situations and provide solid strategies & proven techniques for close quarters shotgun use. Students will learn why certain shotguns are favored for home defense, the principles of using a shotgun in close quarters, validate their newfound knowledge by shooting a specially designed course of fire, and be given the opportunity to shoot a variety of popular home defense shotguns. As with all of our weapon platform specific home defense courses, “Home Defense Shotgun” is a complete course by itself but is also an excellent complement to our very popular “Home Defense Plan – Discussion and Development” course.
House of Worship Security Team Education & Training
Your House of Worship should be a refuge, free from crime, hate, and violence. Unfortunately, that is no longer the world we live in and many Sanctuaries of all faiths and denominations have fallen victim to heinous acts of violence. Over the past decade or more, the increased chance of violence touching flocks in every part of the country, has given rise to an increase in House of Worship Security. But while many congregations have already embraced the trend, far more are still unsure where to begin or if it’s even right for them, while others are wondering if they went in the right direction and/or are still moving that way. If any of those sound like you, we can help. We’ve developed a free briefing for House of Worship Leaders, to help them understand what really is and is not effective security, the pros and cons of having teams, why everything should begin with an assessment and be tied to a written policy, and how education is just as important as training. We also offer paid consulting services on how to persuade and even co-opt the congregation, how to roll back previous policies with the least amount of resistance, and developing well-rounded full-spectrum training programs for teams; not to mention document drafting services for Threat & Vulnerability Assessments, Safety & Security Policies, Emergency Operations Plans, Team Evaluation & Training Programs, and Team SOPs. Finally, we can evaluate your current and/or potential security team members, provide your leadership with a report on each candidate, and train them in the majority of the skills we will recommend they acquire to provide the best service to your flock. While these services come at a cost as well, we try to make them as palatable as possible to ensure support of your congregation.