Course Description: This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of defensive handgunning similar to first-level courses taught at the major shooting academies. AT-I was specifically designed to supplement the Texas CHL course, which covers the legal and psychological aspects but includes no instruction in the gunhandling and shooting skills essential to successful self-defense. In many situations, a firearm is not necessarily the best solution. Basic unarmed and folding knife techniques are covered in this course to broaden the student's awareness of non-firearm self-defense skills.

Put more simply: this course is for the Texas CHL holder who is interested in additional training but wants a less expensive, locally available, weekend course that doesn't require him (or her) to sit through one or more days of review of material covered in Basic Pistol and Texas CHL. AT-I is an excellent standalone course, and is a popular preparatory or review course for past (or future) students of other schools.

Topics: review of gun safety and shooting fundamentals, drawing from the holster, malfunction clearing, reloads (slide lock and tactical), techniques to speed up follow up shots and target acquisition, shooting on the move, use of cover and generally developing proficiency with the handgun under stress. Basic unarmed and folding knife skills will also be presented.

Length: eight hours

Prerequisites: Texas CHL or instructor approval required.

Required Equipment: A centerfire handgun, belt holster, a minimum of 2 spare magazines or speedloaders, magazine/speedloader carriers, eye and ear protection, a baseball cap (to deflect spent brass and keep the sun out of your eyes) and a minimum of 400 rounds of ammunition. Training knives will be provided.

Optional Equipment: Folding knife (Spyderco Delica or similar). See the general policies page for suggestions on food, drink, clothing, etc.

Taught by: Karl Rehn, Penny Riggs, John Kochan, Glenn Garvey and assistants.

Facility: A-Zone Range

Additional information: This course is typically offered as part of a 2 day weekend of training that includes AT-I, AT-IA and AT-II in a package called the 'AT Weekend'. Here is additional information and photos from previous Advanced Training weekends.