One of the problems with weapons is that once acquired, some people seem to think that just having the weapon is enough. This attitude is dangerous because someone else might just take the weapon away from them. Training on how to use weapons is extremely important and the more training you get, the more ability you will gain on an exponential progression. You will really be surprised by how fast you can become quite proficient after some professional training and practicing what that training taught you. Make sure, though, that you’re getting training from someone who can (has the knowledge) and will (has the ability) to train you correctly so you’ll learn techniques that will let you win a fight.

It’s been said that when somebody wants to learn how to ride a motorcycle, there are three people who are poor choices as teachers. One is any person who has just learned to ride. They’re happy they can operate the bike, but they have no real skills and no experience. The second non-teacher is a spouse. Maybe there are exceptions but if so, very few. A spouse as a teacher is an impatient teacher and that leads to problems. The third non-teacher is the natural motorcycle rider who has ridden since some single-digit age and has experienced everything. The problem here isn’t the knowledge, it’s that there isn’t really an ability to teach. These people just “do it” and aren’t really sure how to explain what they do to others. Now, this same experience with the ability to teach? That’s the ideal motorcycle instructor because they’ll teach you real skills that will save your life and have been tested out in the world.

Look for the same thing with a weapons instructor. You want to be taught how to win a fight. Maybe you will start out with basic skills but everything should eventually point toward your ability to destroy threats. Will your instructor teach you that? You are trying to learn how to use weapons to defend yourself, so get your money’s worth. Yes, great instruction is expensive. If you think your life is worth it, then you’ll figure out how to come up with the money. Meanwhile, start with some books, DVDs, whatever you can afford. Keep an open mind. What was taught for many years in the past may not work in the middle of a gunfight. It is always your choice, and regardless of the choice, do get some training. I suggest anything from Gabriel Suarez (Suarez International) and Marc Denny (Dog Brothers Martial Arts).