I can only offer my own philosophy and hope some will find it useful.Interblog wrote:...
Also, what is the definition of an "intermediate" class? How would I know a worthwhile class if I saw one? How long should it be, time-wise? What should it cover? What should it leave me with in terms of take-aways that I can then put to use in my own practice sessions?
I agree that the money simply must be a deterrent to many people. The prices I've seen are around $35 - $40 per hour for group training, not for individual instruction. Can anyone recommend any specific content on YouTube, for instance, that would at least instill some practice exercises consistent with "intermediate" training? I wouldn't mind reserving my cash outlays for the training parts that matter most.
Let's start with Active Self Protection. https://activeselfprotection.com/ and https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-i64E ... xlLDvWQb3w
John Correia talks about having Attitude, Skills, and a Plan (ASP). His YouTube channel is a great place to go to see narrated videos of self defense incidents that will help you develop a self defense attitude. The late Pual Gomez has several excellent videos still available on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnlR_K ... qrR9Mf9Rig
For skills, I seek out acknowledged experts in the field of study. I drove from Austin to Friendswood to take my father and youngest brother to Charles Cotton's LTC class. I wanted them to learn from the best. My main concern was that they have a good grounding in the law. I took my 21 year old son to Karl Rehn's KRTraining for some initial training and the LTC class. My main concern was that he have a good foundation in shooting skills.
I have taken most of my training from Karl and his instructors. My initial decision was prompted by my reading of John Daub's self defense incident. https://americanhandgunner.com/home-inv ... -incident/ John is a senior instructor at KR Training.
Karl's web site offers many tips and drills for improving your shooting skills. https://krtraining.com/index.html and https://www.krtraining.com/IPSC/IPSC.html
John Daub's blog covers shooting issues and topics other than shooting. https://blog.hsoi.com/
My plan includes medical and legal issues. My legal service offers videos, books, and live seminars. This week I attended a three hour session on medical issues of gun fights. It was taught by a former Navy corpsman, having recent combat experience, who is currently an EMT with the San Antonio Fire Department. Last year I took a two day class at KR Training taught by Caleb Causey of Lone Star Medics http://lonestarmedics.com/. It combined instruction on treating penetrating trauma with live shooting. http://lonestarmedics.com/medicine-x-edc/
I encourage those interested in improving their self defense skills to seek out acknowledged experts. There are many in Texas. This may involve travel and expense. I am sure Forum members will gladly share recommendations.
Today I took my father and youngest brother to a local, outdoor range that allows for drawing from the holster. I was free to coach them as they work to improve their skills, without the pressures of working in a tightly supervised, indoor range.
Next month I will take another class at KR Training. https://krtraining.com/KRTraining/Class ... asics.html
Lastly, don't forget about dry-firing. This is a great way to improve your shooting skills with little or no monetary expense.