Local Instructors

[Tinman]

Would there be much interest in firing up a thread listing some of the better local instructors, classes, or schools?

Just thinking there are not a lot of resources if you're looking for someone close to home to work with.

Tinman....

[shooter521]

Originally Posted by Tinman

Would there be much interest in firing up a thread listing some of the better local instructors, classes, or schools?

Local is good, especially for those of us with restricted schedules and/or budgets. Thankfully, Sheriff Ken @ BCSD is local for me, and he brings in a whole lot of excellent non-local talent to teach classes every year. I haven't taken any of the courses that Ken himself teaches, but I understand they are also quite good.

[Scutter01]

Originally Posted by Tinman

Just thinking there are not a lot of resources if you're looking for someone close to home to work with.

I can tell you that most of the classes I've seen available are either too far away or are too long. I'm really not interested in driving 5 hours or taking a two-day course. I like to take my training in smaller doses (6-8 hour class absolute MAX) because after that, my brain is full and I need to digest the information. I also don't generally have $500 for a two day class.

That's just my personal preference. I'm sure plenty of people like the longer classes.

[sjstill]

+1 for Sheriff Ken.

I have tried to host a few classes at Eagle Creek, but we can only do 2 day classes, so that tends to limit some trainers.

Can't do carbines, unfortunately. So its handguns & shotguns.

[rhino]

Originally Posted by shooter521

I haven't taken any of the courses that Ken himself teaches, but I understand they are also quite good.

In my opinion, he is a better instructor than some of the "big names" he hosts. He may be too humble to admit it, but he's very good. In the past when people ask for my opinion, I have recommended him over the "big name" several times when it's an either/or choice.

Scutter makes an excellent point too. Many people can't afford the time to travel or even the time for a 2-day class. They are better served by shorter, more frequent blocks of instruction that accommodate both their schedule constraints and their specific needs. That's one of the niche areas of instruction that I hope my brother and our partners can help fill in the near future, as it's not logistically feasible for someone who travels the country to teach 3-4 hour classes several weekends in a row.

In addition to schedule issues, there are also a significant number of people who can't tolerate (or don't believe they can) a two or three day class because of their physical limitations. In may cases, they are the people who are the most in need of instruction and training because they are the most likely to be victimized and the least able to retreat. This another group of people I hope to help meet their specific needs in the near future.

The cost factor can't be overlooked, either. In general, most local instructors charge significantly less than the bigger name, traveling instructors. In some cases you get what you pay for, but in others, you just get a better value with the local outfit.

[Fenway]

Shay put on an excellent INGO class in June. Once he decides to start teaching again he will be a great local option.

[Tinman]

Just to keep this alive and going a little longer.

Besides myself (I've been known to run a course or two). I've trained quite a bit with a local guy in the Elkhart area named Romayne Yoder. Good solid stuff, and reasonably priced. I can give you contact info privately if you want it.

Tinman....

[Fenway]

Killer name!

Originally Posted by Tinman

Romayne Yoder.

[Soundslikejosh]

Has anybody heard of/worked with "Steve Calvert and Associates" out of Bloomington? I have his brochure but know very little about him. His prices are reasonable, I guess. Most classes are $130 for a one day class.

Anybody with good or bad info to share?

[rhino]

Someone on AR-15 posted a message in the training forum praising him. When I asked for contact information or a web site, there was silence. That is the one and only time I have heard of the guy and I know zero other people who have heard of him.

That of course does not mean that he isn't an excellent instructor. I gather he chooses to acquire students by word of mouth.