Learning how to learn: Defensive shooting skills

If you want to learn defensive shooting skills, you need to have the right mindset. Col. Jeff Cooper wisely stated, “Man fights his mind.” I have found that some students are more interested in learning than in improving their firearm skills. They see these courses as an opportunity for them to show off their skills. Sometimes, these arrogant students may actually know more or have more experience than their instructor. It doesn’t matter what, the goal of a training course to learn is to learn. You might discover a better way of doing something than you have been doing it before. You might find that your current way of doing things is better than the one you are being taught. To make this happen, you have to try to understand what’s being taught. John Dewey, an American philosopher, stated that “the most important attitude that can ever be formed is the desire to continue learning.” If you attend a firearms training course, there is a high chance that someone will argue with the instructor, or at least offer an opposing view to many lessons. It is just as likely that a student will refuse to try the techniques offered. They may even try to argue with the instructor. The tuition is not cheap and should not be. The doctrine that underpins the instruction at Gunsite Academy has been proven to be effective. Gunsite Academy CEO Ken Campbell said that sometimes students show up to showoff rather than to learn. It reminds me of my youth. After getting my driver’s licence, I proved to my father and all the people in my community that I could wreck an auto in a variety unimaginable ways. My father also enrolled me in a defensive driving class to help me improve my skills. There were many others in the class who, for a variety reasons, proved that they were dangerous automobile operators. Some of these non-driving idiots argued with the instructor and tried to impress them by their knowledge. I had convinced myself that I wasn’t a good driver and so I paid attention. I learned valuable lessons that have stayed with me for 40+ years. Defensive Driving
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t suggest that you ignore any firearms instructor’s instructions. I have heard horror stories about unsafe training practices, and have seen many examples of them on the internet. You should never take part in any firearms activity you feel unsafe or incapable of safely completing. You can avoid such situations by attending reputable training schools. I suggest that you go to a firearms training school with the expectation that you will learn something that could save your life. It is intellectual and social maturity that recognizes that learning is more important that any grade you may be given. It requires you to value the lessons you have learned from your mistakes and failures. It requires that you seek out the relevance of the lesson and move beyond preconceived notions. Finally, learning requires that you are open to being challenged and willing to learn more. You should only do this with the goal to improve your weapon craft. Otherwise, you will waste time and money. Start your own firearms training school if you feel you have more knowledge than the experienced instructors or your method is superior to that of established training institutions. You might even attract a few students. You might even get a few students to show up. Target grids and bullseye sizes can be downloaded in MOA. Get Free Targets