Who? Me and 15 other students with occupations ranging from doctors, other firearms instructors, fitness trainers, even a few YouTube personalities, blog writers and plenty more. The instructors for the class were Reid Henrichs and J.J. Wittenborn.
What? Rifleman I
Gear: Arsenal SGL31-68, Glock 19, SOE Micro Rig and NSR C-4 holster.
When? Nov. 7 & 8
Where? Valor Ridge in Harrogate, TN
Rifleman I was my second class at Valor Ridge. It is the “basic” class, but there was nothing basic about this class. You will learn the principles of marksmanship and they will be stressed at all times as are the firearms handling rules. There will be time (actually the first thing you do) to zero your rifle with help from the instructors. You will learn how to manipulate your rifle in a martial manner. To include presentation, reloading, stoppage clearance, and from various positions among other things. The team drills was the most exciting thing shooting wise about the class. During the four man bounding I actually fell down and did a quick assessment of myself and went back to shooting from the prone. I came away from the drill almost completely out of breath and smiling ear to ear. The biggest take a ways from the class include confidence in my ability to shoot, especially at distance up to 300 yards. The ease of running an AK variant.
The more important thing, yes even more than the shooting are the lectures. Reid has a passion for teaching and it shows tremendously. J.J.'s instruction is also a key component of the class. His experience is very extensive and it shows, but not only his experience, but his patience with each student. Reid and J.J. both provide individual attention to students and the classes are small enough that everyone gets one on one time. Not to mention the class dinner it is informal. Everyone's questions got answered and then some. It takes the class to a very personal level with not just Reid and J.J. but everyone else. Who believe it or not has something useful to learn from. No matter who or where they are from. My personal favorite thing about my time at Valor Ridge has been my classmates. The diversity, the uniqueness of every individual, their backgrounds and experiences. What brings everything and everyone all together and rings out from Jefferson Hall, the gravel and rocks of the main range, the loading pavilion, the grass and mud of the 300 yard hilltop, yes even the goats (don't feed them!). Freedom.
I hope to see you on The Ridge.
What? Rifleman I
Gear: Arsenal SGL31-68, Glock 19, SOE Micro Rig and NSR C-4 holster.
When? Nov. 7 & 8
Where? Valor Ridge in Harrogate, TN
Rifleman I was my second class at Valor Ridge. It is the “basic” class, but there was nothing basic about this class. You will learn the principles of marksmanship and they will be stressed at all times as are the firearms handling rules. There will be time (actually the first thing you do) to zero your rifle with help from the instructors. You will learn how to manipulate your rifle in a martial manner. To include presentation, reloading, stoppage clearance, and from various positions among other things. The team drills was the most exciting thing shooting wise about the class. During the four man bounding I actually fell down and did a quick assessment of myself and went back to shooting from the prone. I came away from the drill almost completely out of breath and smiling ear to ear. The biggest take a ways from the class include confidence in my ability to shoot, especially at distance up to 300 yards. The ease of running an AK variant.
The more important thing, yes even more than the shooting are the lectures. Reid has a passion for teaching and it shows tremendously. J.J.'s instruction is also a key component of the class. His experience is very extensive and it shows, but not only his experience, but his patience with each student. Reid and J.J. both provide individual attention to students and the classes are small enough that everyone gets one on one time. Not to mention the class dinner it is informal. Everyone's questions got answered and then some. It takes the class to a very personal level with not just Reid and J.J. but everyone else. Who believe it or not has something useful to learn from. No matter who or where they are from. My personal favorite thing about my time at Valor Ridge has been my classmates. The diversity, the uniqueness of every individual, their backgrounds and experiences. What brings everything and everyone all together and rings out from Jefferson Hall, the gravel and rocks of the main range, the loading pavilion, the grass and mud of the 300 yard hilltop, yes even the goats (don't feed them!). Freedom.
I hope to see you on The Ridge.