Pat began training in HaganaH (an Israeli military self-defense) in 2004.
By 2011 he became assistant instructor. By 2013 he became a full instructor
and then took over as Chief Instructor in 2015 where he still teaches class
regularly. In 2011 he began instructing for TacMed essentials program under
the direction of Dr. John Wipfler. In these classes Pat teaches unarmed
combatives to students as well as basic firearms skills. The Tacmed
advanced class is a 4-day intensive course covering all aspects of dealing
with, securing and setting up safe haven for SWAT teams in the event of a
mass shooter incident with primary focus on medical support. Pat also has
had the privilege to instruct for the last 5 years at the Kagami-Biraki Gasshuku
seminar. This is a national Shuri Ryu Karate conference where my main subject
matter taught was blade combatives. Pat also holds rank in Chi Jo Sento Ju Jitsu,
Shuri Ryu Karate, Judo and Shin Kage Ryu Samurai sword.
Qualifications and Certifications:
- 2nd degree Expert, HaganaH F.I.G.H.T.
- IDFPR certified
- PERC certified
- NRA certified, Range Safety Officer.
- NRA certified, Basic Pistol Instructor.
- NRA certified, Personal protection inside the home Instructor.
- NRA certified, Personal protection outside the home Instructor.
- Illinois State Police certified Concealed Carry Instructor.
- FEMA certified, Active shooter in the workplace.
- U.S. Fugitive Enforcement Bureau Apprentice.
- Basic first aid, CPR, AED certified.
- Advanced Tacmed certified
- HAZWOPR certified.
From Tracie’s own personal experience she has learned the importance
of being aware of her surroundings. The learning process about personal
protection, and instruction in the use of firearms has been the incentive
she needed to restore confidence and strength back into her own life.
Her journey and determination to learn about self-defense, awareness,
and firearms training has created a passion and lead her to becoming a
certified firearms instructor and personal protection coach.
Tracie is committed to helping all people realize that their 2nd
Amendment Right gives them the right to defend themselves. She
teaches the importance of self awareness and personal security by
being aware of your surroundings at all times. She provides instruction
for those that don’t want to be the next “easy” victim. The highest
percentage of crimes are prevented from just being aware of our surroundings.
Tracie realizes that not all people are comfortable around firearms, thus
her instruction in SELF-AWARENESS is a key step in keeping you and your
loved ones safe. She also teaches the use of firearms and as a last resort,
when there are no other options.
Tracie’s goal is to help educate, empower and equip women and (men) that
wish to become confident and competent in their ability to protect
themselves and their loved ones by providing instruction in a safe and
encouraging environment. Those that no longer wish to suffer from the
fear of guns can be encouraged and instructed from someone that trembled
and cried just from the sight of a firearm.
Her exceptional communication skills in the classroom as well as on the
training range provides meaningful feedback to novice and advanced shooters alike.
If you are interested in Ladies Only classes check out Tracie’s Ladies
Only Concealed Carry Handgun course.
Tracie is available for one-on-one instruction (men or women), people with
disabilities, and husband and wife team training.
Certifications:
- Instructor – Good Shepherd Defense and Training
- United States Concealed Carry Association Firearms Instructor- Certified
- The Well Armed Woman Instructor – Certified
- NRA Range Safety Officer- Certified
- NRA Basic Pistol Instructor- Certified
- NRA Refuse To Be A Victim – Certified
- Two time graduate Defensive Handgun Course at Front Sight Training Las Vegas
- Defensive Shooting Fundamentals Certificate
- Place of Worship, Place of Business safety, provided through Good Shepherd Defense
Dennis and his wife, Tracie, have been instructors involved in the shooting
sports industry for several years, instructing multiple firearms classes, as
well as one-on-one pistol training, and teaching the Illinois Concealed Carry
Handgun Course.
Dennis is a student first, he loves defensive pistol training and skill development.
He continually studies and practices to increase his own skills and preparedness
for self-defense. He loves to work with others interested in doing the same.
Dennis believes that there is no such thing as being too prepared when fighting
for your life or the life of your loved ones. It is with that mindset that he
continues to guide his students down the ever changing pathway of preparedness
in the event of a dynamic critical incident He has had hundreds of hours of formal
defensive handgun and emergency training as a student. Dennis continues to study
and enhance his knowledge and skills from some of the top leaders in firearms
instructors in the country. Dennis’ goal is to use defensive shooting fundamentals
to efficiently train adults, youth, and families interested in developing firearms,
tactical operations and defensive skills.
Join Dennis, or Dennis and Tracie for your Conceal Carry class or Pistol training
and enjoy the benefits of learning from a husband and wife instructor team.
Certifications:
- USCCA, United States Concealed Carry Association Instructor, Certified
- Illinois Concealed Carry Instructor, Certified
- NRA Basic Pistol Instructor, Certified
- NRA Range Safety Officer, Certified
- NRA Refuse To Be A Victim Instructor, Certified
- Defensive Firearms Coach, Certified
- Student, I.C.E. Training Company
- Student, Front Sight Firearms Training Institute
- Graduate Defensive Handgun at Front Sight Training Las Vegas
- Member of the NRA
- Guns Save Life Member
- Illinois Rifle Association Member
- Member Personal Defense Network
Holli began her journey in firearms education several years ago. While
attending a concealed carry course she developed a passion and wanted
to learn more about self protection. Holli continued attending classes,
learning and honing her skills to further her education in
self-defense/protection/awareness.
Attending these classes she quickly realized the lack of and need for
female instructors and classes available to women only. Holli realized
these classes were few and far between and something needed to be done.
That is when she decided to team up with like minded women and provide
classes that would fill this void and provide education for women, taught
by women. With the encouragement from her husband, family and friends
she continued her education and earned her Concealed Carry Instructor
Certification, Holli continues her education today.
Holli has teamed up with the Tac Shack and Good Shepherd Defense and
works with like minded female Instructors helping women learn how to
protect and defend their lives and the lives of their loved ones.
Holli has entered the world of competitive shooting with USPSA and
furthers her education on firearms and personal protection.
Certifications :
- NRA Basic Pistol Instructor – Certified
- NRA Range Safety Officer – Certified
- NRA Refuse to Be a Victim Instructor – Certified
- USCCA Concealed Carry Instructor – Certified
- Dignitary and Executive Protection Specialist
- Intuitive Defensive Shooting certification
Ben has been part of Good Shepherd since 2017 and is one of our
Advanced Pistol and Carbine instructors.
Ben’s tactical and practical experience includes combat
deployments as an Infantrymen with the 82nd Airborne, and as
an Instructor for the National Rifle Association and
United States Concealed Carry Association.
Steve has been a part of Good Shepherd since 2017 and is
one of our Basic Pistol Instructors.
Steve’s experience includes being a National Rifle Association
instructor, United States Concealed Carry Association instructor,
and an Auxilliary Police Officer.
Alexa joined Good Shepherd in 2018 and is one of our Women Instructor Cadre.
She is currently serving in the Illinois National Guard.
Zach joined Good Shepherd in 2018 as a Carbine and Pistol Instructor.
Zach’s tactical and practical experience includes combat deployments
as an Infantryman with the 82nd Airborne, and is currently serving as
a Peoria Police officer.