Benefits of Scenario-Based Training

When we ask someone if they’ve had any formal training, the response is often, “Yeah, I took a concealed carry class” or, at best, a basic handgun course. Taking either (or both) is great but this shouldn’t be the end goal. Instead, it’s the beginning of a journey that we encourage everyone to take.
Beginner courses like these make sure you follow safe handling rules, understand the basic function of handguns, and that your shots land on a paper target. They may even show you how to clear malfunctions or fire a few shots one handed.
These classes get you a certificate that says you completed the curriculum. Not that you understand how to function well or function your firearm well when faced with one of the four justified uses of deadly force- Imminent threat of serious bodily injury, death, kidnapping, or sexual intercourse compelled by force or threat.
We are not saying that those who never seek in-depth training will be doomed should they ever have to defend themselves. What we are saying is, set yourself up for success by mastering certain basics and fundamentals through repetition in training.
After all, if you ever do need to use these skills, it won’t be because you want to save your television. You will be fighting for your life or the lives of your children and those you love. You and they are worth learning more than just the basic principals of shooting.
There are a lot of pieces in the puzzle of self-defense besides point and press. The fact is, no situation is cut and dry and no criminal is the same. The mental ability to take in information, process it, make decisions, and put it into action when your life or the life of a loved one is on the line can really cause some hesitation… And some major mistakes that could result in legal trouble or worse.
Flat range shooting under calm conditions isn’t a true test of your skills, accuracy, or mental ability or fluidity. Chances are, if confronted by an imminent threat… You might find yourself wishing you’d done more training.
One major thing we have learned through our own journey as instructors is that flat range training gives you a solid foundation in safety, function, basics, and fundamentals. It does nothing to prepare you for the mental freak-out that occurs when a little bit of adrenaline comes into play.
Everyone is different. Some do exceedingly well under duress. Others don’t. It is important to know how you, as an individual, will respond. If you have never had to physically act under stress while putting these mental skills to work, reality based training could be a huge benefit to you and those around you.
Real world training is going to help you master things like drawing your firearm from concealment, natural point of aim, grip, stance, sight alignment, sight picture, and trigger press.
Reality based training will put all that to the test while building mental fluidity through mock scenarios depicting home invasions, robberies, or carjackings.
Unfortunately, with so much political and societal stigma surrounding firearms and training, many are hesitant to engage in anything except the bare minimum but, here is something to think about…
No matter which “side” you are on, we all push for educated and safe firearms ownership. What is more safe or educated than knowing you are capable of maintaining safety and adequacy in your home, in public, or at your place of business… Not just on the range where you know exactly what to expect, where everyone is, and where your bullet will stop?
This kind of training has been especially beneficial for individuals who have some sort of past trauma due to violence or mental and emotional abuse. All too often we see the lasting impacts of domestic violence or childhood trauma resurface when students engage in these types of training and, when this happens, hesitancy hits us hard. We understand because we have been there. It’s much better if you discover these triggers and your body’s response during training vs real life.
No one should have to know how to deal with violence but, unfortunately, the risk does exist. Therefore, we should be mentally prepared if it does happen.
No different than running fire drills, real world training involves scenario based situations that include going hands-on in a controlled, safe, and slow paced manner. Being grabbed, having a training tool pointed at you, being aggressively yelled at by someone menacing who is demanding money…. These types of interactions can induce stress and trigger emotional responses. How you respond emotionally and mentally is going to show in any physical action you’re trying to complete. Will you rise to the occasion or will you fall to the level of training you have mastered?
There are studies that show stress inoculation through controlled training scenarios can not only enhance the adequacy of our physical response but we become more confident in our abilities and replace fears of “I can’t” with the belief of “I CAN & WILL.”
Now, how do we find instructors and peers who are 100% supportive of us through all of this?
Check out our list of affiliated instructors/trainers who have been vetted and are absolutely amazing.