Detroit Michigan CCW/CPL Training Classes - The Making of a Firearms Instructor

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CCW/CPL Class Student Testimonials

The Following Are On File In Our Office:

"Rick, Sorry that it has taken me so long to thank you. Although the class alone can't protect me or my family from danger, it has improved our ability to defend ourselves. The techniques and information that we covered in the class have taught me to be more aware and prepared period. I am more confident and comfortable when I leave home, knowing that I'm better prepared to address potentially dangerous confrontational situations. Once again thank you and I look forward to Session II (Personal Protection Outside The Home Course)."
- Mr. A. L. Odell III, Auto Industry Employee, Southfield, Oakland County, Michigan 48075

"I found the class to be very informative. Rick delivered information in a way to be understood, interactive, and enjoyable - not boring. I would take other classes that Rick teaches. Thank you for a good experience."
- Ms. K. Dolgos, Redford, Wayne County, Michigan 48239

"Hello Rick. Sorry it took so long to get back to you. Just to let you know, I've got my CCW license and I bought a 9mm S+W (M&P) semi-automatic. I had intentions of getting a revolver, but after seeing and shooting your semi-automatic, I changed my mind. As for your class, I found that you were not only knowledgeable but you were also enthusiastic. What really impressed me was the fact that when we went to the gun range, I was a little short on money, you were kind enough to let me use your gun. This is what convinced me to buy a 9mm. I appreciate your help and I would (and do) recommend your class to anyone wanting to get their permit. Thank you."
- Mr. C. W. Miller, Retiree, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan 48219

"Rick, I really enjoyed your CCW Class and found it to be very informative. Having an attorney come in to speak about various laws and priviledges with the permit was very helpful. I would have enjoyed more shooting time at the range. Good class, very efficient, and informative. I will be sure to pass along your name to anyone considering their CCW."
- Mr. B. C. Jaussi, Novi, Oakland County, Michigan 48575

"Rick Ector's firearm safety class provides a comprehensive introduction to the possession and use of firearms for personal defense. The knowledge gained in this class is invaluable to both novices and experienced firearm owners. Mr. Ector's sincere presentation of the materials is insightful and serves as a reminder of the care and safety which must be exercised when using firearms. The course is taught in a comfortable environment which is not intimidating to the first-time gun user. Any gun owner can benefit from taking this course."
- Mr. J. Boyer, Attorney At Law, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan 48207

"Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit CCW class provided an excellent introduction to understanding personal firearm basics, personal safety best practices, ccw application procedural instructions, and legal implications with firearm ownership. Rick Ector and his assistant kept the class interesting with sharing personal experiences, demonstrating basic firearm techniques, discussing legal matters with a lawyer, and concluding with an exciting practice session at the firing range. Whether or not you pursue a CCW application, this class is certainly a memorable one."
- Mr. N. Franklin, Automotive Engineer, Rochester Hills, Oakland County, Michigan 48309

“Rick, it’s been a while since I took your course, but I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the experience. When I signed up, I had no idea of what to expect, but I found a warm and fun environment to learn the ins and outs of obtaining my CCW. There was a lot of information put out that day, and because there were so many real life examples, rather than just throwing out facts, I have been able to retain a lot. It’s funny how much my awareness of my environment has improved. I notice things I did not see before taking the class, and I feel I am better prepared to protect myself and my family. Thanks for the training and let me know when you plan to expand your training program. Regards,
- Mr. J. Grady, Network Engineer, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan 48206

"Rick Ector, you are a very funny man but very knowledgeable in the firearms department: 'It is not a bullet; it is called a round of ammunition!' 'Do not call it a weapon; it is a gun!' '8-1/2 x 11 center mass - it is going to be on the test!' I had a great time in the class. The eight hours really went quick. Keep up the good work, Rick!"
- Ms. D. R. Lambert, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan 48224

“Hello Rick, I apologize for the delay. I truly enjoyed your class! You did not only inform me about guns and gun safety but also about general safety rules on how to stay alert! I wish we would have had more time at the gun range. Having never even touched a gun, I was initially unaware on how to load the ammunition (I felt like a girl! LOL) Also, I believe we shot between 30-60 rounds. I wish we could have spent more time learning how to load the ammunition into the magazine. Also, I wished we could have spent an additional 60-90 minutes at the gun range. Or maybe just another 4 hour class on ‘How to load the gun’ and an additional 2 hrs at the range. Thank you and I hope all is well.”
- Ms. L. Johnson, Business Owner, Southfield, Oakland County, Michigan 48037

“Rick, prior to taking your class, my thought process was to arm and protect myself in this violent world in which we live in. You have taught me that owning and carrying a firearm also brings much more responsibility. This decision was not taken lightly and forced me to research firearms, perfecting the fit (size does matter), practice handling a firearm, loading and unloading the magazine, in addition to understanding the regulations and laws associated with owning and carrying a firearm. I just wanted to thank you and your associates with all the valuable information required to obtain a CCW license.”
- Ms. T. Clifton, Harper Woods, Wayne County, Michigan 48225

"I appreciate the realness of the seriousness in obtaining a CCW/CPL. The class was informative, especially the lawyer and how the both of you agreed and disagreed on handling certain situations. However, I wished we could have practiced even longer at the range. I am going to recommend you and your class, for first-hand knowledge, to anyone who didn't have a clue, such as myself. Thank you!!!"
- Ms. A. Gilliard-Garner, RN, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan 48235

"Mr. Ector's class was well worth the fee. He was very informative. He really was an excellent teacher. Under his instruction I learned more than I had planned. The things that I thought I knew about guns and their use was all wrong. He made the class easy and made me feel comfortable at the range. If you are getting a gun permit, his class is definitely the one to take."
- Ms. C. Boyce, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan 48205

“This class is highly recommended. If you want to know the advantages and benefits of concealed carry and of firearm ownership, this class is for you. You may go in a skeptic, but you will come out a believer.”
- Mr. N. Hardeman, Business Owner, Wayne County, Canton, Michigan 48188

“Rick, I think that the Personal Protection Class was great. I also believe having the attorney present for questions was also great. I would recommend this class to anyone who is interested in a personal protection firearm class.”
- Mr. E. Jackson, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan 48235

"Dear Mr. Rick Ector, I was in your class and really enjoyed it. I really thought that you were very helpful and you made me understand how important was all of the information that you gave us for safety reasons. I do appreciate your service and keep up the good work!"
- Mr. A. Gjergji, Sterling Heights, Macomb County, Michigan 48312

"Rick, you're great! You taught me everything that I didn't know. You did a great job! Just the class was too long. I guess that's not up to you. That's the state's fault or the federal government's. Thank you. You were great!"
- Mr. W. N. Kiryakoza, Farmington Hills, Oakland County, Michigan 48331

"Thank you, thank you, thank you is all I can say due to your leadership in the classroom as well as at the firing range. I took the time to get a better understanding of the privilege to carrying a CCW. The class is not boring and the time flew by because the information was very interesting and kept my attention. The time spent was well worth it."
- Mr. J. M. Brown Jr., Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan 48235

"Hi Rick! First of all I want to thank you for your help that you put your time with us to teach us about firearms and the rules and shooting. I want to tell you that the lessons were so interesting and clear and I got what I want. And now I feel I understand everything such as rules, safety, and etc. Best Regards."
- Mr. H. Mansour, Farmington Hills, Oakland County, Michigan 48127

"Mr. Ector: I very much enjoyed your firearm safety class on February 24, 2008. I have been around guns (weapons for us military types) all of my life. Your comments about Rule Number Zero, "All weapons will be treated as if they are loaded even if we have confirmed that they are not," is a basic rule and is one that I learned as a child on the farm in Pennsylvania. The class was very informative and your repeated insructions and demonstrations on the important safety precautions, that each of us will need to follow to prevent accidents, was outstanding. The additional information provided from your legal counsel was also very good. In summary, I will recommend anyone seeking to learn about handguns attend your class. You have my permission to quote from my comments and use those quotations in your ads, brochures, mailings, and other marketing promotions. Good Luck! Thanks for the class."
- Mr. R. W. Bryson, Harrison Township, Macomb County, Michigan 48045

"I have been involved with firearms since I was 12 years old. I am an avid hunter and I also participate in various shotgun sports like Sporting Clays and Skeet. My experience with handguns has been minimal and I have thought about participating in a class like this for quite a long time. I have several friends that have taken a similar class and earned the CCW/CPL permits and after talking to Rick about his class and asking questions about the class experiences of my other friends I decided to sign up for Rick's class. I think this was a great decision and I thoroughly enjoyed the class. The format of the class was very informal and participative. Rick does a great job involving those in the class with questions and in doing so gets people to participate and absorb the material. I really like the inclusion of an attorney to discuss the legalities and Rick's questions at the appropriate time to emphasize points the attorney was making. The two of them have a great rapport and it really helped move the class along. The class flowed along at a great pace and kept everyone's attention for the whole time. Personally - I learned a bad habit in firing a handgun for my two hand position which definitely put my left thumb at risk for firing a semiautomatic pistol. Rick's watchfull eye saved my thumb at the right time. Old habits are hard to break and I'm glad for the one-on-one range time and his help. Thanks Again for a great class Rick!"
- Mr. A. Kropiewnicki, Oxford, Oakland County, Michigan 48370

"Rick, from the very beginning you showed a very professional demeanor. You also did this while being a friendly guy. You extended your knowledge, experience, and information, in a fun way but when it came time to get critical info or techniques across you became very serious to get the point across effectively. I totally appreciated your class and when I am ready to advance in my training in the area of becoming a 'PROFESSIONAL' in the use of a sidearm I will be in touch. I am sorry it took so long to get back to you but I pray that 'better late than never' applies. Sincerely,"
- Mr. M. Kleckler, Ferndale, Oakland County, Michigan 48220

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The Making Of A Firearms Instructor Part III - By Rick Ector

How I Went From Being A Crime Victim To Becoming A Firearms Instructor - Part 3

I Became Relentless In My Pursuit For Knowledge

I discovered and studied the works of many authors: Colonel Jeff Cooper's "The Art of the Rifle," Massad Ayoob's "In the Gravest Extreme," David Kenik's "Armed Response," Gabriel Suarez's "Tactical Pistol," Andy Stafford's "Surgical Speed Shooting," Chris Byrd's "Thank God I Had A Gun," Marc Young's "Street Safe," and Chad Cantrell's "No Bull Gun Fighting." The gun section of my library is comprised of over 100 works that I have read, re-read, highlighted, and studied relentlessly.

I have practiced the concepts and techniques explained in those books faithfully. I have spent hundreds of hours at neighboring target ranges shooting thousands upon thousands of rounds of ammunition to perfect my shooting ability.

I have befriended numerous local firearms instructors and gunshop employees throughout the metro-Detroit area to glean and retain whatever knowledge they had to bestow. I joined gun themed Internet bulletin boards: Michigan Gun Owners, Michigan Coalition of Responsible Gun Owners, AR-15, The High Road, Glock Talk, and many others.

Finally, I had reached a point where I felt that my learning curve had steepened to such a point that further research was delivering diminishing returns. Simply put, now the act of spending a day to read a new book "might" teach me something that I didn't already know. I then turned to and joined the nation's oldest firearms organization: The National Rifle Association (NRA).

Currently, I have NRA certifications to teach Personal Protection, Basic Pistol, and Home Firearm Safety. To qualify as a NRA certified instructor, a candidate must meet certain admission requirements, take a grueling 40 hour course, and pass six timed examinations with a score of 90% correct or better on each exam, and must meet the Training Counselor's expectations of teaching ability. Not many people qualify. Also, I am a NRA Range Safety Officer (RSO). RSOs are certified to safely oversee shooting activities at a shooting range. Further still, I am an authorized Membership Recruiter for the NRA.

I have personally provided firearms training to people from all walks of life: ex-military, FBI agents, business owners, stay-at-home mothers, college students, real estate agents, business executives, bar bouncers, waitresses, club DJs, and etc.

I truly feel that I am doing what God has called me to do. He has placed me on this path and I have accepted his mission to do His will. I am hands-down the best firearm instructor in the metro-Detroit area. I stress safety, teach with enthusiasm in an entertaining manner, and never take any shortcuts.

I have met many people in this industry and some don't measure up. Some of them don't cover legal training. Some of them use airsoft pistols for the target qualification. Some have questionable certifications. Some of them commit felonies punishable by four years of prison time by selling certificates. Some of them, quite simply, can't teach. Bad instructors not only do a disservice to their students but also to the community as a whole because their practices make the streets more dangerous.

I have a drawer full of testimonials that attest to my ability to clearly explain complicated concepts, to make newcomers to firearms comfortable with the experience, and to teach a person who has never shot a firearm before reliably hit the X on the target silhouette.

Firearms instruction is my passion and it shows. I am literally making a difference in my community - one class at a time. No one, in my opinion, becomes an instructor to get rich. Quite simply, if you have integrity and do things by the book it won't happen. The scam artists turn up dead or become imprisoned.

I teach because I want to empower people to defend themselves in an increasingly violent time. Many folks are surprised to learn that the police do not have a legal responsibility to protect you. Their job is to uphold the genral peace and to investigate crimes. If you become a crime victim, you can't hold them responsible. Very sobering thought.

I am a firearms instructor, a defender of freedom, and an empowering force in my community.

Activism Is The Next Logical Step

Once a person, for whatever reason, decides to exercise a right he eventually acquires a great appreciation for having that right. Accordingly, he will do whatever it takes to keep that right. Gun ownership and the right to keep and bear arms is continuously under assault by those persons in our society who want a disarmed populace. Nevermind that gun ownership was granted to citizens of our fine nation as a means to prevent tyranny and to preserve liberty, I am most concerned with having the ability to defend my life and those that I love. After all, in case after case, the courts have proclaimed that the police do not have a legal responsibility to protect us.

It would only be too easy to let others fight for my rights. I could merely write a check and let various gun rights organizations, such as the NRA, The Second Amendment Foundation, and the Citizens Committe RKBA, do my fighting for me. The future of gun ownership depends on us - you and me.

Many people could care less about the Second Amendment until they need a gun. If gun ownership is made illegal, how can you get one in your time of need? There are currently over 20,000 gun laws on the books and more are being drafted with the purpose of being enacted into law with each passing day. We don't need more laws; we need enforcement of the ones already on the books.

We need citizens like you to exercise your right: get a permit to carry, go hunting, teach your family and friends how to shoot, engage in hunting sports, and teach people you know the truth about guns.

Everything You Have Been Told About Guns Is Probably Wrong

Until you remove emotions and uneducated opinions about guns from the public discourse, you may believe the lies that are being told to you. For example, the biggest lie ever told is that guns cause violence and crime. Nothing could be further from the truth. A firearm is a tool - nothing more - nothing less. It is far more important to discuss how a tool is used by a particular person, rather than to debate whether an inanimate object is bad. Is a ball-point pen evil? How about a cane?

While a gun has several obvious purposes that most people can readily enumerate, other tools - designed for other legitimate tasks - in the wrong hands can create as much mayhem. A person could misuse the following items and cause severe bodily harm or death to another: a baseball bat, a pair of scissors, a ball-peen hammer, a nail gun, a golf club, an automobile, a steak knife, an awl, an ice pick, a tire-iron, a crowbar, an axe, a garbage can lid, a fireplace poker, a jump-rope, a bowling trophy, a text book, a container of gasoline, rat poison, a garden rake, or a bottle of battery acid.

A gun placed on a kitchen countertop can not harm anyone all by itself. It requires assistance - pressure on its trigger - to be used, whether those purposes are for good or bad. No one wants to debate the folly of banning matches whenever an arsonist starts a "car-becue" on Angel's Night. Likewise, no one wants to ban the usage of water every time a young and unattended child falls into a back yard swimming pool. Even more outrageous is the idea than gun manufacturers should be sued for violence committed by criminals. Has anyone ever sued the Ford Motor Company because a drunk driver mowed down a schoolyard full of children?

Guns Don't Kill People - People Kill People

Some people want you to "think" that guns somehow turn otherwise law-abiding citizens into homicidal sociopaths. The truth of the matter is that if a specific person with a gun is crazy, that same person without a gun is still just as nuts. University of Maryland professor and gun control researcher, Dr. John R. Lott, has extensively studied the supposed guns and crime relationship - most notably in his critically acclaimed tome "More Guns - Less Crime." The conclusion of his work is abundantly clear - the absence of guns creates more crime. Reversely stated, more guns in a community decreases crime.

An unarmed populace creates a hazard-free working environment for violent criminals. Robbing, raping, and pillaging is a dangerous career choice. Everytime a criminal plies his trade, he risks at least an injury and perhaps death. Criminals, if given a choice, will choose an easy target rather than get into a life-or-death battle with an armed citizen.

Correspondingly, if many people in a community are armed with a gun, crime plummets due to the fact that the criminal is reluctant to assault someone "that may be packing." Thus, the unarmed people in the community are, as a direct result of the armed people in the community, shielded from crime. Don't believe me? When was the last time you saw an advocate for gun control post a sign in his home's front yard that stated, "We are unarmed! We hate guns!" File that event under something you'll never see.

By definition, a criminal is a person who breaks the law. Thus, if it was ever possible to outlaw guns, only the criminals would have guns. You don't expect a criminal to disarm himself, do you? Of course not! Only law-abiding citizens would consider such a thing. What result would expect in a city full of law-abiding and unarmed citizens and a sizeable quantity of armed felons? This type of environment would create an "open season" state of lawlessness among the criminals. The rapists, jackers, and killers could ply their trade with impunity. This result has been observed with predictable results in our country.

Time and time again, the cities with the highest rates of crime are in those cities with the most strict gun control laws - legal and de facto. To name a few - NYC, Washington D.C., Chicago, and Detroit - are among our nation's worst when it comes to gun control and violent crime. These cities happen to also be where large populations of minorities live. It is no mistake - gun control has racist roots that trace back into time when newly freed slaves were barred from owning guns to prevent any "score settling" with their former masters.

Stop being a pawn: Buy a gun, exercise your right to self-defense, and help spread the truth about guns.

How I Went From Being A Crime Victim To Becoming A Firearms Instructor - Part 2

How I Went From Being A Crime Victim To Becoming A Firearms Instructor - Part 1

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Registering For Our Next Michigan CCW/CPL Class Is Easy!

Our next three "Personal Protection in the Home" (Michigan CCW/CPL) classes will be conducted on the following dates:

Sunday, November 23rd, 2008 (Southfield Hampton Inn) - 4 Seats Left!
Saturday, December 13th, 2008 (Southfield Hampton Inn) - 8 Seats Left!
Sunday, December 28th, 2008 (Southfield Hampton Inn) - 10 Seats Left!

All classes start at 8:00 a.m. sharp!

Please note that the openings (i.e. "seats left" counts) are not made in "real time." Thus, we may have even fewer openings than is currently listed. We strive to update our web site at least once daily.

RSVP now with your tuition investment to avoid missing out on this event!

If you require a training date further ahead than listed above, visit our 2008 Schedule Page to RSVP Now!

Usually, our Saturday classes are conducted in the main conference room of the Days Hotel in Hazel Park, Michigan 48030. This hotel's address is 1 West Nine Mile Road - One block east of I-75. (Map to Hotel)

Also, our Sunday classes are usually conducted in the Oakland Conference Room at the Hampton Inn in Southfield, Michigan 48034. This hotel's address is 27500 Northwestern Highway. (Map to Hotel)

Please note that unexpected and unforeseen circumstances may necessitate a change in the class's location. If an change is made, you will notified in advance of the new venue.

The tuition investment for this training event is $160.00 - A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your seat. Thus, you must either pay the full tuition amount or remit a deposit.

Please note that if you pay the full tuition in advance, you will receive a $20 discount. We provide this discount to encourage students to pay in advance so that we can pre-pay expenses necessary to hold these events: hotel conference room rental, attorney's speaking fee, official NRA program materials, refreshments, and etc.

To RSVP for our class on the date of your selection, you must choose exactly one of the following five personal investment options:

Option 1. Remit Full Tuition Now via PayPal™
Option 2. Remit A Tuition Deposit Now via PayPal™
Option 3. Remit Half Of Tuition Now & Pay Balance In 14 Days via PayPal™
Option 4. Mail Deposit To Our Address Within 7 Calendar Days Before Class Date
Option 5. Schedule An Appointment To Pay Deposit In Person.

Payment options 1, 2, and 3 require you to click the PayPal™ "Buy Now" button for the class date of your choice. Your web browser will then load a secure web page from the PayPal™ site where you will then be able to safely and securely enter your credit card info to complete your registration.

Note: Payment options 1, 2, and 3 do not require you to register with PayPal™ to use their secure, free, fast, and convenient service to register for our classes.

CCW/CPL Class Registration Information

Open Enrollment Class - Sunday, November 23rd, 2008 - 8:00 a.m. Start
Location: Southfield Hampton Inn - 27500 Northwestern Hwy. (Map to Hotel)
Option I	Pay Full Tuition ($140) in Advance and Save $20! (Total Cost: $140 + Range Expenses)
Option II	Pay Tuition Deposit ($50) in Advance and Pay Balance ($110) at the Door. (Total Cost: $160 + Range Expenses)
Option III	Pay Tuition Deposit ($80) in Advance and Be Charged Balance ($80) in 14 Days. (Total Cost: $160 + Range Expenses)

Open Enrollment Class - Saturday, December 13th, 2008 - 8:00 a.m. Start
Location: Southfield Hampton Inn - 27500 Northwestern Hwy. (Map to Hotel)
Option I	Pay Tuition in Advance ($140) and Save $20! (Total Cost: $140 + Range Expenses)
Option II	Pay Tuition Deposit ($50) and Pay Balance ($110) at the Door. (Total Cost: $160 + Range Expenses)
Option III	Pay Tuition Deposit ($80) in Advance and Be Charged Balance ($80) in 14 Days. (Total Cost: $160 + Range Expenses)

Open Enrollment Class - Sunday, December 28th, 2008 - 8:00 a.m. Start
Location: Southfield Hampton Inn - 27500 Northwestern Hwy. (Map to Hotel)
Option I	Pay Full Tuition ($140) in Advance and Save $20! (Total Cost: $140 + Range Expenses)
Option II	Pay Tuition Deposit ($50) in Advance and Pay Balance ($110) at the Door. (Total Cost: $160 + Range Expenses)
Option III	Pay Tuition Deposit ($80) in Advance and Be Charged Balance ($80) in 14 Days. (Total Cost: $160 + Range Expenses)

Frequently Asked Questions About Registering For Our Class!

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Class!

If you are interested in attending any of the aforementioned classes, don't delay! They fill up fast and are limited to the first fifteen students that have registered. So, RSVP now!

When we receive notification of your registration from Paypal™ you'll receive a confirmation from us via email.