Warlizard Tactical

Warlizard Tactical operates instructor-led firearms and defensive training in Tucson, Arizona. Their mission is straightforward: make quality firearms and lifesaving training accessible to anyone willing to learn—from people who've never touched a gun to those with military or law enforcement backgrounds.

The operation is run by Joel Gaines and Michael Gaines, both NRA-certified instructors. Joel is a US Army Gulf War veteran and former Intelligence Community officer with decades of practical shooting experience in carbine and pistol. Michael started shooting at age 6, has military training, and competes in shooting sports. They're supported by adjunct trainers including Greg Given (former USMC Combat Engineer and Border Patrol Firearms Instructor) and Ken Smith (retired law enforcement, Air Force Security Police). The range is staffed by 3-9 Range Safety Officers at any given time—all former students who are knowledgeable and keep things safe.

WLTAC offers courses across three main tracks: Pistol, Rifle (Carbine), and Shotgun, plus specialized lifesaving and defensive skills.

Pistol Training Track: - Pistol Fundamentals Clinic (entry level, all skill levels) - Defensive Pistol 1 & 2 (core progression) - Defensive Pistol 3 Series: Compromised Positions, Low Light Considerations, Vehicle-Based Incidents, Counter-Ambush, Small Team Ops

Rifle/Carbine Track: - Carbine Fundamentals Clinic (entry level) - Fighting Carbine 1 & 2 - Fighting Carbine 3 Series: Same specializations as pistol

Shotgun Track: - Defensive Shotgun 1 & 2

Specialized Courses: - Lifesaving/Trauma Care (TECC-trained providers) - Violence Avoidance and Survival - Countering Assaults, Robberies, and Evil Intent (CARE) - Defensive Knife Use - Managing Multiple Assailants - Fundamentals of Patrolling (3-day, $1,100) - CBRN for Civilians - Radio Basics

Custom requests welcome. If you're looking for a specific training topic not listed, contact them and they'll work with you.

WLTAC structures courses as a martial art progression. The idea is simple: you master one level before moving to the next. Courses are designed and priced to be taken multiple times. Progress is based on mutual agreement between instructors and students about where you are in the continuum.

They offer two yearly, auto-renewing membership tiers:

You can pause memberships so they don't auto-renew. Contact [email protected] for changes.

Upcoming courses (January-July 2026) include:

• •CCW - Pistol Fundamentals: Jan 24, 8am-2:30pm, $95 | Mar 7, 8am-2:30pm, $95
• •Defensive Shotgun Clinic: Jan 24, 3pm-5pm, $50
• •Carbine Fundamentals: Jan 31 (sold out), Apr 11 $45
• •Defensive Pistol: Feb 7, 8am-4pm, $150 | Mar 7-8 (GA), $600
• •Defensive Carbine: Mar 14, 5am-1pm, $150
• •Fundamentals of Patrolling: Mar 27-29, 7am-6pm, $1,100
• •CBRN for Civilians: Apr 11, 3pm-5pm, $50
• •Pistol-Rifle Two-Day: May 2-3, 8am-4pm, $450
• •Regional courses also offered in Montana, Alabama, and Georgia

• •Phone/Text: 520-305-9181 (leave a message if they're in the field)
• •Email: [email protected]
• •Social: Facebook and Instagram messaging

• •Cancellation Policy: Cancel a course and they'll reschedule you free or keep your money as credit. Refunds available minus 15% admin fee. No-shows are reviewed case-by-case.

They sell branded gear including the "Pew Pew Debate Team" fleece hoodie and t-shirt, OD camouflage trucker hats, and stainless steel water bottles. Gift cards available ($10-$500) and delivered via email.

Their blog emphasizes real-world skill development: dry fire for efficient training, building failure into practice, understanding aiming techniques (front post vs. target focus), and recognizing that childhood gun exposure or military service alone doesn't equal practical defensive skill. They stress that most gun owners don't shoot enough, and training should be structured—not just expensive noise.