Family Defender Institute

Family Defender Institute doesn't operate from a fixed location—they come to your home, workplace, community center, or local venue. This mobile approach means you train on your schedule, not theirs.

"Unlike most instructors, FDI comes to you. We work around your schedule and conduct classes at a location convenient for you. We have taught at students' homes, local venues, and community centers."

Doc Bennett (Firearms Instructor/Co-Founder) — Retired Army First Sergeant with 28 years of active duty, multiple combat deployments to Iraq, and formal pistol training from Massad Ayoob, Frank Proctor, Kevin Dylus (Blue Ridge Marksmanship), Sig Sauer Academy, and US LawShield. He maintains ongoing instructor certifications and recently completed the FDI Red Dot Instructor Certification.

Chief R.D. Bennett (Legal Advisor/Co-Founder) — 30+ years law enforcement including Chief of Police in two North Carolina departments. He brings courtroom experience in self-defense law, maintains yearly expert firearms qualification, and holds NRA Range Safety Officer certification. This legal perspective separates FDI from typical range instructors.

Michael Gardner (Gunsmith/Instructor) — Graduate of the only NRA-approved gunsmithing school on the east coast (Montgomery Community College). He specializes in AR-15/AR-10 accurizing, custom 1911 builds, revolver action work, scope mounting, Cerakote finishing, and offers one-on-one cleaning/maintenance courses.

Matt Beauchamp (One-On-One/Competition Instructor) — Competition shooter with placements in national-level events. He specializes in individual skill improvement and leads the Review, Improve and Challenge Course. USCCA Range Safety Officer and FDI Red Dot Instructor.

Josh Smith (Instructor) — Former law enforcement (patrol officer, detention deputy, S.W.A.T. team leader) who recovered 500+ fugitives as a recovery agent. Now manages one of western North Carolina's largest gun stores. Certified NRA Range Safety Officer, Sig Sauer Academy graduate, church security trained.

Juan Zuluaga (Instructor) — 29-year Army/Army National Guard veteran with two combat deployments to Iraq. Earned Combat Infantryman's Badge and Bronze Star. Also a criminal defense attorney with 100+ trial experience, giving him deep knowledge of NC self-defense law.

Ward Bell (Instructor) — 32-year military career including 82nd Airborne, sniper, and operations sergeant major. Graduate of US Military Inter-Service Range Safety Course, USCCA Instructor Course, and US LawShield certification.

8 hours | $125 | Requires 100 rounds

Meets all state requirements for concealed handgun permit application to your local NC Sheriff's Office. Includes take-home NC Concealed Handgun book, range fee, targets, lunch, drinks, and certificate. The instructors' combined 60+ years in NC law enforcement and firearms training means you get far more than a rubber-stamp certificate.

6 hours total (2 classroom + 4 range) | $125 | Requires 250 rounds (200 FMJ target + 50 JHP carry)

For current NC concealed permit holders. Focuses on drawing from cover, defensive fire, and distance shooting. Highly recommended to fire the same ammunition you actually carry. Limited to 15 students for one-on-one attention.

6 hours total (1 classroom + 5 range) | $125 | Requires 250 rounds

Next level skill development: shooting to cover, shooting around obstacles, distance work, draw with movement, multiple targets. All training tied to real-world defensive shooting case studies. Requires prior advanced training (FDI 2.0, Frank Proctor, Sig Sauer Academy, Massad Ayoob, Blue Ridge Marksmanship, or similar).

5 hours total (1 classroom + 4 range) | $125 | Requires 250 rounds

Advanced defensive training for experienced carriers. Teaches engaging moving targets, low-visibility shot placement, and scenario-based drills. For shooters ready to move beyond stationary target practice. Requires prior advanced coursework or law enforcement background.

4 hours | $125 | Requires 150 rounds

Not required for permit, but gives you a head start on the qualification. One-on-one pistol selection and ammunition assistance plus qualification practice.

Minimum 4 hours | Customized pricing

Tailored instruction on pistol, shotgun, or rifle. Built around your specific needs and goals after initial consultation.

FDI offers church security training and team development. Multiple instructors hold Palisade Training Group Church Security Instructor Development Course certifications.

Serves Alexander, Cabarrus, Catawba, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Gaston, Guilford, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, and Yadkin Counties, plus additional areas. Contact them to confirm availability for your location.

• •Mobile instruction — No commute. Classes at your home, work, or community space.
• •Decades of real-world experience — Not just theoretical. Combined military combat, law enforcement, and tactical experience.
• •Legal expertise — Co-founder is a former police chief and criminal defense attorney. Understanding NC self-defense law separates legal defensive training from uninformed instruction.
• •Confidentiality — FDI understands privacy matters to many students.
• •Specialized experience — Instructors trained working with new shooters, women, and disabled shooters.
• •Ongoing education — Instructors continuously attend top-tier courses from Massad Ayoob, Frank Proctor, Sig Sauer Academy, and other national leaders.