Nielsen Training

Nielsen Training and Consulting (NTAC) builds shooters from the ground up. Founded on the expertise of instructors with military and law enforcement backgrounds—including a retired Special Operations Team Leader with 3,000+ tactical entries—the company focuses on teaching the skills and mindset needed for self-defense and tactical applications.

Courses are structured around your skill level:

Foundational courses establish grip, stance, sight alignment, and trigger squeeze—the non-negotiables for any shooter. Starting with Beginner Handgun or Beginner Rifle, you learn safe handling, function, and basic accuracy.

Intermediate courses layer in legal considerations, tactical movement, drawing from concealment, shooting from unconventional positions, and malfunction clearing. This is where foundational skills meet real-world application.

Advanced courses are for armed professionals and serious enthusiasts. Topics include specialized tactics, extreme skill refinement, and scenario-based training that mirrors high-threat situations.

• •Defensive Handgun – Decision-making, drawing concealed, firing from retention, malfunction clearing
• •Low Light Handgun – Same defensive fundamentals in reduced-visibility conditions
• •Handgun Manipulations – Single-hand shooting, one-handed reloads, shooting from cover
• •Defensive Rifle – Zero setup, recoil management, target transitions, follow-up shots
• •Beginner Rifle – Modern sporting rifle function, safe handling, fundamental accuracy
• •Defensive Shotgun – Shotgun versatility, ammo selection, tactical applications
• •Home Defense CQB – Room clearing, threat assessment, hardened positions, escape routes
• •Vehicle Tactics – Shooting inside, through, and around vehicles; understanding ballistic properties of glass and metal
• •Shooting Around Barricades – Cover and concealment techniques from unconventional positions

Instructors include Todd Nielsen (retired SJPD SWAT, 25+ years), Matthew Whitaker (certified instructor, shooting sports advocate), Erik Sawiak (RSO with relevant certifications), Jacom Stephens (900+ hours training, perfect FBI qualification scores), and Patty Reay (USCCA certified with a low-pressure teaching approach for hesitant beginners).

Primary coverage areas are California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah, but they have the capability to train anywhere in the United States. Skills maintenance courses and customized training are also available.