Advanced Defensive Concepts operates in Sarasota with instructors who bring decades of actual tactical experience—not just range time. Founder Marc Pezzella is a retired SWAT Team Commander with over 21 years of tactical experience and 25+ years in law enforcement. He's worked with the U.S. Secret S...
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Advanced Defensive Concepts operates in Sarasota with instructors who bring decades of actual tactical experience—not just range time. Founder Marc Pezzella is a retired SWAT Team Commander with over 21 years of tactical experience and 25+ years in law enforcement. He's worked with the U.S. Secret Service on dignitary protection, served as a U.S. Customs agent, and led critical operations during the Republican National Convention.
Their motto: "Be a Survivor, Not a Victim"
Concealed Weapons Permit Course ($275) - 6-8 hour hands-on course - Covers Florida State Statutes, use of force, situational awareness, pistol fundamentals, combat mindset - Includes shooting approximately 100 rounds - Keeps classes under 10 students for interactive experience - Certificates earned, not given
Pistol Training (Three Levels) - Pistol 1 ($350, 1 day): Beginning shooter fundamentals, drawing from holster, reloading, multiple target engagement - Pistol 2 ($500, 2 days): Advanced skills for experienced shooters—moving and shooting, positional shooting, reactive steel drills - Pistol 3 ($600, 3 days): Intensive drills and scenarios, requires physical fitness and teamwork
Carbine Training (Three Levels) - Carbine 1 ($550, 2 days): Introduction to carbine operation, fundamentals, multiple target engagement, distance shooting - Carbine 2 ($550, 2 days): Moving and shooting, barricade use, shooting steel on the move - Carbine 3 ($675, 3 days): Advanced program for students in good physical condition with competent pistol skills
Beyond standard classes, ADC offers: - One-on-one private lessons tailored to individual needs - Private group training by appointment - Customized gift certificates for training experiences
All private sessions are appointment-based. Contact Marc at 941-374-5639 to schedule.
Marc Pezzella brings specialized expertise across: - CQB (Close Quarters Battle) - Advanced carbine, shotgun, and rifle training - Hostage rescue and explosive breaching - Counter-terrorism and urban sniper operations - Active shooter response - Vehicle assault tactics - Dignitary protection - NRA and state-certified firearms instructor - Certified Range Safety Officer (RSO)
Nolan Champion assists with training: - Advanced rifle and pistol mechanics - Force-on-force training and close quarters battle - Advanced night vision operations - Vehicle CQB training - First Aid (TCCC) and CPR certified
"My wife and I took Marc's Basic Pistol Class three times because there was so much information that we wanted to get it all. Each time we felt more comfortable in our ability to handle ourselves in a dangerous situation. There are plenty of people out there who can take you through a book in three hours. If you want to feel confident in what you know and how to really handle a firearm, Marc is the best." — Wiley Jones
"I could not speak more highly of the ADC staff and the training I received. It alarms me the number of fly-by-night firearm courses that seem to grow by the day... No target or cap gun can teach that. I arrived with a nervous understanding of self-defense and gun ownership and left with the confidence and knowledge that everyone should have who chooses to defend themselves. By the end of the class, one of our best shots was a 70 year old woman with her late husband's revolver!" — Jacqueline Abney
"I have taken a number of courses with Marc and Tom and found them to be pitched at exactly the appropriate level to make the days both fun, informative, and a valuable learning experience. The ADC Team have many years of hands on experience, the type of situational experience that can only be picked up from hands on real life engagements." — Andrew
The "Competence builds Confidence" approach means ADC works with shooters at any skill level—from first-timers to experienced competitors. Class sizes are capped under 10 students to maintain safety and individual attention.
For concealed carry courses, you'll need: - Your carry pistol (or rental available with advance notice) with 2 magazines - Up to 100 rounds of ammunition - Hearing and eye protection - Long pants, long sleeves, closed-toe shoes - Hat and sunscreen - Paper for notes and food/water for the day
Visit their new training facility or call for course dates and availability.
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