Ex Nihilo Group brings practical, defensive-focused instruction to shooters across skill levels. Founded by veterans, the company specializes in preparing students for real-world scenarios—whether that's carrying concealed in Illinois, defending a home, or building foundational shooting skills from ...
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Ex Nihilo Group brings practical, defensive-focused instruction to shooters across skill levels. Founded by veterans, the company specializes in preparing students for real-world scenarios—whether that's carrying concealed in Illinois, defending a home, or building foundational shooting skills from scratch.
Most firearms training treats beginners and defensive carry as separate worlds. Ex Nihilo integrates them. Their SAF Training Education (SAFTEA) program fills a gap the industry left behind: comprehensive training for new shooters on the most common platforms—handguns, shotguns, and carbines—with defensive applications baked in from day one.
Every course emphasizes practical defensive topics: firearm selection, holster choice, use of force law, cover vs. concealment, how your body reacts under stress, and progressive live-fire drills that build real skills.
Beginner Fundamentals (F.A.S.T.) - F.A.S.T. Handgun, Shotgun, and Carbine courses (4 hours each) - Operation, cleaning, maintenance, safety—designed for complete newcomers - Women's-only classes available - Prerequisite for defensive-level training
Concealed Carry Certification - 16-Hour Illinois CCW Permit Course: State-mandated training for concealed carry applications. Flexible enrollment options (Complete, Self-Contained, Day 1 Intro, Day 2 Advanced). Out-of-state residents from Arkansas, Idaho, Mississippi, Nevada, Texas, and Virginia can train and apply. - 3-Hour Renewal Class: Meets renewal requirements for existing CCW holders (5-year renewal) - Class size capped at 2-5 students for quality instruction
NRA-Certified Courses - NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting (BOPS): Two-part course (online + range instruction). Covers gun safety, revolver and semi-auto operation, ammunition selection, storage, shooting fundamentals, and qualification. - Personal Protection In The Home (PPITH): 8-hour course on defensive shooting, cover/concealment, home security, legal aftermath, firearm selection - Personal Protection Outside The Home (PPOTH): Level 1 (9 hours) and Level 2 (5+ hours) on carrying, storing, and using a concealed pistol safely. Students shoot ~100-115 rounds per level. - NRA Defensive Pistol: Advanced course on concealed carry mindset, drawing from holster, clearing stoppages, cover/concealment, mental awareness - NRA Refuse to Be a Victim (RTBAV): Crime prevention seminar covering mental preparedness, home/physical/travel security, personal defense devices, and criminal psychology
Specialized Tactical Training - Mechanics of the Draw 1 (3 hours): Safe draw/holster, presentation to target, malfunction clearance, range safety. Requires OWB holster (no SERPA's) and 200 rounds. - Mechanics of the Draw 2 (3 hours): Single-hand shooting, retention shooting, timed malfunction drills, cover shooting, Tueller theory - Pistol Marksmanship Basics: Stance, grip, aiming, breath control, hold control, trigger control, follow-through. 200 rounds, on-range instruction. - Defensive Pepper Spray Course: 4-hour half-day using POM Industries inert training units. OC pepper spray certified.
Private Instruction - One-on-one coaching (4-hour sessions, $130 per session) for handgun, shotgun, or carbine - Tailored to individual goals—fundamentals, speed, accuracy, or advanced techniques - Scheduled on-demand; contact for availability
Intro to Firearms - For undecided buyers who want range experience without owning a gun - Access to handguns, shotguns, and rifles in one session
Skills and Drills - Instructor-led marksmanship drills and firearms manipulation practice
Ex Nihilo's approach assumes one thing: defensive use. Their courses aren't theoretical. Students learn how their body reacts under stress, how to move and shoot from cover, legal implications of self-defense, and practical malfunction clearing—not just target grouping.
Women's-only classes are available for most courses, meeting a specific training need in an industry that doesn't always offer it.
Courses run regularly with flexible scheduling. Check their calendar for current dates and locations across Northern Illinois.
New to firearms? Start with F.A.S.T. (4 hours) in your preferred platform, then progress to NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting or defensive-level courses based on your goals.
Most courses require your own firearm, ammunition (typically 100-200 rounds), eye/ear protection, and appropriate shooting clothing. For CCW courses, they offer options if you don't own a gun yet. Details on prerequisites and requirements are listed per course on their website.
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