Local Instructors at Ares - Ares Training Facility

Ares Training Facility operates as a training-focused range that's become a hub for serious firearms instruction in Central Florida. What sets them apart: the range itself doesn't teach classes. Instead, 15+ independent instructors have chosen to base their businesses at Ares because the facility supports dynamic training that most other ranges won't allow—moving while shooting, drawing from the holster, multiple-target drills, carbine transitions.

Each instructor owns and operates their own independent business. They set their own calendar, schedule their own classes, determine their own pricing, and handle their own student payments. The range provides the facility; the instructors provide the expertise. This model attracts high-level professionals who need a range that can support advanced training methods.

"We are one of the few ranges where you can find a wide variety of Instructors offering a diverse variation of Classes. The Instructors that choose to train and teach at Ares are the best in the Central FL area."

US Women's Shooting Academy - Sarah Williamson specializes in training women and competition shooting. NRA Certified Pistol Instructor, Certified Range Safety Officer, and teaches the NRA's "Refuse To Be a Victim" program. Competition background in speed pistol, Precision Rifle Series (PRS), rimfire, and Bullseye.

Fitzgerald Adaptive Firearms Training - Comprehensive training for all skill levels with special focus on empowering women. Offers beginner fundamentals through advanced speed and accuracy drills with multiple targets. Contact: Sarah Fitzgerald, 352-232-7230.

Sasquatch Tactical - Aaron "Sasquatch" Hilderbrandt, retired U.S. Army Cavalry Scout. Rangemaster Advanced Pistol Instructor with NRA certifications including Chief Range Safety Officer and Glock Armorer. Teaches defensive pistol, carbine, shotgun, and precision scoped rifle. Longest-tenured instructor at Ares.

Reptilian Response - Veteran-owned operation run by Peter "Florida Leadslinger" Roman. Over a decade of LE and military training experience globally. Focuses on building awareness, readiness, and preparedness.

Teknical Methodz - Joel "Tek" Martinez specializes in red dot pistol training. Modern Samurai Project Endorsed Instructor. Teaches law enforcement officers from Orlando PD, Florida State Troopers, Florida Highway Patrol, and various sheriff departments. Classes include drawing from holster, grip fundamentals, red dot acquisition, moving and shooting, carbine-to-pistol transitions. Se habla español. 718-877-7546.

Cover Your 6 Shooting - NRA Counselor teaches NRA Instructor and Range Safety Officer certification courses. Delivers knowledge-based fundamentals and advanced techniques for all levels. Offers regular monthly classes and private training. Travels nationwide.

Hard Target Solutions - John Nordman, former U.S. Marine Corps scout sniper with 26+ years special operations experience (MARSOC, law enforcement counter-sniper/SWAT, counterterrorism). Specializes in precision rifle, long-range engagement, practical defensive/offensive firearm engagement, medical considerations, terminal ballistics, multiple threats, movement, weapon retention, and weak-hand shooting.

Force 4 Training - Highly-trained prior military, law enforcement, and security operators. Philosophy based on Combat Triad: mindset for self-defense, confident equipment use, and appropriate tactics. Contact: John Gardner, 305-206-1018.

Coast To Coast Tactical - Diagnostic-focused instruction for CCW, practical, and competitive shooting. Emphasis on mastering fundamentals regardless of skill level. Classes available in Spanish. Contact: Santiago Lopez, 954-608-4599.

Combat Art Training - Gunfight-oriented training for new shooters through professionals. Lead Instructor Andrew Smrecek is a veteran who also designs custom gear including slings and carry bags. Private and regularly scheduled classes available. 386-867-8869.

Paladin Response / US Minders Security Services and Training - Develops critical thinking under stress combined with body mechanics and marksmanship. John Eynouf (Paladin Response) is Ranger-qualified paratrooper with 82nd Airborne, Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom veteran. Jan Lagerquist (US Minders) is highly sought security consultant, Navy veteran, 15+ years executive protection background. Specializes in security licenses and training.

Exodus Tactical - Firearms training and tactics tailored to beginner through advanced shooters. Combines US Army Special Operations and law enforcement experience. Contact: Jonathan Brann, 386-414-3877.

Shadow Tactical - Orrin Fredericks III, NRA firearms instructor serving Central Florida and Tampa Bay. Comprehensive NRA-certified courses: Pistol, Rifle, Home and Outside the Home Personal Protection, Range Safety Officer training. 727-543-3517.

Ronin Tactical Solutions - Mike Jackson offers Concealed Weapon License, rifle and pistol drills, New Firearms Owners Workshop, Kids Firearms Safety, firearms cleaning and maintenance, defensive carbine, and defensive pistol. Combines complete martial arts system with firearms courses. 912-275-0510.

Tyranny Defensive Solutions - Gary Stauff focuses on basic weapon fundamentals and marksmanship progression for everyday citizens. Beginner to intermediate training, individual and group classes. End-user friendly approach teaches clients to conduct independent training after completion. 352-300-0046.

Based in Indiana with Central Florida service area. The facility supports the range of training methods that make dynamic instruction possible—something most standard ranges don't allow.

Most ranges either teach their own classes or simply rent lanes. Ares created a third model: a training-friendly facility that attracts independent instructors who are committed to serious firearms education. The variety means shooters can find instruction in specialized areas—women's shooting, competition, defensive tactics, law enforcement training, precision rifle—all at one location.