Grassroots Defense
Grassroots Defense operates across central Iowa—Des Moines, Ames, Iowa City, and Boone—with instructors who are genuinely embedded in their communities. This isn't a side hustle pretending to be grassroots; the team volunteers locally, coaches youth sports, participates in Pride events, and serves o...
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Grassroots Defense operates across central Iowa—Des Moines, Ames, Iowa City, and Boone—with instructors who are genuinely embedded in their communities. This isn't a side hustle pretending to be grassroots; the team volunteers locally, coaches youth sports, participates in Pride events, and serves on community boards. Self-defense training should be accessible to everyone, especially people whose rights are under threat. That's the mission.
Classes focus on three main areas:
Defensive Pistol & CCW Skills - Concealed carry fundamentals and mindset - Handgun proficiency assessments (25-round course of fire with free downloadable targets) - Single-hand shooting (strong and weak hand) - Reloading under time pressure - Shooting at defensive distances (3-15 yards) - Instructors certified through Rangemaster, USCCA, and NRA
First Aid & Emergency Medical - Stop the Bleed training (tactical hemorrhage control) - CPR and AED certification - American Red Cross first aid instruction - Why? You're far more likely to apply tourniquet skills than draw a gun. This matters.
Custom Group Training - Tailored instruction for organizations, clubs, affinity groups, friends - Schedule and location built around your needs - Recent events: Trans Visibility Week trainings, People's Pride booth, Meet Your Community workshops
No rigid schedule. Everything is request-based—email [email protected] with your training goals, Iowa location, and expected attendance. They'll work with you to find a venue and instructor that fits.
| Class Type | Format | Typical Location |
|---|---|---|
| Intro/Self Defense 101 | Classroom | Libraries, municipal spaces |
| Live fire | Small groups or individuals | Guest passes at partner ranges |
| First aid | Classroom or field | Libraries, community centers |
| Group training | Custom | Your preferred venue |
Want to test your pistol skills? Download their free CCW Handgun Skills Assessment target and course of fire—25 rounds covering 3, 5, 7, and 15-yard distances. Score 0-50 with clear benchmarks for skill level.
Seven instructors (plus Milo, the good boy mascot):
- •Jordan: Organizer, competitive shooter
- •Jack: Range officer, collector, problem-solver
- •Sean: Competitive shooter, revolver enthusiast
- •Stefan: 3D printer enthusiast, network engineer
- •Phil: Educator and research scientist
- •Nick: Tech specialist, competitive shooter
Collective credentials include: - Rangemaster Basic Instructor Development Course (4 instructors certified Aug 2025) - USCCA trainer certification - Project Appleseed rifleman training - ShivWorks ECQC (extreme close quarters) - NRA Range Safety Officer certification - AR-15 armorer certification - Reloading and gunsmithy experience - Stop the Bleed instructor certification - Crisis Intervention Certification (LSCI) - Teaching licenses (elementary through postsecondary) - Professional backgrounds in education, infosec, nonprofits, public service, research
Grassroots Defense publishes training materials for anyone: - Self Defense 101 presentation slides - CCW Handgun Skills Assessment targets (downloadable PDF) - Blog posts on drills, assessments, and skills - Curated links to Iowa firearms law, recommended training courses, and beginner videos
Start with their Self Defense 101 slides, then reach out for an intro class. They recommend pairing firearms training with cardio fitness and community connection—both are part of actual preparedness. No recommended firearms list (everyone's situation differs), but standard guidance is an AR-pattern rifle in 5.56 or a Glock 19/17 in 9mm—both widely available, proven, and affordable to practice with.
"Self defense is a human right. For that right to flourish, it has to be protected for everyone—especially those who find their rights under threat."
Yes, they're really from Iowa. Ask them about their favorite restaurants (Fighting Burrito, Kathmandu, Railroad Bill's, Persi's Biryani, A Dong—the name alone is worth it).