New England Defensive Training LLC

New England Defensive Training LLC was founded in 2011 by Doug Bishopp, an instructor with credentials that actually matter. Before starting the school, Doug spent 10 years as a firefighter (including 4 years in a youth program and 6 years fighting fires), worked high angle and cold water rescues, and became a Certified First Responder at age 16 while working with an ambulance service. He's also spent 20 years teaching Technology Education in Maine high schools and middle schools.

"I started this to help people learn how to stay safe through education and training." - Doug Bishopp

The school operates on a five-step philosophy: Prepare – Recognize – Avoid – Defend – Aid. This structure runs through everything they offer.

• •Home Firearms Safety - The fundamentals
• •Introduction to Pistols and Marksmanship (NRA Basic Pistol) - NRA-certified basic pistol course
• •Defensive Handgun 1 (NRA Personal Protection in the Home) - Personal protection focus
• •Private Lessons - 1-on-1 instruction tailored to your needs
• •Concealed Carry Permit (CCW) Classes - Maine CCW certification

• •Basic Awareness and Security (NRA Refuse To Be A Victim) - Situational awareness training
• •Violence Prevention (The Defensive Mindset) - Mental preparation and de-escalation
• •Self Protection of Emergency Personnel - Specialized 10-hour course for first responders, EMS, and firefighters

The emergency personnel course is thorough: it covers scene safety, recognizing signs of violence, the cycle of aggression, de-escalation techniques, physical defense methods (stances, counters, pressure points, locks, takedowns), and weapon awareness.

All courses are American Heart Association (AHA) certified:

• •AHA Heartsaver First Aid
• •AHA Heartsaver CPR and AED
• •AHA Heartsaver First Aid, CPR, and AED (combined)
• •AHA BLS for Healthcare Professionals

Lewiston-Auburn, Maine

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Doug partners with local organizations:

• •Androscoggin County Fish & Game Association (476 Perkins Ridge Road, Auburn) - Steel plate range access
• •Phoenix Karate Academy (945 Center Street, Auburn) - Hand-to-hand training coordination

The school emphasizes that training sticks when instructors model proper technique consistently. Doug's approach focuses on students incorporating skills one element at a time—you learn by watching and practicing, not just listening to lectures. Classes are designed to be affordable and easy to understand, not intimidating.