Paladin Group Training

Paladin Group Training teaches pistol, rifle, and shotgun courses at Danvers Fish & Game Club in Middleton, MA. Classes are open to both club members and non-members. Founded in 2016, the company focuses on practical civilian defensive skills taught in small groups with constructive feedback.

Brian Bertoldo has been teaching firearms since 2015. He's a SIG SAUER Academy Master Firearms Instructor (with previous Instructor and Advanced Instructor certs in pistol and rifle), Rangemaster Certified Defensive Shotgun Instructor, and holds NRA certifications as Pistol Instructor, Chief Range Safety Officer, and Home Firearms Safety Instructor. He's also a Massachusetts State Police certified LEOSA Course Instructor. Brian specializes in low-light pistol and pistol-mounted optics instruction.

Ron Witten brings 30+ years of law enforcement experience. He's a retired MPTC Level 3 Firearms Instructor in handgun, rifle, and shotgun, and previously served as Officer in Charge of Training for his department. Ron trained with top federal, international law enforcement, and special operations personnel. He's retired SWAT Certified and served as Executive Officer for his department's SWAT Team. He holds NRA Rifle Instructor, Chief Range Safety Officer, and Home Firearms Safety Instructor certifications, plus Massachusetts State Police LEOSA and Basic Firearms Safety Instructor credentials. Ron is also a SIG SAUER Academy Certified Range Master.

Michael G., Assistant Instructor, completed eight years of active-duty service in the U.S. Marine Corps with training in multiple military specialties. He's an NRA Pistol Instructor with IDPA competition and defensive scenario training experience. Michael volunteers at Danvers Fish & Game Club teaching prospective gun owners.

• •Pistol Skill Builder – For shooters new to pistols or returning after time away
• •Defensive Pistol 1.0 ($210) – Core defensive pistol skills: drawing from OWB holster, reloading, malfunction clearing, strong-side and support-side shooting, shooting from cover. Requires valid Massachusetts LTC and foundational pistol skills. Outdoor class.
• •Defensive Pistol 2.0 ($210) – Prerequisite is DP 1.0 or equivalent training. Covers multiple target transitions, tactical movement, shooting on the move, moving to cover while shooting. Outdoor class.
• •Mechanics of Concealed Carry ($210) – Drawing from concealment (IWB or OWB), engaging targets 3-20 yards, accessing reloads from concealment, movement and cover. Requires advanced defensive handgun training prerequisite and vetting. Outdoor class.
• •Low-Light Pistol Workshop – Scanning and shooting techniques for low-light environments (recent workshop held November 2025)
• •Handheld & Pistol-Mounted Lights Seminar – Instruction on light selection and usage

• •Rifle Skill Builder – Foundational rifle skills
• •Defensive Rifle 1.0 – Core defensive rifle concepts
• •Defensive Rifle 2.0 – Advanced rifle tactics following 1.0
• •Defensive Rifle Bowl II – Competition-style event (registration open February 1, 2026, 8:30am–1:30pm)

• •Defensive Shotgun 1.0 – Core shotgun defensive skills
• •Defensive Shotgun 2.0 – Advanced shotgun training
• •Defensive Shotgun Practice – Open practice sessions

• •LEOSA Qualification Course – For Law Enforcement Officers' Safety Act certification
• •Private Instruction – One-on-one training customized to student needs
• •Defensive Pistol Workshops – Advanced-level topic-specific training after completing 2.0 courses
• •Defensive Rifle Workshops – Advanced rifle topics
• •Defensive Pistol Practices – Open range practice sessions
• •Defensive Rifle Practices – Open range practice sessions

Paladin's approach is simple: teach what's relevant and practical to civilian defenders. Classes emphasize defensive mindset, shot accountability, and shooting to stop threats. All students work under constructive feedback in small groups.

• •Physical demands: Courses require mental focus, fine motor skills, and physical activity including short periods of rapid movement and kneeling. Students are expected to be realistic about their abilities.

Danvers Fish & Game Club 20 Birch Road Middleton, MA https://www.dfgc.club/

The facility includes: - Outdoor rifle and pistol ranges - Indoor pistol range - Classroom/meeting hall

Most courses run $210 per student. DFGC members receive a 10% discount. Payment is by Venmo or credit card, typically due within 24 hours of invoicing. Class sizes are limited.

Contact: [email protected] – Email is the best way to reach them; they check frequently.

Classes are posted seasonally. Spring 2025 classes were scheduled in March. Pistol, rifle, and shotgun courses run year-round with summer short-format options to accommodate vacation schedules. Winter/spring schedules typically posted in fall.

Paladin publishes practical articles on their blog: - What Pistol Should I Bring to Class? - What is Training Gear? - What Do I Wear to a Firearms Class? - Class Day: Range Bag Must Haves - The Revival of the Defensive Shotgun - Preferred Course Progression (recommended class sequence)

Assistant Instructor Michael G. volunteers regularly at Danvers Fish & Game Club teaching prospective gun owners, supporting responsible citizen defenders in the region.