Black Mountain Defense

Black Mountain Defense operates two facilities in the Shelby Township and Orion Township area: their headquarters at 51181 Corridor Drive in Shelby Township handles training development and class scheduling, while their range facility at 2500 Kern Road in Orion Township (Bald Mountain Shooting Center) serves as the live-fire training ground.

They specialize in real-world, scenario-based instruction that integrates firearms proficiency with hand-to-hand combat techniques. This isn't theoretical—classes emphasize practical application in close-quarters situations where a firearm might be deployed.

• •Concealed Pistol License (CPL) — 8-10 hour, one-day certification course that meets Michigan state requirements. Covers stance, posture, grip, movement, concealment and cover, loading, reloading, and basic firearm maintenance. Cost: $100.

• •Handgun 1 — 5-hour course (10am-3pm) for all skill levels. Covers shooting techniques, situational awareness, target acquisition, drawing and firing, and reloading/malfunction drills. Students need 300 rounds of ammunition, weather-appropriate clothing with belt loops, and hearing/eye protection. Handgun rental available for $20. Cost: $150.

• •Handgun 2 — 5-hour advanced course building on Handgun 1 fundamentals. Teaches off-hand operation, coordinated movement while shooting, transitioning from concealment, and handgun failure drills. Same ammunition and gear requirements as Handgun 1. Prerequisites: Handgun 1 or equivalent formal training with instructor approval. Cost: $150.

• •Fighting Handgun — 6-7 hour hybrid course combining classroom instruction with force-on-force scenarios. First half covers conflict avoidance, legal education, mental preparation, hand-to-hand techniques, and firearm implementation using inert pistols or SIRT laser trainers. Second half pressure-tests skills using airsoft. Requires street clothing with belt loops and hoodie/sweater. Prerequisites: Handgun 1 + Handgun 2. Cost: $200.

Partnership with Todd Fossey's Integrative Defense Strategies (IDS) delivers integrated hand-to-hand and firearm defense training. Program focuses on:

• •Firearm retention and control
• •Close-range shooting techniques
• •Hand-to-hand defense integration
• •Legal and situational awareness

Uses SIRT laser trainers and non-lethal training guns for safe skill-building without live ammunition. No prior firearm experience required.

BMD Mixed Combat System synthesizes striking, grappling, clinch work, and weapon-based techniques. Offered to individual students and integrated into corporate programs. The system emphasizes practical response to diverse threats.

• •Young Shqipes Boxing Club — USA Boxing certified coaching (8+ years competitive experience). Emphasis on technical proficiency, conditioning, strategy, and mental resilience.

• •Kids Jiu-Jitsu + Self Defense — Practical grappling and self-defense fundamentals for younger students.

Customized programs for:

• •Workplace self-defense workshops
• •Active shooter response and evacuation protocols
• •Church and hospital security programs
• •Private group training
• •Martial arts academy curriculum development

Recent clients include Magna International Inc. and Apex Defense Academy (Waltham, MA). Training available at your facility or theirs. Formats range from 90-minute seminars to full-day intensives. They've trained teams in Massachusetts, Tennessee, California, and across the U.S.

• •Pjeter Berishaj (Owner/Lead Instructor) — 2nd Degree Black Belt in Krav Maga, certified Integrative Defense Strategies instructor, NRA certified, Rangemaster certified. Background in boxing, grappling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

• •Simon Berishaj — Lead boxing instructor, USA Boxing certified coach with 8 years competitive experience.

• •Vlora Marku — Level 2 BMD Mixed Combat certified, Level 2.5 IDS certified, USPCA firearms instructor, USA Boxing coach. Background in jiu-jitsu and weapons-based grappling.

• •Cameron Somers — Brown Belt Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Black Belt Krav Maga, Level 3 BMD Mixed Combat. Emphasizes positional control, escapes, submissions, and self-defense principles.

First-timers welcome—no pressure, just solid training. Free intro classes available to experience the program firsthand.

• •Cancellation Policy: Course registrations are refundable up to 7 days before the course begins. If minimum enrollment isn't met, full refund issued.

"Cannot recommend highly enough. Best place to go in SE Michigan for self defense instruction." — Nicholas Siems

"Pjeter Berishaj and Black Mountain Defense came to Boston recently and gave an inspiring seminar. I'm learning sound fundamentals and situational awareness that is practical and realistic." — Andrea Bee