Fort Vigil Academy

Fort Vigil Academy operates out of the Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Wilmington areas, with two lead instructors—Kenneth and Derick—who've built a reputation for instruction that actually sticks. Their approach: education, advocacy, and training as a foundation for a lifelong relationship with firearm competence.

Fort Vigil offers seven primary course tracks:

• •Conceal Carry Licensing — Maryland (Wear and Carry including HQL), New Jersey, Utah (reciprocates with 36 states), and Florida (reciprocates with 37 states). Each course covers relevant state and federal laws so you understand where you can legally carry and what happens if you don't.
• •Women's Handgun Pistol Training — Three levels (Basic, Defensive, Intermediate). Classes run in a women-only environment with instruction on pistol fundamentals, defensive mindset, drawing from holster, cover vs. concealment, emergency first aid, and help selecting the right firearm for you.
• •Personal Defense — Situational awareness, decision-making, and de-escalation techniques.
• •Home Defense — Securing your space and protecting your family.
• •Children's Firearms & Safety — Age-specific classes (3-5, 6-8, 9-11, 12-15, 16-18) teaching universal gun safety rules, proper handling, accident prevention, and respect for firearms.
• •Advanced Training — Customizable programs covering dry-firing, fundamental drills, engaging multiple targets, shooting while moving, and shooting from cover.
• •Countering the Mass Shooter — Specialized scenario training.
• •Real Estate Agents Training — Professional instruction for agents who need firearm knowledge.

Both in-class and on-range training. Kenneth and Derick stress that your safety is their top priority. For women, comfort matters—that's why all women's classes are taught in a women-friendly environment. Private individual classes and private group classes available. Group class schedules published for:

• •Central Delaware North (DE, PA, NJ)
• •Central Delaware South (DE, MD, VA, DC)

"Proper firearm ownership requires refreshing your skills and knowledge for a lifetime." — Fort Vigil Academy's teaching philosophy

Conceal carry training teaches you how to properly load, secure, and holster your firearm—minimizing accidental discharge. It covers the legal boundaries you need to respect. It builds situational awareness and decision-making skills, emphasizing de-escalation and non-violent techniques when possible. For women especially, the training addresses the reality that women face disproportionate targeting for assault, harassment, and domestic violence. Competence equals confidence; confidence equals safety for you and those around you.

For kids, proper education prevents accidents. Fort Vigil's age-matched instruction dispels movie and video game myths about firearms, equipping children to make smart decisions if they encounter a real gun.

Kenneth: (215) 279-4773 Derick: (804) 943-7089 Email: [email protected]

Reviews consistently highlight that Kenneth and Derick are knowledgeable, detail-oriented, and put students' needs first. Daniel H: "Educated and informative professionals." Jonanna B: "Will be referring friends." Noelle D: "Excellent for beginners. Lots of useful training and hands-on experience."

• •Philadelphia, PA
• •Baltimore, MD
• •Wilmington, DE
• •Regional coverage through group class schedules in DE, PA, NJ, MD, VA, DC