Practical Defense Training, L

Practical Defense Training exists to give shooters the knowledge, tools, and confidence to responsibly defend themselves and their loved ones. Founded and led by Dr. Jimmy Turner—a Marine Corps veteran who deployed with the 2nd Marine Division in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom—PDT brings genuine experience to every class.

Dr. Turner's training background spans multiple disciplines:

• •Rangemaster Combative Pistol Skills
• •Mantis Academy (Basic, Advanced, and Elite Marksmanship)
• •USCCA Instructor Certifications (multiple levels)
• •Less-Than-Lethal Shotgun and OC/CS Certification
• •Police Interaction and Citizens Safety Academy
• •Tactical handcuffing, pressure points, and control tactics

Open Enrollment Courses

• •Get to Know Your Gun – Basic Handgun: Universal safety rules, handgun types and differences, proper grip, stance, and foundational shooting skills
• •How to Shoot a Handgun: Marksmanship fundamentals for shooters building basic competency
• •Am I Ready? Practical Training for Defensive Shooting: For those ready to move beyond basics into defensive scenarios
• •Practical Tactical Level 1: Intermediate-level tactical pistol instruction
• •Countering Mass Shootings: Situational awareness and response training

Women's-Specific Training (Gals & Guns Series)

Based on USCCA Women's Handgun and Self-Defense Fundamentals curriculum, this multi-level program accommodates complete beginners through intermediate shooters:

• •Women's Basic Pistol
• •Women's Intermediate Pistol
• •Women's Defensive Pistol

"You are worth protecting." – PDT's philosophy on women's defensive training

These classes address the specific needs and concerns women have about firearms ownership and self-defense.

Dr. Turner recognizes that not everyone feels comfortable in public classes. PDT offers:

• •Private one-on-one instruction tailored to individual needs and pace
• •LGBTQ+ community private courses in a welcoming environment
• •On-site training for homes and businesses
• •Real Estate Agent Safety training
• •Free public workshops on personal protection basics

PDT's training philosophy centers on three layers of defense:

1. Avoidance: Learning to avoid being targeted as a potential victim 2. Awareness: Spotting danger before it becomes a threat and creating distance 3. Action: Survivor's mindset and confidence in defensive response if needed

All instruction uses USCCA course material combined with PDT's custom curriculum. Classes are taught by instructors with military, law enforcement, and security experience—not generic firearms instructors.

PDT offers a free concealed carry guide ($35 value) to anyone interested in responsible carry practices and Tennessee's permit requirements.

The training team regularly attends continuing education events to stay current with defensive tactics, marksmanship instruction, and tactical response training.