
Fabio Spinella founded My Own Defender to equip busy people with the skills and mindset to defend themselves, protect loved ones, and survive crises. He's not a paper instructor—he's a Team Beretta sponsored pistol shooter, Modern Materiel pro staff member for rifle, and regularly contracts with the...
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Fabio Spinella founded My Own Defender to equip busy people with the skills and mindset to defend themselves, protect loved ones, and survive crises. He's not a paper instructor—he's a Team Beretta sponsored pistol shooter, Modern Materiel pro staff member for rifle, and regularly contracts with the Texas Tactical Police Officers Association (TTPOA) to teach both Basic and Advanced SWAT courses.
Fabio holds two Master's degrees (most recent in Security Management from University of Denver), is a Krav Maga black belt, and actively competes in USPSA and IDPA. His Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook following gives him a substantial platform to share training insights with shooters worldwide.
My Own Defender runs over 25 public enrollment classes annually, covering:
Pistol-Focused Courses - Pistol Dominance (2-day / 1-day) – Speed and accuracy fundamentals, multiple target transitions, throttle control, ~1,000 rounds (2-day) or ~500 rounds (1-day). $550 (2-day) / $325 (1-day) - AIWB Pistol (1-day / 2-day) – Appendix Inside the Waistband carry position, draw mechanics, grip building from count 1. Requires kydex holster with trigger guard coverage. $325 (1-day) / $550 (2-day) - Red Dot Pistol (1-day / 2-day) – Zeroing RDS, presenting consistently, grip recoil management, target transitions. $325 (1-day) / $550 (2-day) - RDS/AIWB (2-day) – Combines red dot optics with appendix carry. Fabio owns F.A.S.T. coin #23 and has crushed challenge drills with this combo. $700 - Handgun Mechanics – For shooters wanting to diagnose accuracy and speed issues. Foundation course for new MOD students. $325
Rifle Instruction - Rifle Mechanics – AR-15 focused (no bolt action), must be red dot mounted with sling. Speed and accuracy on targets, moving/shooting introduction. $325 - 2-Day Pistol/Rifle – Combined pistol/rifle accuracy-at-speed course. Covers dryfire, grip, recoil management, drawing, target transitions, moving and shooting. $550 early bird / $700 regular
Specialized Programs - MOD Train Like a Pro (Pistol) – Semi-private format (8-10 max). For Pistol Dominance alumni, movement class alumni, USPSA/IDPA competitors, or shooters with years of experience. Class varies as Fabio evolves his training. $400 early bird / $450 regular - Movement (1-day) – Mounted/unmounted movement, draw on move, reload on move, entry/exit techniques. Limited to 12 students. $325 - Young Guns – Ages 9+, parent must participate. Safety fundamentals, pistol mechanics, demystifying misconceptions. Limited to 10 children. $325 - Run Your Gun NOT Your Mouth – Collaboration with Raven Wing Limited. Match structure, official range commands, stage breakdowns, small group work, mini match under supervision. 2-day, 7 hours/day. $700
Collaboration Courses - MOD/VTG 2-Day Pistol/Rifle – With Velox Training Group. Two master-class USPSA instructors (Fabio + Nick). March 13-14, 2026 in Tucson. $625 early bird / $700 regular - MOD/VTG 2-Day Pistol Performance – Focus on building confidence and filling skill gaps with two instructors
Fabio's Teaching Philosophy: "Run your gun, not your mouth." Emphasis on mental execution and physical performance over tactical/competitive debate noise. Classes are NOT for new shooters—solid foundation in gun handling and safety required (except Young Guns).
Recognizing that range time costs money and requires drive time, Fabio developed a highly successful online dry-fire academy. Students can hone skills anywhere in the world without ammunition, recoil, or per-shot cost.
Beyond instruction, MOD offers custom firearm modifications—grip texturing, laser stippling, trigger guard work—turning stock guns into personalized heirlooms. Work visible on @myowndefender social media.
Sample feedback: > "The work he did is just marvelous! I love the way my Glock 19 turned out! He kept me up to date on the process and let me know about things that should be fixed and gave me options to fix them. After having the gun for a couple days, I love the way it feels compared to a stock GLOCK! The trimming he did under the trigger guard was fantastic! I LOVE THE WORK HE DID!!" — Thomas Warman
Classes host at multiple ranges across the country: - Dallas, TX (Mission 160) – $30/day range fee - Arizona (Tucson) – $30/day range fee - California (Azusa) – $50/day; (Chino) – $30/day; (Burro Canyon) – $50/day - North Carolina (New Hill) – $40/day - Washington (Fall City/Snoqualmie Valley Rifle Club) – $25/day non-member - New Jersey (Wheatland) – $40/day
Want Fabio to bring training to your range? MOD requires: - Minimum 6 students (2-day) or 8 students (1-day) - Maximum 18 students per class - Host coordinates range and basic supplies (target stands/sticks) - MOD mails targets before class - Host gets free spot in class
Email [email protected] to coordinate.
Fabio's commitment to practical defense extends beyond shooting. His Krav Maga black belt and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training inform his holistic approach to personal security—empty-hand skills matter when firearms aren't an option.
Location: Melissa, TX 75454 Contact: [email protected] Social: @myowndefender (Instagram, YouTube, Facebook)
"MOD is a voice of reason and sensibility in this increasingly crazy world. Fabio is a great instructor; patient and attentive, extremely focused and driven, and to be honest, an all around badass!" — Dan Rashkin
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