Essential Defensive Pistol (EDP)
October 18th, 2025 8am-6pm (Estimate) Location: World Shooting & Recreational Complex Pistol Range, Sparta, IL.
$125 Per Student (Plus $25 Cash range Fee Due Day of Class)
This is our intermediate defensive pistol training course. It is designed to allow the student to quickly and efficiently build upon the foundation that was laid in the FDP or BDSS courses. This course will allow the student to safely push his or her own performance limits and very quickly develop essential defensive shooting skills. This includes a continued focus on the defensive mindset, discussion regarding avoidance/de-escalation strategies, an understanding of the physiological changes that occur in the human body when under lethal force stress and what affect they have on our training, and a series of skill development exercises that will help the student learn to more efficiently and effectively use a handgun for self defense in a lethal force encounter. EDP focuses on encounters that take place at distances beyond two arms reach.
This is the class where all of the foundational work completed in FDP and/or BDSS starts to come together with a true mastery of running the gun. This course will allow the student to safely push his/her performance limits while quickly building the confidence and competence needed to prevail in a real lethal force encounter. EDP answers the “why” questions with quantifiable, empirical evidence-based information.
Students should expect to fire approximately 250-300 rounds of ammunition. EDP consists of a full day (approx. 9 hours) of intense teaching, range training, and repetitive practice covering a variety of topics including:
Review of Firearms Safety and Safe Gun Handling Practices
In-depth Discussion on Physiological Changes that take place when under severe stress, and what effect they have on our training
Review of Defensive Shooting Fundamentals
Using Lateral Movement during a fight
Presentation From a Holster
Emergency and Tactical Reload Procedures
Proper Scan and Assess Procedures
Balance of Speed and Precision
Strong Hand Only Presentation and Operation
Non-diagnostic Malfunction Remedies
Realistic Approach to Engaging Multiple Targets
Moving to Cover and Concealment
Application of Skills in a 360 Degree Environment
Students will be required to show proof of completion of an approved handgun course. Contact us if you have questions about this pre-requisite.
Students should make sure to contact their instructor PRIOR to the day of the class regarding required gear, specific ammunition requirements, lunches, and any special considerations that will need to be addressed before the class starts. Many N.A.P.S.I. Approved Trainers have gear available to loan or rent to students if needed.
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