A few weeks ago, this space paid tribute to Paul Gomez, a great self-defense trainer who died suddenly and all too soon. Thanks to William Aprill and Al Thompson, we have the details of the promised memorial seminar for him, named “Paul-e-Palooza.” You can find the details here.
This truly fitting memorial will be comprised of a smorgasbord training staff, a “who’s who” of the serious trainers on the top tier. A pre-existing commitment keeps me from attending, and all I can do is donate a gift certificate, but the $200 tuition is a fabulous deal for the quality and quantity of training to which you’ll have access. Every penny of your tuition will go to Paul’s kids.
Sad that I can’t make it, but sure hope that you can!
Do you think that there would be any point to a highschooler (planning on getting a concealed carry permit when he is able) going to a seminar on self defense like this one, or is there a camp for teens that you would suggest?
Very good no ego style trainer. Should be a great turnout. Left us an indisputable lesson – enjoy yourself, it is later than you think. (Courtesy of Guy Lombardo).
Philliard, I think it would be a great idea for a teen who is serious and comports himself like an adult. Check with the sponsors, though, to see if they have a bottom end age limit, or require a parent to accompany teen students.
Thanks I may look into this, do you know of any self defense or firearm training retreats or camps made specifically for teens who already know gun safety and how to shoot well?
Philliard, I don’t personally know of any such programs specifically for teens, though they may be out there. Perhaps another blog reader, or Google, can help.
Interesting idea, I am sure that there would be some measure of demand for that . When I was a boy a long time ago many gun clubs had NRA programs and classes that might meet on saturdays over a period of weeks. I am signed up for mag 40 this november and I am looking forward to it . it would be pretty neat if I could take 1 of my teenage son to that .
Now you have me thinking, outside of BSA there are few fun firearms training opportunities for youth. We need to be diligent to make sure that lots of kids grow up enjoying , and being responsible and capable with firearms. Mas, I don’t think that a kid could grow up with fire arms. That child’s parents would find themselves in deep trouble. I could teach the child of non fishing parents to fish. That probably would not be possible with firearms.
I meant, grow up with firearms like you did.
Glad to see the Firearms community really sticking together during times like this.
@Philliard- It wasn’t that long ago when I was finally able to get my permit (got mine almost soon as I could). If you know a good local gun range, that’s a start.
The CCW class I took did not have an age requirement. I went with a friend who was 18 at the time (21 is the age requirement for a CCW in CO) and we took the class together and he just waited till he turned 21 to submit his application.
For CO, a CCW class is required but valid for 5 years. Check with your state laws on how long training is valid for. Then just look around for gun classes that you’re interested in and contact them if there is an age requirement etc. If all else fails, there is a lot of good information online and in books.
@Kelley- You’d be surprised at how many kids still grow up with firearms around.
I agree with you Tim, My concern is that with each generation the percentage of people that know, understand, and appreciate firearms goes down. When that number falls below fifty percent the American citizenrys second ammendment rights well erode. Add to that the divisions in political beliefs of gun owners and we will see that erosion accelerate. One of my children recieved his first firearm at the age of four. I saw to it that it was inoperable , and had it locked when not in use. On occasion in the years after he recieved it we would take it out together so that he could become familiar with the gun and safe habits. I wanted him to be comfortable with it, enjoy it and and be responsible with it as a way of life. I wish that not a lot, but a solid majority of children would be raised this way so that we could live in a society that respects and appreciates firearms today. Our kids are being taught in schools and universities that firearms are not a good thing. In our society, the percentage of those that believe they are bad is increasing at a rapid rate.