PDT was founded by a group of experienced certified instructors frustrated with the lack of training environments that are focused on self defense where students from all backgrounds feel welcome, respected, and truly safe.
We recognized an opportunity to go further. Once someone takes the first steps to become a responsible gun owner, what’s next? We exist to provide for those next needs: a space to learn home defense, community defense, concealed carry strategies, active shooter response, and even non-lethal self-defense tools like pepper spray. We provide training that is inclusive, practical, and focused on real-world scenarios that regularly impact everyday people and especially those in marginalized communities.
Our Mission
We are here to empower those who feel overlooked and underserved by traditional self-defense training. We specialize in providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for anyone who has felt out of place or unwelcome in conventional defensive training spaces. Our mission is to help our students build confidence, skills, and resilience through practical and holistic self-defense training.
What Sets Us Apart
- Defensive Context: Unlike many basic firearms classes that focus on general knowledge or recreational shooting, our training is rooted in real-world self-defense. We prioritize scenarios and strategies that align with the challenges faced by everyday citizens, not competition shooters or military personnel.
- Holistic Approach to Preparedness: Self-defense is more than just physical skills. True preparedness includes mental and emotional wellness, situational awareness, and community-focused strategies like mutual aid. A true state of readiness requires cultivating balance, focus, and strength—both inside and out—while also prioritizing mental and emotional resilience. We encourage our students to prioritize their well-being and provide resources to support their mental health journey.
- Inclusivity: Finding a safe, inclusive space for training should never be a barrier. We create a supportive environment where all individuals feel respected and valued, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or political beliefs.
- Accessible and Practical Training: Our programs are designed to meet the needs of everyday people. We understand that not everyone has the time, resources, or ability to spend thousands of dollars on ammunition or years mastering advanced techniques. Our training emphasizes foundational skills and realistic preparation that can be achieved efficiently and affordably.
- Flexible Learning Options: We offer both in-person training and virtual online classes to ensure our programs are accessible to as many people as possible. This approach provides the broad availability of online learning with the value of instructor-led training, including interaction, coaching, and feedback that you simply can’t get from a YouTube video.
- Reliable, Clear Guidance: The internet is flooded with free advice, much of it contradictory or outdated. We cut through the noise by offering expert instruction from seasoned professionals. Our students get accurate answers to their questions and a clear path to build their confidence and competence.
Join Us
We understand the challenges you face because we’ve heard your stories. You want to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community, but you also want to do so in a way that aligns with your values. That’s why we’re here. Together, we can build the confidence, strength, and preparedness to face whatever challenges come your way. Welcome to a new kind of self-defense training—welcome to a community where you belong.