The Way Forward in 2025
Building community in an uncertain time by expanding our reach with new class offerings, instructor development, a new blog, and a new Discord server for ongoing learning and support.
As we stepped into 2025, many of us felt the tension between hoping for better things in a new year, and anxiety about the uncertainty ahead.
We feel it's critical that we do not concede power over our attitude, emotions, and ultimately our wellbeing. With that in mind, we've been reflecting on the phrase "You can't control life, you can only control how you respond to it". Our purpose is to help build constructive communities as best as we can, and teach others to defend those communities if they must.
With that as our guiding principle, we've been actively researching, studying, and building communities, new classes, and new platform capabilities. Today we announce what you can expect to see from PDT in 2025.
Expanded Class Offerings
This year, we’re expanding our class offerings to give you more opportunities to learn and build your self-defense skills. We’re also making our training more accessible, with both in-person and online options available. Our classes will now include a broader range of topics, including a new series of classes that can be taught both online and in person such as: Pepper Spray Fundamentals, Concealed Carry Fundamentals, Home and Community Defense Fundamentals, and Active Shooter Response.
Along with the class content itself, we also launched a new system to “pre-register” for each class, specifying your preferred days and times of the week. Once we get critical mass on a given topic, actual payment/registration links are sent out to confirm a spot. Browse through the training options and pre-register for a class here.
Instructor Development: Building Stronger Leaders
We’re also investing in our instructor development program. This year, we’ll be training more instructors who not only excel in their own skills but who embody the values of PDT: inclusivity, empowerment, and community. We’re focused on creating an instructor cadre that reflects the diversity of our community, ensuring that you get the best possible training from instructors who understand and support your journey.
Through partnership with Safer Faster Defense, we’ve launched our certified instructor program. This program focuses both on full certification to teach the Intuitive Defensive Shooting program, and the Pepper Spray, Concealed Carry, and Home Defense virtual courses. If you are interested in becoming a certified firearms instructor, contact us for more details here.
The Launch of "The Left of Bang" Blog
We’re excited to launch The Left of Bang, our new blog dedicated to the intersection of personal safety, wellness, and community resilience.
The blog will focus on the following areas:
- Announcements: Stay up-to-date with the latest PDT news, class updates, and other important developments.
- New Gun Owners: A guide for beginners navigating the world of firearms and self-defense.
- Mindset & Wellness: Focus on mental and emotional strength, stress management, and building resilience.
- Training Resources: Practical tips, drills, and advice to enhance your self-defense and firearms skills.
- Community Building: Explore best practices for building community-based networks that connects people in need with resources. Individuals volunteer and act cooperatively and in solidarity with each other..
- Expand Knowledge: Going beyond new gun owner familiarization to dive deeper into the self-defense skill development and advanced concepts.
- Reviews & Commentary: Honest reviews of products, services, and commentary on issues impacting personal defense and community safety.
To stay notified of new blog posts, follow us on Bluesky, and Facebook.
New Discord Community: Join the Conversation
Our new Discord community is another important addition for 2025. If you’re actively participating in our training or instructor development programs, you should become a member of our Discord community. The Discord server has dedicated channels for each class topic, giving you the chance to continue learning, ask instructors questions, and engage in ongoing education with your fellow learners. It’s a space for real-time support and deeper discussions on what you’re learning in your classes.
All members must follow our community terms of service. Read the terms and get signed in to the community at https://progressivedefense.training/discord.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Our Community
We’re committed to providing you with the tools, knowledge, and support you need to face the challenges ahead. Whether you’re new to community building and self-defense or looking to deepen your skills, we are here to help you stay safe, confident, and connected. Our community is built on the values of inclusion, empowerment, and mutual support, and we hope you join us to continue building that community with you to navigate what's ahead.