Valuable training
This review is a few months late. But I took the 16 hour CCW training course that is required for your CCW California permit. This was by far the best course I could recommend. Joe made sure we weren't sitting in a classroom being bored with reading and presentations. We got hands on practical training and situational training. I was intimated being the only woman in a room of men, but Joe continued to help me feel comfortable in my own abilities despite anyone else in the room. He has other courses and training which are valuable to anyone that own a firearm or looking to own one.
Date of experience: 09 October, 2025
Date of experience: 09 October, 2025
Verified
This review is a few months late. But I took the 16 hour CCW training course that is required for your CCW California permit. This was by far the best course I could recommend. Joe made sure we weren't sitting in a classroom being bored with reading and presentations. We got hands on practical training and situational training. I was intimated being the only woman in a room of men, but Joe continued to help me feel comfortable in my own abilities despite anyone else in the room. He has other courses and training which are valuable to anyone that own a firearm or looking to own one.
Verified
I was very fortunate to have chosen Practical Self Defense Systems for my CCW training. I knew the requirement had doubled from 8 hours to 16, but didn't know what to expect from the curriculum. Dave and Joel are great guys and top notch instructors. The information passed on was detailed, relevant, and taught by instructors with a wealth of experience. Not only did I walk away with new skills and knowledge, but I had a ton of fun in the process! The class is part lecture, part police level simulator. This combo was perfect for the law abiding citizen like me who wants to know self defense and the laws surrounding it. 100% recommend Practical Self Defense Systems!
Best CCW training around!
The instruction and simulation training were exceptional. I have taken renewal classes from 2 other instructors. They lost me as a customer because PDS is professional, patient, knowledgeable and incredibly pleasant!!! I will be a repeat customer for sure!!
Date of experience: 21 November, 2025
Date of experience: 21 November, 2025
Exceptional Concealed Carry Training
My experience with Practical Defense Systems was outstanding from start to finish. The concealed carry training was far beyond a standard class—it was a truly comprehensive, practical, and confidence-building program. The instructors emphasized real-world decision-making skills, ensuring that every scenario felt relevant, thoughtful, and grounded in responsible firearm ownership.
What really set this course apart was how interactive and fun the learning environment was. The hands-on exercises, simulations, and open discussions kept everyone fully engaged, making even the most serious topics approachable and memorable. The instructors created a comfortable atmosphere where questions were encouraged, safety was prioritized, and personal growth was evident from one session to the next.
Most importantly, this training significantly strengthened my confidence in handling a firearm safely and effectively. Practical Defense Systems doesn’t just teach technique—they instill judgment, awareness, and the mindset required for safe, responsible concealed carry.
I highly recommend Practical Defense Systems to anyone looking for a thorough, practical, and empowering concealed carry course. This is training done right.
Date of experience: 15 November, 2025
Date of experience: 15 November, 2025
CCW Class Initial
Both Joel and Dave are very knowledgeable and teach you things you never even knew how to solve. The flexibility in picking your classes back-to-back was a plus for me while looking for a class. I like the Milo system and would come back whenever I get the chance.
Date of experience: 25 October, 2025
Date of experience: 25 October, 2025
Top Notch!
I recently completed the CA Initial 16-hour CA CCW course. Joel was nothing short of amazing. He was friendly, very knowledgeable, and a great mentor with tons of real-life experience. He and Dave made everyone feel at ease and comfortable regardless of our prior firearm experience. The class was not only informative, but also a lot of fun! In addition to learning all of the CCW required material, we also focused on skill building and improving our decision making. This has given me more confidence in my abilities. I am not only looking forward to my renewal course, but I am also planning to visit PDS before then to further my skills and learn from the wonderful team at PDS. I highly recommend Practical Defense Systems without reservation!
Date of experience: 26 October, 2025
Date of experience: 26 October, 2025
Firearms training
Very professional and knowledgeable! Joel Persinger incorporates his real- world experiences and training into the class. Makes the course more palatable as he teaches the subject matter with clarity and ease by adding personal experiences and "out the box thinking".
To add to the experience, Joel works side by side with David Weiner (Secure Measures). David allows students to engage in "possible real-life" scenario in a fun and safe learning environment.
Overall, I highly recommend Practical Defense Systems for future firearms training. I look forward to future training with Joel and David.
Date of experience: 09 August, 2025
Date of experience: 09 August, 2025
Verified
Very professional and knowledgeable! Joel Persinger incorporates his real- world experiences and training into the class. Makes the course more palatable as he teaches the subject matter with clarity and ease by adding personal experiences and "out the box thinking".
To add to the experience, Joel works side by side with David Weiner (Secure Measures). David allows students to engage in "possible real-life" scenario in a fun and safe learning environment.
Overall, I highly recommend Practical Defense Systems for future firearms training. I look forward to future training with Joel and David.
Exceptional education and experience
My wife and I both took our CCW course from Joel and Practical Defense Systems and we were very happy with our decision to do so. Joel made all the information very easy to understand and his class is very interactive. In addition to the curriculum, Joel also put us through a virtual simulator that simulates real world scenarios. This is by far the best educational experience for both law enforcement and CCW applicants. Understanding when and when not to use force along with learning the repercussions of every decision you make is priceless education. Many thanks to Joel and Practical Defense Systems.
Excellent instruction for anyone skill level.
No nonsense, excellent information for anyone that is thinking about owning a firearm (or carrying for self defense). Practical hands on training any experience level can benefit from. No one is treated with anything other than respect, regardless of knowledge base. Highly recommended.