Hello,
I've had a carry permit in Florida since 2005, but not able to train for personal defense, because of money and physical issues. My question is, would dvd's offered here help in any way and help me feel more comfortable carrying my weapon.
Thanks in advance
I assume your are referring to the 3 set DVD offer from Rob Pincus. I have two of those and I have taken Rob's Combat Forcus class. I have always purchased the videos from the trainer before taking the class. This allows me to practice some of the routines ahead of a time and to refer back to them later.
While the videos and the books can aide you in your training, actually participating is the best option. Many of the techniques/routines from the class can be done on a square range but many times there are routines that your local range will not let you do. You need to go to the class for those.
Not sure what your physical issues are but I've had some and so far the various training I've attended (not just Pincus) the trainer was willing to work with me.
I tend to agree with Don. You can gain knowledge from watching videos, reading books, and even sitting in a classroom. However, you can't develop skills unless you put that knowledge into practice, and without a competent instructor to help you out, it's sometimes hard to know whether you are doing something right or wrong regardless of the knowledge you have.
I've learned a lot of things on my own. Unfortunately, it's generally a much slower process than having a competent instructor to teach, evaluate, critique, and encourage. When I train with a good instructor, the process is much faster.
I'd say get the videos, get the books; watch them, read them, and then watch them and read them again. As your finances and time allow, get into a class and get some good instruction. Most good instructors are more than willing to help YOU work with YOUR limitations. If they won't, then find a different instructor. Remember not to dwell on your disabilities, but instead, focus on your abilities!
uman - I have Rob's entire video series. In my opinion, they are the best videos of this type available. I watch each of them as often as I can. I also make a note every time I watch them. Since I consider these training, I update my training log as well. This forces you to think about the instruction. However, you absolutely need to practice the skills shown.
Some advice from someone who put off formal instructor lead training for many many years; there simply is no substitute. This year I have attended two courses Rob Pincus's CFS and Chris Fry's Combative Pistol Skills 1+2. I can only say I made a huge mistake avoiding professional training. The courses added a depth of knowledge that cannot be duplicated by videos or even a book. I would recommend saving now to attend a course. You can find the money with enough patience and diligence. I can enthusiastically recommend both Chris's and Rob's courses. It may be easier to find someone local; ask around for a recommended trainer in your area. Another good source would be your State's Rifle and Pistol organization.
Good luck
David
One of the best training methods is 'visualization'. When you think about going through the motions of an action like the draw, or lining up the sights and pressing the trigger, the same neurons are firing as would if you actually performed the action.
So you can burn neural pathways just about anywhere you can have some quiet time.
All the top athletes use visualization to improve their performance. The cool thing is that while you are doing the visualization, your body isn't getting in the way. It is easier to have 'perfect practice'
There is also a newly discovered thing called 'Mirror Neurons' that instructors need to be aware of. (and why you CAN derive some benefit from watching a video)
When you watch someone else perform an action, the same neurons are firing in your brain. So instructors need to make sure that they are 'modeling' properly.
In my opinion, the use of video is one part of the training equation. Good quality video's like Rob's set, is like observing a teacher teach a class.
THe next step is practice what the video introduced. That can be done in your home. Everything short of actually firing the weapon, can and should be practiced prior to going to the range or god-forbid, be involved in some kind of incident.
Again my opinion, firing the weapon in a situation is the culmination of many praticed skills beforehand. My wife and I spend time almost every day holding a weapon (unloaded of course), doing quick point of aim drills and dry firing. We also actually conduct walkthroughs with our guns trying to practice our response to a break in during the night, during the day, arriving home, etc.
The more thinking that can be be replaced with response in a situation can only be accomplished with practice. And you can do that all day long in your home, for free as you watch Rob's vids. Good luck.
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