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MIDWEST TRAINING GROUP

Professional Firearms Training for Civilians and Law Enforcement

Handgun - Rifle - Shotgun for Self-Defense

Training Never Stops at MTG...

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Course Descriptions

The Midwest Training Group has a number of scheduled course offerings as well as Private Instruction available.  MTG is also available for your training needs outside the Midwest.

The following courses are currently offered:

bullet LFI-1 Judicious Use of Lethal Force
bullet LFI-2 Threat Management
bullet LFI-3 Adv. Threat Management
bullet LFI StressFire
bullet LFI Judicious Use of Deadly Force
bullet LFI Advanced Handgun Skills
bullet MTG Level 2 Advanced Tactical Pistol
bullet John Farnam Rifle/Shotgun
bullet John Farnam Defensive Handgun
bullet John Farnam Advanced Defensive Handgun
bulletMTG Intro to Defensive Pistol
bulletMTG Night Shoot/Low Light, Flashlight Techniques
bulletMTG Mastering The Revolver
bulletMTG Spring Tune-Up
bulletCompetitive Street Combat Drills
bulletKen Hackathorn, Mastering The Handgun: An Advanced Tactical Pistol Course
bulletLangdon Advanced Tactical Pistol Skills
bulletBank Miller Advanced Tactical Pistol
bulletClose Quarters Unarmed Tactics (ART)
bulletBasic Knife Handling and Defense
bulletWeapon Retention / Disarmament and Kubaton
bulletIL State CERT for Armed Security and PI
bulletSigArms Academy Advanced Tactical Pistol

HOST YOUR OWN CLASS

Can't come to MTG?  Have MTG come to you!  It's easier than you think...  If you know several people who are interested in taking an MTG class and would like to have it "in their own back yard", Bob Houzenga is available to travel to your area for classes.  Courses can be 1, 2, or 3 days and can include LFI StressFire or LFI Advanced Handgun Skills, as well as MTG courses.

If you live outside the vicinity of the Midwest this may be a viable solution to the training needs of you and your fellow shooters or officers.  An outdoor range and classroom facilities are required.  Contact Bob Houzenga for details and scheduling.

PRIVATE INSTRUCTION

Private instruction is available by request and appointment, in and near the ChicagoLand area.  Live fire range work can be done at a range near you.  Contact Bob Houzenga for details and scheduling.

LFI-1 Judicious Use of Lethal Force

Taught personally by Massad Ayoob, this 40 hour immersion course teaches the student not just how to shoot but when to shoot. More than the Police Academy, more than Law School, from live fire defensive handgun techniques to lecture and video, Massad Ayoob gives you the skills to survive the street, then the courtroom.

Ayoob has authored numerous books and articles, including what has become the definitive text of judicious use of deadly force, "In the Gravest Extreme".  His work as an expert witness defending justifiable shootings allows him to translate first hand experience to the student.  He is one of the first to win four-gun Master in IDPA.  In addition to being a fully sworn, part-time police captain, he is nationally renowned as an instruction in firearms and threat management.

LFI-1 covers such topics as post-shooting trauma, interacting with witnesses, home defense, legal parameters and applications of the use of deadly force, threat management, and live range work designed to provide the student with techniques that work under the stress of a lethal encounter.  All notes and video may become discoverable evidence in court, pointing to the graduates' knowledge and justifying their actions.  Live fire range work points to the graduates' proficiency.  The course is designed to make the student more responsible, acting to a higher standard, and courtroom defensible.  No prerequisite.  500 rounds.  See the outline for more detail.

LFI-2 Threat Management for Civilians

Picking up where LFI-I left off, this program dramatically enhances the student's combat shooting skills and "survivability" in violent encounters. This course includes: return fire techniques when wounded...mastering the combat shotgun...doubling or tripling your standard of shooting skill...maintaining control of your weapon in a struggle for the gun...retrieval of partners taken hostage...building search tactics...man against man role-play using dummy weapons or paint guns...how to assist police in danger situations...and much more. LFI-I is non-negotiable prerequisite to this course. 40 hrs. Shotguns will be available to those in need, upon request.

LFI-3 Advanced Threat Management for Civilians

Until recently, LFI's most advanced course. LTM or LFI-II are required prerequisites. The course includes: "outer limits" exercises of advanced combat handgun skill...advanced combat shotgun...introduction to assault rifle and submachine gun...ambidextrous shooting skill...shooting under extreme pressure...advanced subtleties of self protection both on the street and in the courtroom. Full certification in weapon retention and Kuboton/Persuader are included. Ideal for the instructor or future instructor. 40 hrs. Rifles, shotguns, and submachine guns will be available upon request.

LFI - StressFire

This is the shooting portion of Massad Ayoob's LFI-1.  StressFire covers the fundamentals of shooting and quickly moves into more advanced skills.  Ideal for new shooters and novices.  Instructors take these techniques back to their students.  All techniques are proven to work under the pressure and stress of the "fight or flight" adrenal dump that occurs during a lethal confrontation.  Emphasis is placed on understanding the bio-mechanics that lets you use stress to actually shoot better.  Safety, marksmanship, fundamentals of stance and grip, close quarters skills, proper draw from a holster, speed reloads, and one-hand techniques are just some of the topics covered.  Taught by LFI Staff Instructor Bob Houzenga.  No prerequisite required.  500 rounds.  See the outline for more detail.

LFI - Judicious Use of Deadly Force

Massad Ayoob designed the Introduction to Deadly Force class as an extract of the key lecture portions of his famous forty-hour LFI-I course, considered the national standard for the training of law abiding armed citizens in the judicious use of lethal force in self defense.

The class goes far beyond Ayoob's famous book "In the Gravest Extreme," long accepted as the authoritative text on the subject. "I can't control who reads a book," says Ayoob. "There are certain strategies that, put in print, could become a blueprint for face to face confrontations.  This course is open only to those persons who have proven to us that they've passed a criminal record/character background check."

Strategies include taking suspects at gunpoint, interacting with witnesses at the scene of a shooting or drawn gun incident, and interaction with responding and interrogating police officers. Other material covers tactics for dealing with armed robbers, home invaders, rapists, muggers, carjackers, and other assailants.

Selection of optimum firearms, ammunition, and holsters and other accessories are covered but not emphasized. This is a software class more than a hardware class, devoted to the legal, ethical, and moral parameters of defending oneself and others with lethal force. The two points of emphasis are "street survival" and "court survival." Throughout, the thrust is on developing a mindset that allow you to cope with life-threatening stress while remaining totally defensible in a court of law. Judges and attorneys who've taken the class say that the deadly force training therein exceeds that taught in law school; police instructors who've taken this two-day, intensive weekend lecture-and-video program agree that it goes far beyond the police academy as well.

The graduate can subsequently take the two-day, live-fire(500 round) StressFire course (see the Schedule for dates), becoming eligible for full LFI-I certification subject to passing the written exam and police-type live-fire qualification.

All students must show proof of having passed criminal record/character background check.  Acceptable credentials include concealed carry permit, FID cas, FFL, or letter from a police department confirming background.

The class is taught personally by Massad Ayoob.

LFI-Advanced Handgun Skills

Designed and taught by LFI Staff Instructor Bob Houzenga, this two-day course is fast paced and demanding, focusing on high speed drills designed to build the optimum blend of speed and accuracy.  Ideal for the shooter who wishes to hone and fine-tune his techniques.  Emphasis on individual diagnostics and the subtle nuances used by six-time National Champion, Bob Houzenga.  From fast and furious, up close shooting, to accuracy work at 50 yards, this program offers students of any skill level, an opportunity to take their skills to the next level.  Recoil management for super-fast follow up shots, rapid first shots from the holster, swift engagement of multiple targets, strong and weak hand techniques, "catching the link", and shooting "out of the notch" are just some of the topics covered.  Many students find their speed doubles or triples with better accuracy.  1000 rounds required.  Prior formal instruction is a pre-requisite.  See the outline for more detail.

MTG Level 2 Advanced Tactical Pistol

The ideal follow up to Advanced Handgun Skills.  Designed for the advanced student, this program addresses the tactical matters and concerns that accompany defensive shooting along with very advanced skill sets.  Some of the topics covered include: one hand reloads, shooting from moving and stationary vehicles, weak hand draw from a strong side holster, engaging from cover, close quarters issues, prioritizing targets, when to draw and when to disarm, "force-on-force" training, and much more.  Scenario testing is used to reinforce learned concepts.  Basic principals of weapon retention are also covered.  Students should already be well grounded in firearms safety and marksmanship.  Prior formal training is a prerequisite.  600 rounds required.

John Farnam Rifle/Shotgun

From South Africa to Illinois, John Farnam has built one of the best reputations in the world as a top firearms instructor for Law Enforcement and civilians alike.  In addition to teaching, John has written many books on the subject and is often, himself, the subject of articles in many of the better gun and training magazines.  His unique style and program produce amazing results for his students and have built a large and loyal following of his teachings.  This course introduces the student to the use of long arms at distance as well as close range.  Sling and carrying methods, reloading, standing and prone shooting, and low-light techniques are just some of the topics covered for rifle and shotgun in this program. Please refer to the FAQ for more information about this course.

MTG Intro to Defensive Pistol

This one-day program introduces the new or novice shooter to combat handgun.  Included in the program are safety issues, marksmanship basics, various shooting positions, speed reloads, drawing from a holster, and more.  This is designed for the shooter who has never had formal training or would like to review the fundamentals.  Emphasis is placed on trigger control, sight alignment, and accuracy.  300 rounds.  No prerequisite.

MTG Night Shoot/Low Light, Flashlight Techniques

Dark parking lot, dimly lit streets, your own home at 3a.m.  There are a number of circumstances where we may find ourselves in a dimly lit environment.  The MTG Night Shoot provides the training and techniques needed to react under these adverse conditions.  Students will learn and drill on a variety of modern flashlight techniques, studying the advantages and disadvantages of each.  Also included in the program are sighted methods in varying lighting conditions such as ambient light, backlit targets, front-lit targets, and intermittent light.  Class will start at 6p.m. and go until 11p.m., possibly later.  This is an advanced course teaching advanced skills.  Students should have prior formal training and be well grounded in safety and range procedure.  300 rounds required.

MTG Mastering The Revolver

Mastering The Revolver is for all those interested in a return to traditional values.  Presented by Bob Houzenga, this one-day class is designed to teach the budding wheelgunner several techniques that maximize the revolver's potential.  A strong revolver shooter becomes a better semi-auto shooter. This is a class that improves your trigger control and recoil management regardless of the type of gun you generally use. If you have a revolver as a back-up gun this is a "must have class". An essential class for instructors who may have revolver shooters in their courses.

Learn at least five different reloading methods and why the revolver is still the weapon of choice from behind cover.  Subtle nuances and the lost secrets of running the revolver at hyperspeed are all explored.

Students will need a quality revolver, holster, at least three speedloaders, and 500 rounds.

MTG Spring Tune-Up

Time to prepare for the competitive season and warm up for future classes.  Shake off the the cobwebs!  Course both refreshes previous skills, hones, and builds on prior skills.  Everything from standard drills, to qualifications to scenarios.

Competitive Street Combat Drills

Stress inoculation is the goal. Whether on the street or in competition the ability to perform under stress is critical. This course is designed to condition the student to stressful shooting conditions and improved performance under stress. All drills, qualifications, and man vs. man exercises are timed. This class provides a great deal of documentation that speaks to your proficiency in court. “Mirror Image” shooting is also a part of the program. Students will need weak-side holsters and mag pouches. Various qualifications will be shot at double and triple speed. Strictly for the advanced shooter. Prior formal training is a prerequisite.

John Farnam Defensive Handgun

The DTI Defensive Handgun Course is designed to prepare the responsible, adult gun owner to handle, maintain, safely store, and use their firearm safely, responsibly, correctly, and effectively, so that they are able to successfully handle nearly any personal protection situation.

Classroom instruction includes: 

bullet situation awareness 
bullet threat evaluation 
bullet the force continuum 
bullet courtroom savvy
bullet the latest information on the physio/psychological aspects of lethal encounters. 

Live-fire exercises on the range include: 

bullet threat evaluation 
bullet risk identification and reduction 
bullet lethal threat containment and management 
bullet precision shooting 
bullet discretionary shooting 
bullet low-light shooting (with and without a flashlight) 
bullet cover and movement 
bullet performing under stress 

Tactical training is conducted in a realistic manner, stressing correct use of cover, movement, challenges, and other important individual tactics. In addition, students will practice close and extremely close encounters and weapon control.

John Farnam Advanced Defensive Handgun

The Advanced Handgun course is intended for graduates of the Basic Handgun course. Because the basics are only covered by a review, beginning students may find themselves in the uncomfortable position of being expected to know things that they do not. To avoid this situation, which is unpleasant for everyone, students which have graduated from other Basic Handgun programs are encouraged to contact MTG to determine if all the prerequisites for this course have been covered. Beginning students are strongly encouraged to attend a Basic Handgun class before attending the Advanced class.

Subject covered in the Advanced Handgun class include: 

bullet Review of SAFE gun handling and range safety
bullet Review of legal and moral aspects of defensive shooting
bullet Review of handgun ammunition types and capabilities
bullet Basic/review range exercises, administrative and tactical
bullet Interview stance
bullet Draw
bullet Grip
bullet Weaver stance
bullet Trigger manipulation
bullet First shot
bullet Multiple shots
bullet Reloading
bullet Standard
bullet Military
bullet Stoppage reduction
bullet Initial
bullet Extended
bullet Covering suspects at gunpoint
bullet Verbal challenge, low and high intensity
bullet Reholstering
bullet Carrying concealed handguns, options, techniques of employment
bullet Close range shooting, shove-shoot, unsighted fire, recommended impact points, shooting from the ground
bullet Cover and movement, roll-out technique, retreat techniques
bullet Team exercises, working with a partner in a tactical situation, coordination, team synergy
bullet Moving with a gun in hand, accident avoidance
bullet Injured-limb drill/one-handed shooting, shooting, reloading, stoppage reduction, all using only one hand
bullet Pivots, left, right, reverse
bullet Back-up guns, carry options, employment
bullet Advanced low-light drills, with flashlight, cover, and movement 

Ken Hackathorn, Mastering The Handgun: An Advanced Tactical Pistol Course

Only for Students who have attended previous defensive pistol training programs. Note: this is not a new or beginners' level training program. Students should already have an acceptable level of gun handling and marksmanship skills.

Day One:

bullet Introduction, followed by a lecture on tactical mental applications, legal aspects, and equipment selection.
bullet Late morning range drills and review of the 'key' advanced shooting principles.
bullet Lunch for 45 minutes
bullet Return to range for advanced approach to pistol presentation, follow through, and scanning. Turns, pivots, emergency reloads, and multiple targets.  Intro to shooting on the move, and related skill drills.
bullet Break for Dinner until dusk, then low- light firing techniques, with flashlight and without.
( A quality flashlight is required)

Day Two:

bullet Resume training with continued range sessions to include review, strong and weak hand drills, point shooting, distance/long range, corner drill, skill drills, and evaluation skill drills.
bullet Final class review, with key points based upon the students ability to function reflexively.

Langdon Advanced Tactical Pistol Skills

Topics that will be covered:

bullet Combat Mindset
bullet Training for performance under stress
bullet Grip & Stance
bullet Draw Stroke & The Concealed Draw
bullet Reloads, Emergency and Tactical
bullet Clearing Malfunctions
bullet Multiple Target Engagement
bullet Turn and Shoot Techniques
bullet Shooting Positions & Use of cover
bullet Shooting while moving
bullet One handed shooting

Shooting Students will need:

bullet High quality Semi Auto Handgun
bullet 4 Magazines
bullet Holster, Magazine Pouch for at least two magazines
bullet Sturdy belt suitable for Holster and Magazine pouches
bullet 800 rounds of reliable ammunition
bullet Eye and Ear Protection
bullet Rain Gear

Note: Students in this class should be intermediate level shooters at a minimum!

Bank Miller Advanced Tactical Handgun

In this two-day course, you will learn and execute advanced handgun techniques that are combat proven.  Designed for survival, this course is a must for the serious shooter and will cover the following:

Overview:

bullet Handgun safety and handling
bullet Understanding speed shooting and speed reloading
bullet Sighted vs. unsighted shooting
bullet Alternate shooting positions and ground fighting techniques
bullet Multiple threats/multiple shots
bullet Shooting while moving
bullet Engaging moving threats
bullet Stoppage clearing
bullet Dominant and support hand drawing, firing, reloading, and stoppage clearing
bullet Room clearing
bullet (Optional) Shooting in and around vehicles
bullet Low-light options
bullet Weapon retention issues

Ammunition Requirement: 700 rounds

Close Quarters Unarmed Tactics (Automated Response Tactics System)

This new program created and taught by Joseph J. Truncale (Kudan, Bushi Satori Ryu) is based upon five principles:

  1. Focus will be on a minimum number responses to all types of attacks.
  2. Repetition is the key to success in self defense and we will drill you thousands of times in all techniques.
  3. Realistic striking and kicking drills will be practiced against bags etc.
  4. The offensive mind-set will be taught and practiced. Changing from a passive response to an offensive action will be emphasized.
  5. We will focus on a small number of techniques which can be used in multiple situations.

This program will include the learning of basic blocks, strikes, kicks, target selection, and defense responses for wrist and arm grabs, hand chokes, arm chokes, punches, kicks and ground defenses.

See the ART System overview for more detail.

Basic Knife Handling and Defense

Taught by Joseph J. Truncale using the same principles as in the ART (Automatic Response Tactics) System, students will learn the Bushi Satori Ryu 3-4 and 6-4 knife system. Students will drill in the basic use of the knife for defense and how to defend against the knife in numerous imaginative ways. This revised system emphasizes the learning of a few basic techniques which can be used in a variety of situations.

See the outline for more detail.

Weapon Retention / Disarmament and Kubaton

DON'T BE SHOT WITH YOUR OWN WEAPON!!

It is a fact that criminals and prisoners train in methods of disarming police and armed citizens.

Maintaining control of your handgun is imperative. This course instructs the student in simple street-proven techniques designed to defend a grab for the gun whether it is in the holster or hand. Retention techniques for grabs from front and rear, one hand and two hand grabs, as well as pre-emptive moves and techniques that discourage or dissuade an attack are included in the program. Disarming techniques are also taught. This knowledge will allow the student to take an opponents gun away safely and without accidental discharges. These skills also enable the student to retrieve their own weapon should they find themselves disarmed.

KUBATON - Incorporated into this 2 day program is the 3-4 hour kubaton class. This small innocuous looking keychain offers several easy-to-learn striking techniques as well as control holds and take-down options. Kubaton provided. 

IL State CERT for Armed Security and PI

This course is for individuals who have completed the 20-hour security officer basic training course as mandated by the Illinois Private Detective, Private Security and Private Alarm Act.  This 2 day, 20-hour course includes:

bullet legal use of firearms;
bullet liability while armed;
bullet ethics of firearm use;
bullet use of deadly force;
bullet search, seizure and arrest procedures while armed;
bullet firearms use, safety and maintenance;
bullet classroom range procedures;
bullet range procedures and range qualifying;
bullet Chapter 720 Illinois Criminal Code; city and local registration;
bullet plus more.

A written test, firing range practice and final qualification follow classroom instruction. A current Illinois Firearm Identification Card (FOID) is mandatory to receive firearms training.

Prerequisite: Security Officer Basic Training course or proof of equivalent training.

Course Tuition: $ 375.00 (Includes Course Materials) 

SigArms Academy Advanced Tactical Pistol

Advanced Defensive Pistol is our most advanced defensive pistol course. This intensive course is designed to meet the need of the serious defensive pistol user who is looking to go the highest level in their training and preparedness. It may also serve the needs of the advanced level shooter who is looking for a review or "tune-up." This course focuses on advanced level drills, and techniques, and component skills of defensive handgunning, as well as a number of specialty tactics and techniques for special situations. These include applications for concealed carry and defense in the home, vehicle, or workplace. Sound judgment and adherence to specific defensive principles are stressed and enforced throughout the course. The course uses interactive training with marking cartridges and other training technology to enhance realism. The attendee of this course has the opportunity to increase their proficiency in the area of defensive pistol marksmanship, tactics, and mindset.

Advanced Level/Intensified Topic Areas:

bullet Confrontational Readiness & Recovery and Defensive Applications of Force
bullet Principles of Speed Shooting
bullet Point versus Precision Shooting
bullet Principles of Reactive Shooting
bullet Shooting while Moving and Utilization of Tactical Movement
bullet Diminished Light Techniques and Tactics (with and without flashlight)
bullet Identification and Engagement of Moving Opponents
bullet Identification and Engagement of Multiple Opponents
bullet Use of Cover and Concealment
bullet Shooting from Alternate and Disadvantaged Positions
bullet Extreme Close Quarters Shooting Techniques
bullet One Handed Operations-Draw and Re-functioning with either hand
bullet Precision Pistol Shooting at Extended Distances

Specialty Topics:

bullet Alternative "Covert Carry" Techniques (to include backup guns and other concealment rigs)
bullet Dealing with and managing bystanders and family/friends during a confrontation
bullet Introduction to Carjacking Countermeasures (Preventative & Reactive)
bullet Home Invasion Countermeasures (Dealing with enclosed built up environments and Tactical Escape Drills)
 

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