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Challenge your limits

Providing practical solutions for the everyday guardian to protect themselves and others through mindfulness and competency.

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DO GOOD

BE SAFE

STAY DANGEROUS

about the PRACTICAL GUARDIAN

chris griese

Chris (aka, “The Practical Guardian) grew up with a passion for firearms. Further fuel was added by his love of movies and the action films of the late 80’s and early 90’s. As soon as he could legally carry a firearm concealed he went through the process to do so as well as getting some basic training, at which point he very quickly learned that almost everything he saw in movies relating to firearms was absolutely untrue. This further spurred on his passion to learn and understand more about the subject.   In 2007 Chris had the opportunity to participate one of his other passions… disaster services and support, when he went with a group to New Orleans in order to help continue clean-up from Hurricane Katrina. The devastation he saw and stories he heard were a paradigm-shifting moment for him in many ways, one of which was a recognition that his firearms skills were lacking and his firearm had become a “tactical woobie”. Thus began his journey of training and skill development which would ultimately lead him to realize his dream of becoming a firearms teacher and coach. Since that time Chris has had the blessing to join the ranks of local Law Enforcement in Indiana, serving as a Deputy Town Marshal and helping to “Back the Blue” by working as a Technology Specialist for the Tippecanoe County Sheriff Office. He has the immense blessing to be a teacher Applied Ballistics of Lafayette, IN and to be a Senior Instructor with MALC Training Institute of Edinburgh, IN.   While he loves to teach, he realizes that a good teacher is always a continual student, and thus he continues to enjoy being a self-professed “training junkie”.
CERTIFICATIONS & CREDENTIALS
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COURSES & Training

current CLASS offerings

View Calendar

Minimum Ages:

    • All Introduction & Awareness level courses: 10+ with a parent/guardian.
    • Elemental Pistol, Dot Life!, Handgun I, Rifle I & Shotgun I courses: 14+ with a parent/guardian.
    • Handgun II, Rifle II & Shotgun II courses: 16+ w/ parent/guardian or on an individual basis.
    • Advanced courses: 16+ w/ parent/guardian or on an individual basis

Standard Gear for Shooting courses:

    • Eye & Ear protection (electronic Ear protection is recommended but not required)
    • Folding/camp chair
    • Weather-applicable clothing (we train “rain or shine”)
    • Sunscreen, bug-spray, hand/foot warmers (as weather appropriate)
  • 3hr course; $30/person, 4 person minimum
  • All Classroom
  • Topics Covered:
    • Firearms Safety
    • Handgun types, terminology & function.
    • Handgun Shooting grip, stance, breathing, sight alignment & picture.
    • Eye Dominance discovery.
    • Quick Medical discussion relating to Handguns
    • Tips for choosing a Handgun
    • Basic Handgun Legal discussion
    • Holster/Carrying Discussion
    • US Law Shield Presentation
    • Q & A

Prerequisites: None

Class Specific Gear Needed:

    • Note-taking Material
    • Willingness to Learn
    • No Handgun needed. If you have one you want to have looked over or specifically learn more about, please make sure it is in a case or holster. DO NOT bring an uncased gun directly to the instructor.
  • 3hr course; $30/person, 4 person minimum
  • All Classroom
  • Topics Covered:
    • Firearms Safety
    • Rifle types, terminology & function.
    • Rifle Shooting grip, stance, breathing, sight alignment & picture.
    • Eye Dominance discovery.
    • Quick Medical discussion relating to Rifles.
    • Tips for choosing a Rifle
    • Basic Rifle Legal discussion
    • Rifle Accessories (slings, magazines, optics, lasers, lights, etc)
    • US Law Shield Presentation
    • Q & A

Prerequisites: None

Class Specific Gear Needed:

  • Note-taking Material
  • Willingness to Learn
  • No Rifle needed. If you have one you want to have looked over or specifically learn more about, please make sure it is in a case of some sort. DO NOT bring an uncased gun directly to the instructor.
  • 2hr course; $25/person, 4 person minimum
  • All Classroom
  • Topics Covered:
    • Firearms Safety
    • Shotgun types, terminology & function
    • Shotgun Shooting grip, stance, & sighting.
    • Eye Dominance discovery.
    • Myths & Medical relating to Shotguns
    • Tips for choosing a Shotgun
    • Basic Shotgun Legal discussion
    • Shotgun accessory discussion (slings, lights, side saddles, etc)
    • US Law Shield Presentation
    • Q & A

Prerequisites: None

Class Specific Gear Needed:

    • Note-taking Material
    • Willingness to Learn
    • No Shotgun needed. If you have one you want to have looked over or specifically learn more about, please make sure it is in a case of some sort. DO NOT bring an uncased gun directly to the instructor.
  • 6hr course (including working lunch break); $75/person, 4 person minimum
  • All Classroom
  • Topics Covered:
    • Firearms Safety
    • Pistol, Rifle AND Shotgun types, terminology & function.
    • Grip, structure, sighting discussion & practical practice.
    • Tips for choosing the right weapon for you.
    • Basic legal discussion relating to firearms.
    • US Law Shield Presentation
    • Q & A

Prerequisites: None

Class Specific Gear Needed:

    • Note-taking Material
    • Willingness to Learn
    • NO WEAPONS NEEDED! IF you would like your primary weapon evaluated in relation to working for you, bring it in a case of some sort. DO NOT bring an uncased firearm directly into the classroom or to the instructor.
  • 4hr course (No Lunch break); $50/person, 4 person minimum/10 person maximum
  • Outdoors (unless indoor range is provided). Dress appropriately as we train in all weather.
  • Topics Covered:
    • Firearms Safety
    • Core Elements
      • Structure
      • Trigger Manipulation
      • Understanding Sights
      • Presenting the handgun
      • Master Grip
    • US Law Shield Presentation
    • Q & A

Round Count: 50 minimum (100 suggested)

Prerequisites: Firearms Awareness for the Practical Guardian or Handgun Awareness (applicable courses at another facility will be considered)

Class Specific Gear Needed:

    • Carry/Duty Pistol
    • Quality Holster (No SERPA-Style holsters)
    • 2 magazines minimum (3 suggested)
    • Some way to carry extra mags on you reliably
  • 7hr course (includes lunch break); $200/person, 4 person minimum
  • Outdoors (unless indoor range is provided). Dress appropriately as we train in all weather.
  • Topics Covered:
    • Firearms Safety
    • Refresher on handgun stance, grip, & sight alignment
    • Drawing/presenting from the holster.
    • Understanding trigger mechanics
    • Reloads
    • Situational Awareness with a Pistol
    • US Law Shield Presentation

Round Count: 150rds
 

Prerequisites: Firearms Awareness for the Practical Guardian, Handgun Awareness, Elemental Pistol course (applicable courses at another facility will be considered)

Class Specific Gear Needed:

    • Carry/Duty Pistol
    • Quality Holster (No SERPA-Style holsters)
    • 2 magazines minimum (3 suggested)
    • Some way to carry extra mags on you reliably
  •  
  • 7hr course (includes lunch break); $250/person, 4 person minimum
  • Outdoors (dress appropriately, as we train in all weather)
  • Topics Covered:
    • 360 degree pistol awareness
    • Movement Principles & Shooting while Moving
    • Shooting during & at different elevations
    • Off-hand & Single Hand skills.
    • US Law Shield Presentation

Round Count: 300rds

Prerequisites: Guardian Pistol I (applicable courses at another facility will be considered)

Class Specific Gear Needed:

    • Carry/Duty Pistol
    • Quality Holster (No SERPA-Style holsters)
    • 3 magazines
    • Some way to carry extra mags on you reliably
  •  
  •  
  • 7hr course (includes lunch break); $200/person, 4 person minimum
  • Outdoors (unless indoor range is provided). Dress appropriately as we train in all weather.
  • Topics Covered:
    • Firearms Safety
    • Refresher on rifle stance, grip, & sight alignment
    • Understanding trigger mechanics
    • Reloads
    • Situational Awareness with a Rifle
    • US Law Shield Presentation

Round Count: 150rds
 

Prerequisites: Introduction to Shooting or Rifle Awareness courses (applicable courses at another facility will be considered)

Class Specific Gear Needed:

    • Rifle (Class centers around AR-style rifle but most mag-fed rifles will work)
    • 3 magazines
    • Some way to carry extra mags on you reliably
  •  
  •  
  • 7hr course (includes lunch break); $250/person, 4 person minimum
  • Outdoors (dress appropriately, as we train in all weather)
  • Topics Covered:
    • 360 degree rifle awareness
    • Movement Principles & Shooting while Moving
    • Shooting during & at different elevations
    • Off-hand & Single Hand skills.
    • US Law Shield Presentation

Round Count: 300rds
 

Prerequisites: Guardian Rifle I (applicable courses at another facility will be considered)
 

Class Specific Gear Needed:

    • Rifle (Class centers around AR-style rifle but most mag-fed rifles will work)
    • 3 magazines (more are fine)
    • Some way to carry extra mags on you reliably
    • Sling
  •  
  •  
  • 7hr course (includes lunch break); $200/person, 4 person minimum
  • Outdoors (unless indoor range is provided). Dress appropriately as we train in all weather.
  • Topics Covered:
    • Firearms Safety
    • Refresher on shotgun stance, grip, & sight alignment
    • Ammo use, differences and “patterning”
    • Carry Methods and Mounting
    • Reloads
    • Situational Awareness with a Rifle
    • US Law Shield Presentation

Round Count: 75rds birdshot, 10rds 00 Buckshot, 5rds Slugs
 

Prerequisites: Introduction to Shooting or Shotgun Awareness courses (applicable courses at another facility will be considered)
 

Class Specific Gear Needed:

    • Shotgun (No Side/Side, Over/Under, Break Action or Exposed Hammer shotguns. Guns must have a stock of some sort, not just a pistol grip)
  • 7hr course (includes lunch break); $250/person, 4 person minimum
  • Outdoors (dress appropriately, as we train in all weather)
  • Topics Covered:
    • 360 degree shotgun awareness
    • Movement Principles & Shooting while Moving
    • Shooting during & at different elevations
    • Off-hand & Single Hand skills.
    • US Law Shield Presentation

Round Count: 150rds birdshot, 20rds 00 Buckshot, 15rds Slugs
 

Prerequisites: Guardian Shotgun I (applicable courses at another facility will be considered)
 

Class Specific Gear Needed:

    • Shotgun (No Side/Side, Over/Under, Break Action, or Exposed Hammer shotguns. Guns must have a stock of some sort, not just a pistol grip)
    • Securely mounted sling
  •  
  • 14hr (2-Day) course (includes lunch break); $400/person, 4 person minimum.
  • Outdoors (dress appropriately, as we train in all weather)
  • Topics Covered:
    • How the eye works in relation to a pistol.
    • Center Axis Relock shooting positions
    • The “6 R’s” of Center Axis Relock
    • Reloads
    • Basic Weapon Retention using C.A.R.
    • Transitions from hand to hand.
    • Situation Awareness of your Environment
    • Tips, Troubleshooting and Common Mistakes
    • Use of Technique with movement
    • Use of Technique with cover
    • Stoppages (Malfunctions)

Round Count: 500rds
 

Prerequisites: Guardian Pistol I & II courses (applicable courses at another facility will be considered)

Class Specific Gear Needed:

    • Carry/Duty Pistol
    • Quality Holster (No SERPA-Style holsters)
    • 3 magazines (more are fine)
    • Some way to carry extra mags on you reliably
  •  
  •  
  • 7hr course (includes lunch break); $225/person, 4 person minimum
  • Outdoors (dress appropriately, as we train in all weather)
  • Topics Covered:
    • How the eye works in relation to a rifle.
    • Center Axis Relock shooting positions
    • The “6 R’s” of Center Axis Relock
    • Reloads
    • Situation Awareness of your Environment
    • Use of Technique with movement
    • Use of Technique with cover
    • Stoppages (Malfunctions)

Round Count: 300rds

Prerequisites: Guardian Rifle I & II and John Wick Pistol courses (applicable courses at another facility will be considered)

Class Specific Gear Needed:

    • Rifle (Class centers around AR-style rifle but most mag-fed rifles will work)
    • 3 magazines (more are fine)
    • Some way to carry extra mags on you reliably
    • Sling
  • 7hr course (includes lunch break); $175/person, 4 person minimum
  • Outdoors (dress appropriately, as we train in all weather)
  • Topics Covered:
    • Building your Shooting Process
    • Refining Previously Learned Skills
    • Stress Inoculation

Round Count: 400rds minimum (more means you can participate more)

Prerequisites: Guardian Pistol I & II (applicable courses at another facility will be considered)
 

Class Specific Gear Needed:

    • Carry/Duty Pistol
    • Quality Holster (No SERPA-Style holsters)
    • 3 magazines (more are fine)
    • Some way to carry extra mags on you reliably
  • 7hr course (includes lunch break); $175/person, 4 person minimum
  • Outdoors (dress appropriately, as we train in all weather)
  • Topics Covered:
    • Building your Shooting Process
    • Refining Previously Learned Skills
    • Stress Inoculation

Round Count: 400rds minimum (more means you can participate more)

Prerequisites: Guardian Rifle I & II (applicable courses at another facility will be considered)

Class Specific Gear Needed:

    • Rifle (Class centers around AR-style rifle but most mag-fed rifles will work)
    • 3 magazines (more are fine)
    • Some way to carry extra mags on you reliably
    • Sling
  • 7hr course (includes lunch break); $200/person, 4 person minimum
  • Outdoors (dress appropriately, as we train in all weather)
  • Topics Covered:
    • Red Dot History
    • RDS brands & opinion/evaluation
    • Sighting in the dot.
    • “Changing our mantra” (moving from 3 focal planes to 1…)
    • Tracking the Dot
    • Dot Dynamics During Displacement (understanding dot while moving…)

Round Count: 300rds

Prerequisites: Firearms Awareness for the Practical Guardian, Handgun Awareness, Elemental Pistol course (applicable courses at another facility will be considered)

Class Specific Gear Needed:

    • Carry/Duty Pistol
    • Quality Holster (No SERPA-Style holsters)
    • 2 magazines minimum (3 suggested)
    • Magazine carrier suggested but not required

Recommendations

SOME OF THE TEACHERS CHRIS CONSIDERS EXCEPTIONAL AND HAS HAD THE CHANCE TO TRAIN WITH​

Testimonials

"I have had the pleasure of working with Chris on several projects over the years. Chris has traveled to train on our range w/ Brian Hill and become an Image Based Decisional Drills Certified Instructor. Chris is very passionate about teaching and learning, believing they go 'hand and hand' and I believe that is why he is an outstanding communicator and Coach!"
Shelley Hill
Shelley HillCo-Owner & Instructor at The Complete Combatant
“Chris is a very detailed instructor but has the rare ability to make the information easy to understand and retain. In my 27 years of teaching and 37 years of martial arts / personal protection training I have seen very few people who have the ability to teach like Chris and I highly recommend himand The Practical Guardian for your training needs.”
Brandon Fisher
Brandon FisherOwner & Lead Instructor at Precision Defensive Solutions
“Chris Griese is a very personable, approachable instructor who is very knowledgeable in his grasp of training and employment of the tactical rifle. He is able to easily explain and demonstrate tactics, techniques and procedures so they are understandable for any shooter from novice to expert level. Chris is a talented and skilled instructor who makes his classes relevant, fun and educational."
Evan Harrod
Evan HarrodUS Army (Retd.)/Kentucky State Trooper (Retd.)
“I highly recommend Chris as an instructor. He takes safety seriously, and truly cares about those he trains and their learning.”
Len Halascsak
Len HalascsakOwner & Lead Instructor at Line of Defense, LLC
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Courses & events calendar

2023 Course Calendar is Coming Soon

Interested in a scheduled course or looking to book Chris to lead your training? 

Contact Chris Now

Contact The Practical Guardian