Excellent experience with John Riddle this past weekend. Participated in some larger group, outdoor pistol and long gun training. John, and his associate Amos, were professional, clear, patient and flexible with our needs (some of us were trained in different fundamentals, and he worked to address those differences).If you’re looking for someone who is a balance of clear instruction, incisive attention to detail, experience, and someone who is an instructor that will push without being a jerk, try Riddle Defense.

Had my second training with John and his team, it was an unparalleled experience. His teaching style is personal and to the point, I left a better person that I came. We can’t recommend him enough. Looking forward to the next session.

John is a one-of-a-kind instructor who challenged us to our limits and was right beside us the entire time doing so. The skills and knowledge he provided us was absolutely priceless and a must have Iin today’s times. There is no one out there that can’t benefit from his classes/courses.Thank you John for the experience!

John Riddle was an amazing teacher and will work with what ever level your at. I have had many different trainings and his was far superior than anyone elses

I teach high level performers for a living. John is the greatest teacher Ive ever met. I studied under him for a short time before moving. Still have yet to find his ability to instruct elsewhere. Ive found people that are experts, but none teach as well as John. If youre thinking about taking any of his courses, just do it. Only thing is, if you move out of town, good luck finding an equal replacement. It just doesnt exist.

I took 2 hand gun course from Riddle in the past 2 months. I have to say I had not only a lot of fun but I learned quite a bit. I have a law enforcement back ground and I shoot often but I felt that I learned new techniques and have much more confidence in my firearm abilities. One of the biggest factors that makes me want to come back and take these courses and recommend them to friends is that Riddle never pushes his own beliefs on you. He shows you techniques and what has worked for him and others, but he doesnt try to change your ways if something works well for you. The only thing he wants from you though is to be safe, which is very important during any firearm class. Whether you are a novice or expert, I recommend taking his firearm classes.

Re: Multi discipline handgun course - great course if you are looking to introduce an adaptive and intense training experience to build your skill set. The course combines physical drills with fine motor skill requirements which allows you to test yourself under stressful scenarios. Instructor john riddle is one of the best - intensely focused on safety and supporting your growth and development. 5/5

Great trainer, understands what is needed, where the client is at, where they want to be and how to get there. Can’t say enough good things.

John and Leigh are the real deal. Their training programs are beyond of what one can normally expect. The facilities are clean and safe.

Great School and very knowledgeable instructors. I learned a lot from John! I highly recommend them!

Riddle Defense is a an amazing place to train. John and the other trainers are excellent at what they do, and really take the time out to help each individual get better. The krav maga program is extensive, well taught, and focuses on real life application; and everyone in the class is supportive, friendly, and will help you get better. The fitness classes with Leigh are great as well. It’s a very fun class with lots of interval training, and as a trainer, Leigh will push you to achieve the best results possible. I truly couldn’t think of a better place to train, or better people to train with, and I highly recommend training here!!

This place is great. The instructors really care about student progress and teach how to defend in real-life scenarios. Been coming here for months and enjoy it every time. Highly recommended!

I spent the day with John and his team doing the Multi Discipline Handgun Course. What a great day! The skills John taught are based on his real world experience and were full of stressors we might have to encounter. Incredibly valuable and practical! And as always, John’s range is safe and there is a real comraderie there. Egos left at the door! Excellent day! Thanks John.

I took a great level one gun training class with John Riddle this weekend. If you own and have a CCW, and you’d like to learn how to use your gun safely and properly, John is an excellent instructor. He taught at an outdoor range, which allowed us to do things you cannot do at an indoor range. I recommend this instructor! Thank you, John.

When I first walked into this gym almost 2 years ago I immediately knew my search was over. Both John and Leigh are extremely motivating and devoted to each of their students. Regardless of age, athletic ability or skill level the classes are always beneficial to all. There is a very welcoming atmosphere and a non-judgmental attitude among the students and instructors. At the age of 53 I feel stronger than ever ( thanks to Leighs class) and much more aware and skilled to defend myself thanks to everything John has taught me.

This is not a place for just a workout. This is a school for folks who are serious about learning through hard work and collaboration. Expert instructors coach you and support you the whole way. My questions are always answered and I get the encouragement I need. The training reminds me of my US Army days - this is intense and I always feel proud to say I made it through a class!

I’ve been training with John and Leigh for 6 months in Krav Maga, MMA combat fitness, and handgun courses. They are the absolute best at what they do! The techniques and skills I have learned from John has given me confidence in knowing I can defend myself if ever needed. Leighs fitness classes are challenging and you will never get the same routine. At 45, I’m mentally and physically stronger than I have ever been in my life, dropped 23 pounds, and found real Camaraderie!

I have been involved with Progressive Self Defense for a number of years. I have not only taken self defense classes with John, Leigh has been my trainer for years. From John I have learned so much about shooting and find it so valuable to know the difference between shooting at a stationary target and learning how to shoot on the move. From Leigh I have made my body stronger with workouts that incorporate several different forms of training in each session. The workouts are always so varied it never gets boring, and they work out more than one part of your body with each exercise. Progressive self defense becomes more than a place to workout. They become family. I cant say enough good about this place and these people

I became interested in fitness in my mid-twenties and since then I have always been physically active. I started getting tired of the same old gym routine and wanted a new challenge. I did a search for self defense schools and I found Progressive Self Defense Systems. Since I had no prior self defense experience, walking through the door that first night was intimidating but after meeting John and Leigh I decided I would give it a shot. Since then, the school has become my second home. I have been with the school for about five years and it has been an amazing experience. I consider John and Leigh to be great instructors and the school has all the equipment and tools needed to learn and succeed.

I have been training with John for about 1 year. The training is meant for real world, day-to-day application. Everything we learn has a clear purpose and is designed to help you quickly and effectively deal with an attacker. Hands down the best self defense classes Ive ever taken.

Just wrapped up Defensive Handgun Level 2 with Progressive Self Defense Systems, and let me tell you the class was absolutely amazing! John Riddle brings a wealth of knowledge in the firearms training arena. This class and all of his classes prepare you for real world scenarios. His staff was extremely safe and professional in assisting him during the day. As a FFL Licensed Dealer with a brick and mortar shop, and being around the firearms business since 1979, I highly recommend taking Progressive Self Defense Systems Firearms classes!!!

As a firearms instructor for women I am always looking for female friendly courses for myself and my ladies. I had the pleasure of attending Defensive Handgun Level 1 and just completed Defensive Handgun Level 2 with John Riddle at Progressive Self Defense Systems. I can’t speak highly enough of John and his team. Professional, respectful and the classes are packed with drills that apply to real life scenarios and safety. John teaches you what to do and how to shoot as if you were in a gun fight defending yourself.Pure Excellence!I’m very much looking forward to the next class.

My mother is alive because of the lessons and self defense tactics she learned in John and Leigh’s class. If you want the best of the best it’s a no brainer of where you need to go.Thank you.

This is a great gym. The classes are tough but very good. The instructors are knowledgable and caring. If youre serious about learning or getting in shape, this is the place for you. From self defense to cardio classes, they have it all- for all levels.

If you have a concern, do not bring it up. If you have a concern and bring it up to Leigh, John is unable to be objective, and will defend her, as this is his fiance. That is a problem. There is a high injury rate here, but they are unwilling to look at it, or address it.Though I understand it is combat Krav Maga (is there another kind??) we are not actually at combat and moves do not have to be so aggressive, especially with females. I tried to bring this up (after an injury - sitting next to someone that hurt his back sitting next to someone with busted ribs, after talking to someone who broke his arm last year) and I was summarily dismissed, told this is not for me, and offered a refund.Youre right. My health goals are to be injury free, so its not for me. I took another Krav class for 3 months and there was not one injury. 2 months here and I can report 3. And I am not talking bruises, which I have a few and didnt mind.John is great, but DO NOT BRING UP ANY CONCERNS. Just nod your head, or go somewhere that is a little more concerned about injury rate in their class.*Interesting to see after I posted they have a couple ppl in their class post great reviews. Including the girl with the busted ribs. What these drones dont realize is that the IDF based these self defense moves on body mechanics. So you do NOT need to apply enough force to injure someone in order to pull off the moves while practicing. I know this bc I trained with actual IDF soldier in NY - in the class with no injuries. The injuries here are entirely preventable and unnecesary. Its too bad my concerns were brushed off. Someone is going to get hurt in that class. Badly.

John not only has an amazing place but takes the time with you that is needed! Very knowledgeable and has such an incredible background!

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