Business Details
21 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Firearms Training in Rochester, NY
At Rochester Personal Defense, we prioritize practical, real-world training to equip individuals with the skills necessary for personal safety. Our team of certified instructors brings decades of combined experience in firearms training, self-defense, and law enforcement education. Since 2005, we have trained thousands of civilians and law enforcement professionals, emphasizing safety, legal compliance, and situational awareness. Our curriculum is designed to build confidence through hands-on instruction, covering everything from basic firearm handling to advanced defensive tactics. We maintain rigorous instructor development standards to ensure consistency and quality across all our courses.Our philosophy centers on empowering individuals to protect themselves and their loved ones while adhering to ethical and legal principles. With a focus on continuous learning, we offer specialized programs for women, security professionals, and multi-state concealed carry permit holders. Our training facilities and methodologies are modeled after real-life scenarios, ensuring practical application of skills. We are committed to transparency, professionalism, and fostering a supportive environment for all students. As a trusted leader in personal defense education, we strive to make safety accessible to everyone.
Services
Firearms Training
Self-Defense Courses
Pistol Permit Classes
Security Guard Certification
Women's Defense Programs
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- Certified instructors with decades of law enforcement and defensive training experience
- Curriculum developed from real-world scenarios and legal compliance standards
- Specialized women's training programs focusing on confidence and practical skills
- Multi-state concealed carry permit preparation recognized across jurisdictions
- Proven track record training over 5,000 students since 2005
Associations and certifications
- National Rifle Association (NRA)
What people say
Phenomenal training
Expert professionals
Confidence-building
Knowledgeable instructors
Hands-on experience
Services
18HR NYS CCW Course
This comprehensive 18-hour course meets New York State requirements for pistol license applicants. Students learn firearm safety laws, proper handling techniques, and legal use-of-force parameters. The program combines classroom instruction with practical range training to prepare individuals for concealed carry certification.
Handgun Training
Our handgun training programs teach responsible firearm ownership and defensive shooting techniques. Courses cover safety protocols, marksmanship fundamentals, and scenario-based decision-making. Both novice and experienced shooters develop practical skills for personal protection and recreational shooting.
Women's Defense Programs
Specially designed courses empower women through firearms training and unarmed defense strategies. Instructors focus on situational awareness, de-escalation tactics, and confidence-building exercises. These programs create a supportive environment for women to develop comprehensive personal safety skills.
Security Guard Certification
This intensive program prepares individuals for New York State security guard licensing requirements. Training includes conflict resolution, emergency response protocols, and legal responsibilities. Graduates gain practical skills for protecting people and property in various security environments.
Multi-State CCW Courses
Designed for travelers and frequent movers, this course covers concealed carry laws across multiple jurisdictions. Students learn state-specific regulations, firearm transport requirements, and legal compliance strategies. The program prepares individuals for responsible concealed carry in 30+ reciprocal states.
People
David Jenkins
Founder and Primary Instructor
With over 25 years of firearms training experience, David developed our core curriculum emphasizing awareness and preparedness. He has trained thousands of students in defensive tactics and legal compliance.
Darcie Murray
Women's Training Division Lead
Darcie specializes in women's self-defense programs, combining generational firearms knowledge with modern safety techniques. Her approach focuses on practical skill development and confidence-building for female students.
Wendy Saetta
Lead Instructor - Women's Training
Wendy brings expertise in defensive pistol sports and unarmed self-defense strategies. She has developed our women's curriculum to address real-world safety scenarios while maintaining an accessible learning environment.
Matt Underwood
Senior Instructor
With a shooting background since childhood, Matt coordinates advanced training programs. He specializes in firearms history and tactical applications, ensuring students receive comprehensive technical knowledge.
Frank Coniglio
Utah Firearms Instructor
Frank contributes specialized training in concealed carry techniques and rural safety scenarios. His decades of shooting sports experience enhance our multi-state permit preparation programs.
Questions
What self-defense training options are available for women?
We offer specialized women's courses combining firearms training with unarmed defense techniques in a supportive environment.
How do I obtain a New York State pistol permit?
Complete our 18-hour NYS CCW course covering legal requirements, safety protocols, and practical shooting skills.
Do you offer multi-state concealed carry training?
Yes, our Multi-State CCW course prepares you for concealed carry in 30+ reciprocal states with comprehensive legal coverage.
What security guard training programs are available?
We provide NYS-certified security guard training covering emergency response, legal responsibilities, and conflict resolution techniques.
Are beginner-friendly firearms courses available?
Yes, our handgun training programs accommodate all skill levels with progressive instruction from basic safety to advanced tactics.
What makes your instructors qualified?
Our team includes NRA-certified professionals with law enforcement backgrounds and decades of combined defensive training experience.
