2026 Event Schedule
Thursday, September 17th
- 6:00p - 8:30p @ The Office - Attendee Check-In, grab goodie bags, enjoy some pizza and meet/greet fellow attendees
- 7:30p - 8:30p @ Saloon - Instructors Meeting
Friday, September 18th
- 6:30a - 7:15a @ The Office/Taurus USA Bullpen - Attendee Check-In, grab goodie bags, continental breakfast (pastries, fruit, coffee, etc.)
- 7:15a - 7:45a @ The Taurus USA Bullpen - Welcome and opening remarks, mandatory safety briefing for all attendees
- 8:00a - 12:00p @ Various - Training Day 1 begins!
- 12:00p - 1:15p @ The Taurus USA Bullpen - Lunch is served
- 1:30p - 5:30p @ Various - Training Day 1, Afternoon
- 7:00p - 10:30p @ Wilshire Gun - Low-Light Courses
- 6:00p - 8:30p @ The Taurus USA Bullpen - CCW Safe Dinner (Food will be served)
Saturday, September 19th
- 7:00a - 7:45a @ The Taurus USA Bullpen - Continental Breakfast (pastries, fruit, coffee, etc.)
- 8:00a - 12:00p @ Various - Training Day 2, Morning
- 12:00p - 1:15p @ The Taurus USA Bullpen - Lunch is served
- 1:30p - 5:30p @ Various - Training Day 2, Afternoon
- 6:00p - 8:30p @ The HK Clubhouse - Guardian Nation VIP & Staff Dinner (All current active Guardian Nation members, instructors, sponsors and staff invited)
Sunday, September 20th
- 7:00a - 7:45a @ The Taurus USA Bullpen - Continental Breakfast (pastries, fruit, coffee, etc.)
- 8:00a - 12:00p @ Various - Training Day 3, Morning
- 12:00p - 1:15p @ The Taurus USA Bullpen - Lunch is served
- 1:30p - 5:30p @ Various - Training Day 3, Afternoon
- 6:00p - 8:00p @ The HK Clubhouse - Celebration Dinner (Food will be served)
2026 Course Info
2026 classes have not been finalized. The 2025 classes are shown below to provide an example of what you might expect at The Guardian Conference.
Riley Bowman
ConcealedCarry.com - concealedcarry.com
Course Title
5 Drills for 5 Core Skills
Length
4 hrs
Est. Round Count
200
Brief Description
I spent the better part of a decade discovering what are the 5 key skills that a shooter should cultivate to suggest they have what it takes to make any shot, under stress, that might be required of them. The result of that was what formed the Pistol IQ Standards which test shooters on Accuracy, Draw, Recoil Management, Transitions, and Throttle Control. I will explain the theory and methodology behind these 5 drills and the skills required to excel at these shooting performance standards. Each student will get lots of specific, focused practice as well as at least one official attempt at the PIQ Standards to see where they score. The results of this will provide data on where and how to focus your efforts to get the biggest gains!
The Best Thing You Can Do For Your Shooting Progression
4 hrs
150
Interest piqued by the title? Good. This is intended to be an introductory course to competition shooting. Getting into competition has been the BEST thing I've done to push my abilities to the next level. Plus, it's just plain fun! If you're USPSA or IDPA curious, this is a great way to get your feet wet in a low-stress environment allowing you to focus on learning and getting a crash course on match prep, rules, equipment, and shooting your first competition stage. You'll be setup for success at future matches! Plus...all participants will get specific coaching and a run at shooting the official Guardian Conference match course which can qualify you for awesome prizes from our sponsors!
Advanced Competition Skills
4 hrs
200
Looking to up your game? This course is going to cover the major skills that separate average shooters from GREAT competitors at USPSA and IDPA matches. Lessons on stage breakdowns and planning, movement, position entries and exits, and transitions are just some of the huge takeaways you will get from this fast-paced course!
Dan Brady
Apache Solutions - apachenc.com
Course Title
Dryfire Structure & Techniques
Length
2 hrs
Est. Round Count
N/A
Brief Description
People know dryfire is important but many don’t know the variety of skills that can be honed and practiced in dryfire. This class explores structuring dryfire practice sessions for skill development. You will learn how to get started, what tools to use, and where you can expect to find efficiencies to be gained.
Student Gear: Holster, Handgun, BarrelBlok (can be borrowed from instructor), NO live ammo
Vehicle Defense Methods & Techniques
4 hrs
100+
Carrying concealed every day means being armed while driving or being a passenger in a vehicle regularly, but most people do not explore the skills required or even the problems associated with shooting in or around a vehicle. This will be a dynamic course that will be sure to teach you correct principles about dealing with the vehicle problem while pushing your skills in a safe and constructive manner.
White Light and Defense.
Friday Evening Only
3.5 hrs
100+
This class will explore the use of white light in conjunction with defensive firearms. What are the most common misconceptions about the use of light for defense? What are the common mistakes people make? What are the best ways to use white light to gain the advantage against an adversary in the dark? These questions plus more will be answered!
Zach Cox
Apache Solutions - apachenc.com
Course Title
Gauge Efficiency
Length
4 hrs
Est. Round Count
100 rounds of LEAD birdshot
Brief Description
How do you gauge efficiency? Do you control the shotgun or does the shotgun control you? In this session we will explore and uncover efficient ways of running your gauge, will expose and uncover any deficiencies that you may have. Be the commander of your shotgun and learn how to use it best.
Controlling The Chaos!
4 hrs
100
Music and Pistols??? What in the world?! Music is a universal language. What better way to teach firearms than being able to speak to any and everyone! Ditch the chaos, embrace the rhythm – Master firearm control with a musical twist. Ever feel like shooting is more "wild west" than a smooth symphony? You're not alone. But guess what? Controlling the chaos isn't just about strength – it's about focus, rhythm, and control. That's where our unique "Shoot to the Beat" workshop comes in. Imagine mastering your grip, timing, recoil control, and more, all while shooting to the music! This class will help you: -Find your flow: Learn to control the chaos with techniques inspired by musical timing and structure. -Unleash your inner badass: Feel the empowerment of mastering a powerful skill in a supportive, welcoming environment. -Enhance your focus and confidence: It's also a stress relief and a fun, unique workshop!
Rules Of The Gauge
4 hrs
100 rounds of lead birdshot
Get ready for a class filled with extensive shotgun information for the home-defense applications. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, this class is perfect for anyone who is interested in the house howitzer. Measure your skills to a carefully developed standard. You'll have the opportunity to explore various techniques and tricks related to manipulating the shotgun. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, this event promises to offer something for everyone. Get ready to push your limits and unlock your potential!
Caleb Causey
Lone Star Medics - lonestarmedics.com
Course Title
EDC Medical Gear
Length
2 hrs
Est. Round Count
N/A
Brief Description
Discussion on basic EDC medical gear for handling injuries involving major trauma and covering different methods of carry for transporting these tools to have them at a moment's notice.
Medical Skills Pressure Test
2 hrs
N/A
Test your current basic medical skills to find out what works and what needs improvement. You will be put under pressure with the constant support of a skilled instructor right there with you. Be prepared to get dirty as fake training blood will be introduced into scenarios.
Student gear: Clothes you don't mind getting a few stains on (fake blood.)
Wayne Dobbs
Hardwired Tactical Shooting
Course Title
Trigger Modes and Management
Length
4 hrs
Est. Round Count
100
Brief Description
This class covers the three types of trigger usage and their appropriate uses in practical shooting scenarios. Also included with this segment, students will be taught the LAPD Interactive Trigger Drills as a method of instruction and remediation for proper trigger and grip control.
Winning Drills for Street Encounter Skills
2 hrs
100
This course will be a quick, fun, and challenging introduction to low round count drills that students can use for assessment and training for defensive pistol use.
Cracking the PMO Code
4 hrs
150
Introduction to effective learning and use of PMOs (Pistol Mounted Optics). Learning why the dot works better for us from the stance of our stress biology and the training techniques of how to learn the presentation of the dot, proper target focus, shot delivery and recovery to the dot again. Discussion of open vs closed emitter systems, mounting and zeroing.
Student Gear: PMO equipped pistol with support tools. Optic must be properly mounted as there will not be time to install or armor equipment.
Kaery Dudenhofer
Kaery Concealed - kaeryconcealed.com
Course Title
Advanced Sniper Pistol Skills-Following Competence
Length
4 hrs
Est. Round Count
150-200
Brief Description
We'll pick up where Sniper Pistol left off and use performance enhancement imagery and score-able Sniper Pistol targets to score ourselves and find our 100% no-fail precision distances. Tools and strategies for emotional regulation and driving your focus of attention (internal vs external) to where it needs to be in order to prevail during the tense, uncertain, and rapidly evolving circumstances that surround critical incidents.
Triggerology--Management & Mental Mechanics
4 hrs
150-200
In a precision environment, aiming means little if the gun is moved even a quarter of an inch before the round leaves the barrel. Trigger management techniques for shooting in precision environments often begins with the instructor attempting to verbally describe a felt sensation--so let's learn how to efficiently and effectively learn, teach, and diagnose triggering the gun with drills from masters like Larry Mudgett, Massad Ayoob, Dave Spaulding, and Chuck Pressburg. If you'd like to learn how to detect and correct triggering trouble spots (in yourself and others) and develop competence and confidence in your precision game, this class is for you.
Chuck Haggard
Agile Training & Consulting - agiletactical.com
Course Title
Threat Identification and Decision Making
2 hrs
4 hrs
Est. Round Count
N/A
Brief Description
You will learn how to correctly identify threats, recognize pre-attack cues, and begin establishing a decision-making framework for deescalation, less-lethal, and/or lethal force options. Through the use of inert training guns and inert OC spray canisters, we will explore efficient and proper deployment of your defensive tools to help ensure the best outcome in a tricky situation. Get ready to have your mettle tested in these pressure-filled scenarios that Chuck guides you through!
Ballistics Mythbusters
4 hrs
100
You carry defensive loads for dealing with deadly threats, how would you like hands-on testing and verification of your chosen defensive ammunition to know it will perform like you want it to? This course is for you! Chuck Haggard, a recognized terminal ballistics expert, will provide the opportunity to test your defensive ammo in ballistics gel, testing variables like penetration and expansion, and then also testing your ammo in your actual defensive gun to verify whether POA (Point-of-Aim) and POI (Point-of-Impact) match, and for reliability in your actual carry gun.
Student Gear: 50 rounds of defensive ammunition (jacketed hollow point or similar) and 50 rounds of standard training ammo (FMJ)
Grip, Sights, Trigger
4 hrs
200
This course is a practice and coaching session in improving one's trigger management and recoil control skills with the semi-auto pistol. This course should be of particular interest to folks who have issues with the dreaded "low and left" hits on target (low and right for you lefties). It will also cover the safe use of a holster, drawing and getting good hits on target.
Low-light Fundamentals
(Friday Afternoon only)
4 hrs
150
This seminar is the introductory course required to attend the live-fire shooting course held in the evening of the same day. We will cover the skill sets needed to effectively utilize a pistol in a low light environment in conjunction with white light. Subjects covered: Equipment choices, including what handgun, sights, flashlights, holsters; Utilizing a pistol in conjunction with a hand held light in a search scenario; Safely and effectively utilizing a handgun with a weapon mounted light; Utilizing a light as a force multiplier tool in a street or home defense scenario.
Student Gear: Handheld flashlight, spare batteries, weapon-mounted light optional.
Low-light Shooting and Tactics
(Friday Evening only)
3-4 hrs
175
This course is the live-fire shooting portion conducted at night that requires attendees to attend the seminar held a few hours earlier on the same day. We will cover the skill sets needed to effectively utilize a pistol in a low light environment in conjunction with white light. Subjects covered: Equipment choices, including what handgun, sights, flashlights, holsters; Utilizing a pistol in conjunction with a hand held light in a search scenario; Safely and effectively utilizing a handgun with a weapon mounted light; Utilizing a light as a force multiplier tool in a street or home defense scenario.
Student Gear: Handheld flashlight, spare batteries, weapon-mounted light optional.
Brian Hill
Course Title
3 Modes of Training
Length
4 hrs
Est. Round Count
150
Brief Description
How to develop accuracy/precision, speed/efficiency, and performance mode. The approaches to training each mode, their strengths and limitations, and how to combine them in performance mode.
Technique, Psychology, and Physiology-The How, When, and How much of Shooting
4 hrs
150
Technique teaches the shooter how to shoot, Psychology tells them when to shoot, and Physiology determines how much effort is needed. An exploration of how these 3 factors influence our ability to perform, and to manage them to get the most out of our skill.
Tyler Tharp
Course Title
Intro to the AR15
Length
4 hrs
Est. Round Count
100
Brief Description
Learn how to operate, setup, and zero your AR15. Expect to leave with a fundamental understanding of safety and operation of your AR15.
Student Gear: Any variation of the AR15 and 2 magazines (one of which being a 20 round mag would be ideal) Loaners will be available on a limited basis
Performance AR15
4 hrs
100
A deeper understanding of zeroing, external ballistics, positional shooting, and shooting small targets at distance. This course is perfect for anyone that is competent with safety as it pertains to a rifle. There will be a course of fire at the end with an award for the winner.
Student Gear: Any variation of the AR15 and 2 magazines (one of which being a 20 round mag would be ideal), and a sling. Loaners will be available on a limited basis
Course Title
Draw the Line: Defensive Display vs. Brandishing
Length
2 hrs
Est. Round Count
N/A
Brief Description
Understanding the difference between brandishing and justifiable defensive display is critical for every concealed carrier. This two-hour presentation explores how a well-executed defensive display can stop a threat without firing a shot—potentially saving lives and avoiding costly legal battles. Learn when and how to display your firearm legally and effectively, reducing your risk while enhancing your ability to protect yourself responsibly. Make smarter decisions under stress with knowledge grounded in real cases and expert insight.
AJ Zito
Practical Performance - practicalperformance.org
Course Title
Red Dot Performance
Length
4 hrs
Est. Round Count
200
Brief Description
Red Dot Performance is intended for shooters both new to and experienced with "red dot" equipped pistols. This block will cover different types of dots, mounting, zeroing, finding the dot on presentation, and making the dot behave predictably during shooting.
Student Gear: Red/Green Dot Equipped Pistol
Handgun Performance
4 hrs
150
This course is intended for students who have a solid understanding of pistol mechanics. Students will learn about how to make their guns perform predictably under recoil, during transitions, and overall performance. This is not a beginner-level course.
Adam Winch
Defenders USA - defenders-usa.com
Course Title
Worst Case Scenario - Fighting Handgun Concepts
Length
4 hrs
Est. Round Count
250
Brief Description
This session is intended for those who are already safe, proficient handgun handlers and shooters. You will learn: impacts in relation to height over bore and bullet trajectory at varying distances, acceptable accuracy to extreme precision shooting, learning and growing realistic and legally-defensible fight speeds with a handgun, gun handling and accurately shooting on the move, to include the explosive movements needed in a fight, high-stress physical exertion shooting, shooting from unconventional positions and at all points of the compass, shooting in defense of others, moving, controlling and/or shielding others while using a handgun, engaging threats in close quarters with others nearby, decisional shooting, and more. This is a moderately physical course and, using the training involved, attendees need to be able to move up and down off the ground and from varying awkward positions multiple times while safely handling a loaded firearm and working through situations that will carefully grow in complexity.
Student Gear: A mat or knee/elbow pads may be helpful (I usually do not use one unless on very sharp, rocky terrain but you will be spending time on the ground so bring one if you want). If wearing a fancy competition rigs or OWB you do not want to get any scratches, you may want to consider a different holster system - OWB, Duty gear, or AIWB is more than acceptable and I will be using AIWB.