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About Your
Instructor
A passion for personal safety education backed by elite certifications and over a decade of teaching experience in East Tennessee.
Trained. Certified.
Committed to Your Safety.
Blackthorn Defense Tactics was founded on a simple but powerful belief: every person deserves the knowledge and skills to protect themselves and the people they love. What you don't know can get you or someone else killed. What you do know can save lives.
Since 2014, Blackthorn Defense Tactics has been providing firearms training and personal safety education to individuals, families, and organizations throughout East Tennessee. The curriculum is built around real-world skills – not just passing a test – with an emphasis on safety, awareness, and practical application.
As a USCCA Certified Instructor, NRA Certified Instructor, NRA Chief Range Safety Officer, and The Well Armed Woman Certified Instructor, this is among the most credentialed civilian firearms instruction available in the region.
The range of courses – from Concealed Carry and Defensive Pistol to Women's Safety, Church/Workplace training, and Emergency First Aid – reflects a comprehensive view of personal safety that goes beyond pulling a trigger.
"Awareness is your first defense."
This isn't just a tagline. The most effective form of personal protection is never needing to use a weapon at all. Situational awareness, threat recognition, conflict avoidance, and smart safety habits keep you and your family safer before any other skill comes into play.
The firearm is the last resort – but when that last resort is needed, you will be ready.
Instructor credentials
USCCA Certified Instructor
The United States Concealed Carry Association Certified Instructor designation represents one of the highest civilian firearms instruction credentials available. USCCA instructors are trained in safe handling, marksmanship, legal use of force, and adult education methodology.
NRA Certified Instructor
The National Rifle Association Certified Instructor credential qualifies the holder to teach NRA's full range of civilian firearms courses, including basic pistol, personal protection, and home firearm safety programs.
NRA Chief Range Safety Officer
The NRA's highest range safety credential. A Chief Range Safety Officer is qualified to oversee all range activities, train range safety officers, and ensure the highest standards of safety in any range environment.
The Well Armed Woman Certified Instructor
Specialized certification focused on the unique needs and experiences of women in firearms training. This credential reflects both the expertise and the commitment to making firearms education welcoming, effective, and empowering for women.
What Sets This Training Apart
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Safety Above Everything
Every session begins and ends with the fundamentals of safe firearm handling. Safety is never treated as a formality – it's the foundation everything else is built on.
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Meet Students Where They Are
No two students come with the same background. Instruction is tailored to your current skill level, your goals, and your pace – not a fixed curriculum.
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Real-World Relevant
Skills are taught in the context of actual scenarios students might face – not just range drills. The goal is preparedness, not performance on paper.
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Welcoming to Everyone
Especially to women and first-time shooters who may feel intimidated. The environment is designed to be supportive, encouraging, and free of judgment.
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Legal Awareness
Understanding the law isn't optional for responsible firearm owners. Every course incorporates the legal framework around ownership, carry, and use of force.
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Complete Safety Picture
True preparedness includes knowing what to do after a shooting or emergency. Emergency First Aid is offered alongside every other course for complete coverage.
Book a Class with Blackthorn Defense Tactics
Over a decade of experience. Multiple elite certifications. A commitment to your safety and success.
423-446-SAFE(7233) · call or text