“I recently completed the Fundamentals of Defensive Handgun training with Thomas and learned so much. The training was comprehensive, covering the practical skills and mindset needed to handle a firearm responsibly. Thomas was thorough and patient, taking the time to ensure I understood the material. His calm, knowledgeable approach made the learning environment welcoming for me as a new firearm owner. By the end of the course, I felt significantly more confident in operating a firearm and doing so safely and with awareness. I would highly recommend Thomas’ course to anyone seeking serious, well-rounded training in concealed carry and personal safety.”
T.A. – Boulder County
“Thomas’ expertise provided me with a broad range of skills needed for my CHP— from input on nuanced body mechanics to important reflections on the how, why, and when the deployment of my firearm may be needed. I enjoyed the class and his teaching style and the option of having the classroom setting in my own home made it easy!“
J.D. – Boulder County
“Thomas was very approachable, prepared, competent and clearly took an interest in his students’ learning the material. And his suggestions at the range are alone worth the time with him.”
J.P. – Boulder County
“Thomas’ class was incredibly thorough, informative, well organized and a good update for all the legislative changes in CO. Thomas’ class was not only a good refresher course but thought provoking as well. I finished the class knowing I was more confident and prepared because of his instruction. He has an obvious passion for training and teaching others. I highly recommend this class whether you are a beginner or an expert.”
J.R. – Boulder County
“Great course. Even as an experienced shooter there were new things I picked up today. Very helpful, and well worth it!”
J.P. – Boulder County
“I recommended your course to an elderly man I met at the sheriff’s office. In other news, today my CCP was approved. Thank you again.
R.C. – Boulder County
“Thomas, it was truly an honor to be graced with your knowledge. Thank you for all that you do.”
Joshua – Brookings, OR
“Starting as a novice gun owner, my expectations were exceeded in the Fundamentals of Defensive Handgun Training. I was impressed and pleased to not only learn how to train with my gun but also be challenged to think about self-defense, consider my awareness of my environments and what I might do to decrease the chance of ever having to use my gun to defend myself. This philosophy and conversations surrounding it completed the training in my experience. After our course I feel 100% ready to visit the range on my own to practice. Learning about safety was one of my main goals and I can confidently say that I feel I will be a safe gun owner. I am also a pretty good shot come to find out, of course Thomas gets a lot of the credit for that!
G.F. – Broomfield, CO
“Thomas is a very professional, thorough and patient teacher. I would recommend his class to anyone who is new to gun ownership as a reliable way to make sure you are acquainted with gun fundamentals, safety, and more beyond that. He has a way of providing enough detail for you to feel like you are getting all the necessary information, and yet doesn’t overwhelm you in the moment. I found this to be key in feeling like I was understanding the material and connecting it to actually handling my weapon.”
R.C. – Boulder County
“I want to thank Thomas for the opportunity to participate in his handgun safety class. Thomas was very thorough, organized and knowledgeable in Gun safety training. His teaching on the subject of Mindset was such a great, new learning experience for me. It really opened my mind to new and different situations that may arise on any given day. Being a handgun owner is a big responsibility and Thomas emphasizes this thoroughly throughout the course. I would recommend this class to anyone that wants to learn the responsibility in owning a handgun and the proper way to secure and use your handgun safely.
A.M.C.B – Brookings, OR
“Thomas Forlano’s Fundamentals of Defensive Handgun course was very comprehensive and effective, offering teachings on safety, self-defense, gun handling, and shooting. The course was taught in an enthusiastic and friendly manner that was both educational and enjoyable. With very little prior experience, I was able to shoot on target after receiving Mr. Forlano’s instruction and feedback. I now have a foundation of knowledge and experience to become a responsible and skilled gun owner should I choose to do so.”
J.B. – Boulder County
“This three-session course with Thomas bridged me from a shaky-handed, new gun owner to a new level of confidence and an application of the fundamentals of shooting. There was a certain element of delight in finding by the end of our shooting range day that I had been able to bring my shots closer on target. There are just things you can’t teach yourself, and I wouldn’t want to try this without a patient guide. He allowed room for taking each step of the way as slowly as I needed to, in such a way that I have learned how to self-correct independently based on repetitive teaching that placed safety upfront.”
A.C. – Boulder County
“I am someone who had not worked with this type of material in a few decades. Thomas is professional, competent, and he really communicates and instructs so well. Thomas was focused, comprehensive, well-prepared, patient, present-minded, and encouraging. Thomas is a great instructor and is an impactful coach to learn from as well, he communicates directly, concisely and really makes the material come alive. While I have trusted Thomas for some time as a teacher, he was able to read and discern my needs, learning style, and he adapted to where I was with the material, and he met and started teaching with me where I was. This instilled immediate comfort and rapport with him in learning new material. For me, Thomas helped me come up with habits, workflows and corrections to overcome what were my unique learning curve and knowledge base when I trained with him. Thomas has a passion and presence about him and this material that was infectious and lit me up about learning these necessary core skills and competencies of FDH.”
C.S. – Boulder County
The Fundamentals of Defensive Handgun training with Thomas was a highly informative and in-depth training that left me with a competence and confidence that I did not have going in. Along with Thomas’ obvious passion and thorough knowledge on handgun law, safety, handling, and marksmanship, Thomas is a skillful and patient teacher; able to meet the student right where they are at and make sure that what is being taught is being absorbed. Along with two classroom style sessions, we did a third session at the gun range where the objective results of our learning could be seen. With Thomas’ coaching both my wife and I were able to significantly improve our marksmanship and confidence handling our gun. I would highly recommend Thomas to anyone who is interested in becoming a more knowledgeable and skillful firearm owner.
J.F. – Broomfield, CO
Relaxing during 250-Pistol, Gunsite Academy.
