Testimonials

These are just a few of the testimonials that Joe has received. You can view more on the course listing page for the specific class you are interested in also.

January 31, 2006

Letter of appreciation for Mr. Joe Kalil and Defensive Handgun Training LLC:

Joe Kalil is by far the best firearms and personal defense instructor I have ever met. He is a gifted instructor with years of experience, a wealth of knowledge and has undergone tactics and skills training that would rival the best in law enforcement this country has to offer. In fact, I personally witnessed him outshoot (by a wide margin) several members of a SWAT Team in competition.

I have seen Joe shoot many times in competition and my son and I have both shot while Joe served as a Range Safety Officer. He is by far the most aware, cautious, and technically proficient shooter and coach I have ever seen. Joe has the right mix of patience, an outstanding attitude and the ability to communicate exceptionally well both in the classroom and out on the range.
I had the distinct honor of being in Joe’s first Concealed Carry Course in Kentucky. I had previously carried concealed in Texas and can say without exception, Joe’s course was more in depth, more practical and was a much better value than the previous concealed carry course I attended. Joe’s first course was some time ago – I can only imagine how much his course has improved since then, if that’s even possible.

Many folks have hobbies that come and go but just a few have real passions that stand the test of time. Joe is sincerely passionate about personal defense. He has literally spent decades perfecting his craft and learning as much as he could from the Army and the best private and federal schools in the US. He devotes the time and energy required to keep his skill set comfortably at a level most of us will never experience.

Thank you Joe for teaching me and my son so much about firearms and personal defense – Until I met you, I actually thought I knew something. Thanks again Joe! We will be back for more training!

Mike Margolis

A little on my background and perspective: I was raised by a Marine, was in the Marine Corps and was an Air Force officer and pilot. I grew up around guns, have owned guns since childhood and have carried concealed. I have shot in IDPA competitions and frequent the local range to keep my skills up and teach my kids about firearms.

February 2006

Having been closely associated with deadly weapons during 23 years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps, including 3 combat tours, I was skeptical of the value to me of the formal course required by Kentucky to obtain a Concealed Deadly Weapons License. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the highly professional and instructive course that Joe Kalil conducted. His extensive knowledge of weapons and tactics based upon his Army combat operations experience and years of teaching self-defense and shooting techniques make him an exceptionally qualified instructor. This experience combined with his well organized and capably delivered presentation went well beyond the state requirements. Also, his periodic updates of local laws and other pertinent information that he continues to provide to attendees following the course have been a valuable added benefit. I highly recommend attending any course Joe Kalil conducts.

Sincerely,

Robert Griffin
U.S. Marine Corps, Retired

June, 2007

With the ever increasing crime statistics and threats against personal safety that impact individuals today, I considered my ability to protect and defend myself and found that I was not able to do so effectively. Being a woman who hadn’t fired a weapon in over 20 years, I learned of Joe Kalil’s weapons training course through a friend and with some hesitancy about attending, signed up for and then attended his basic weapons course in order to obtain a CC permit in early 2007.

Thinking I would be the only woman in the class I arrived with some trepidation. I was not the only woman in the group that day (I was one of three ) and it was a small, relaxed ‘class’ (if one should one call it that)as we attended at a residence and informality ruled the atmosphere of our small group of attendees. We were able to stretch out, be comfortable, eat lunch (as it was provided for us) and interact with Joe (our instructor) on a first name basis which encouraged positive motivation and learning in the class. In fact, class is a misnomer; it was a comfortable and ambient atmosphere and more like a group of people whose interest was in learning self defense under the law and the weapons in which to use.

Joe is a most thorough instructor in weapons training and self defense. I am amazed at his level of expertise in recognizing and defending oneself against personal threats. He presented several scenarios in which one may (hopefully not) find oneself and how to avoid or defend such a situation. Particularly, to me, a woman, he addressed circumstances in which women may encounter and thus, defend oneself against threatening circumstances. And some of the situations that were discussed were most revealing, as I had not considered them until that very day!

In addition to discussion about personal safety, I learned about various weapons of self defense, and the ‘hardware’ of guns. I observed and then was able to safely handle, dismantle and reassemble a .38 before we went to the target area to demonstrate our use of a weapon. Many in the group had many years of weapons experience and were extremely knowledgeable about weapons. Joe, considering my absence of 20 years of handling a firearm, was patient as I slowly reassembled and learned again, the various parts of a weapon, and how to safely clean one. He explained, in common sense language, about each weapon presented, the laws governing their use, and the care of such weapons.

Then it was on to the target range and once again, I realized my reluctance to attend this course was all for nothing. Joe, being the expert that he is in weapons and firearms, demonstrated and patiently waited as I eventually found my target and hit its mark. Never once did I feel inferior to those more experienced standing next to me and firing. Joe provided the additional time I needed In order to get comfortable and demonstrate the required level of shooting I needed in order to successfully complete the course, of which I am proud to say that I did!

All in all, I am so very glad that I attended Joe Kalil’s basic weapon course and I look forward to attending more advanced courses. Joe’s profiency is highly advanced as demonstrated and established by the well deserved list of credentials he has earned.
I highly recommend and urge those who are looking for weapons training to give Joe’s class serious consideration. And for the women out there who would like to begin a basic course or for those who wish to expand their level of expertise, I again recommend Joe’s courses! He is an excellent instructor and goes out of his way to make one comfortable in order to grasp the needed knowledge to obtain a CC permit.

It was a most interesting day!!

Karen Fielding

June 2007

Going into the class, I was a little apprehensive about how I would grasp the material. Joe’s extensive background combined with the immediate interactive nature of the class put an end to that feeling after about 2 minutes. Although I was one of only two women in the class, there was an instant knowledge that there are no gender preferences when it comes to the safety, as well as the respect, for firearms. Keeping in mind the saying “there are no stupid questions” I ended the day with an overwhelming comfort knowing I have the power as a woman to protect myself just as well as anyone else. Thanks for making a long day in class a very enjoyable experience that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life!

Donna Conroy