Armed Self-Protection Training

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Helping Others Learn How to Defend Themselves

When words and avoidance are not enough, having the right training to responsibly carry and use firearms or other conventional weapons can be vital for your safety. At Pugh Self-Protection & Combatives, we offer comprehensive armed self-protection courses, including firearms training, concealed carry education, and practical use of pepper spray, stun guns, knives, batons, and other weapons. Our goal is to prepare responsible individuals to defend themselves effectively and ethically in critical situations. Remember, a weapon is no good, unless you can access it!

  • Two men practicing martial arts in a gym. One blocks a punch from the other, who wears a blue shirt and black pants.

Why Choose Our Armed Self-Protection Program?

Our mission is to equip you with real-world skills and the knowledge necessary to carry and use weapons safely, legally, and effectively. Our training emphasizes understanding the legal and ethical responsibilities that come with armed self-defense, combined with practical techniques, decision-making, and situational awareness. Whether you're seeking personal protection, professional qualification, or compliance training, our courses are designed to meet your needs.

Topics We Cover

Our armed self-protection training programs include:

  • The Essentials Firearm Safety & Operation:

    This training covers essential safe handling of firearms & introduces students on how to safely operate a firearm in terms of loading, unloading, firing, & cleaning. Training is designed around the student’s make, model, & type of firearm(s). Legal use of a handgun is also covered.

  • The Essentials of Civilian Use of Pepper Spray, CED/Stun Guns, Knives, & Batons:

    This training covers legal & practical civilian uses of pepper spray, CED/Stun Guns, Knives, & Batons and how to access & utilize such weapons in a variety of scenarios.

  • Protecting Against Single Assailants:

    This training covers accessing & utilizing concealed handguns, pepper spray, CED/Stun Guns, Knives, and/or Batons against a single assailant.

  • Protecting Against Multiple Assailants:

    This training covers accessing & utilizing concealed handguns, pepper spray, CED/Stun Guns, Knives, and/or Batons against multiple assailants.

  • Protection for Non-Bipedal Fighting:

    This training covers accessing & utilizing concealed handguns, pepper spray, CED/Stun Guns, Knives, and/or Batons while in positions other than standing – kneeling, laying down, prone, seated, & reclining.

  • Protection Against Armed Threats:

    This training covers accessing & utilizing concealed handguns, pepper spray, CED/Stun Guns, Knives, and/or Batons against assailants that are armed with firearms, edged weapons, and/or impact weapons.

  • Fighting from Restricted Positions:

    This training covers accessing & utilizing concealed handguns, pepper spray, CED/Stun Guns, Knives, and/or Batons while in restricted positions such as bear hugs, headlocks, wrist/arm grabs, tackles, & neck grabs/chokes.

  • Home Invasion Readiness:

    This training covers accessing & utilizing firearms, pepper spray, CED/Stun Guns, Knives, and/or Batons during a home invasion.

Specialized Courses

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18-hour NYS Concealed Handgun Permit Course:

This state-mandated course educates and trains individuals on the safe, legal, and responsible use of firearms for concealed carry. Successful completion fulfills the educational & training requirement for obtaining a NYS Concealed Carry Permit.

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LEOSA Qualification Course:

Held twice annually in the Spring and Fall, this qualification (Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act a.k.a. HR 218) course allows qualified retired police and peace officers, that successfully pass the course, to carry a concealed firearm in all 50 states and U.S. territories. The course must be completed annually to maintain qualification.

  • Two men practice self-defense on a black mat. One chokes the other, who is wearing a green shirt, while the other man blocks.

Why Choose Our Program?

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Real-World Preparedness:

Our training emphasizes practical tactics, legal understanding, and decision-making under pressure.

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Responsible Gun Ownership:

Education on the legal, ethical, and safety responsibilities that come with carrying and using weapons.

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Comprehensive & Flexible:

Courses are suitable for civilians, law enforcement officers, security personnel, and military members.

Pugh Self-Protection & Combatives

Take Action for Your Safety

Responsible armed self-protection begins with proper training and ongoing education. Whether you're seeking a concealed carry permit, professional qualification, or advanced self-protection skills, Pugh Self-Protection & Combatives is here to guide you every step of the way.


Contact us today to learn more about our courses or to schedule your training!
Serving the U.S.A. | info@PughSelfProtection.com | (607)202-5999 Option #1 – you can also text us!