Instructors
Brian Simmons
Brian Simmons began the study of armed arts under the mentorship of nationally recognized firearms instructor Michael Harries, creator of the Harries Flashlight Technique – a technique that is universally employed today by law enforcement agencies and the military. Brian began studying pistol craft and rifle craft privately with Mr. Harries in the late 1990’s. He regularly participated in and periodically organized events at Desert Marksmen Rifle & Pistol Club in Califonia during the 90's - early 2000's. He also studied these armed arts directly with Pat Rogers, Gunsite Academy Instructor and Michael Horne, who was match director of the Soldier of Fortune 3 Gun match from 1985 until 2000, former director of the Southwest Pistol League and for many years an instructor at Gunsite Academy.
Brian is eternally grateful for the generosity of these men (and others) for passing on their wealth of knowledge to him.
Brian Simmons currently holds the rank of Marksman I in the basic pistol course of Gunsite Academy, one of the world’s most prestigious shooting schools. He has been an active member of Southern California’s Tactical Combat (SCTC) group for over 20 years, and trains on a regular basis in different scenario-based shooting exercises.
Since 2004 he has independently taught many men and women self defense with firearms. Based on his extensive practical experience with firearms and his natural gift for teaching martial arts, he developed Beyond CCW under the banner of Shin Gan Dojo https://shingandojo.com He has been teaching martial arts full time for over 20 years.
Brian has provided individualized personal security consultation for private individuals. He has designed and directed practical and defensive shooting events for many years. He has a broad understanding of realistic weapons retention and removal that draws on his extensive knowledge of traditional martial arts applied to modern firearms.
Training is a life-long pursuit, Sensei Brian Simmons continues his study in both un-armed and armed arts. He is continually furthering his knowledge of personal security, armed combat and tactical defense.
Gigi Simmons
In the spring of 2008 Gigi Simmons began learning pistol craft with Sensei Brian Simmons. She completed the full Beyond CCW curriculum through the Shin Gan Dojo. Since then she regularly participates in firearms classes and events taught by Brian, both indoor dry-fire and outside live-fire. Her practice includes tactical drills and scenario based exercises.
She has participated in several Weapons Disarm and Pistol Retention workshops at Shin Gan Dojo. Her continuing study and practice of traditional Japanese martial arts, is complementary to this skill set. You can learn more about her traditional martial arts experience at https://shingandojo.com/instructors
In 2010 she began learning rifle craft from Brian Simmons and went to her first firearms event directed by the late Michael Horne in May of that year. She feels privileged and fortunate to have attended a second event Directed by Michael Horne in May 2015.
Since 2008 and 2010 respectively, she has continued regular training, participating in most classes and events taught by Sensei Simmons. She has shared her unique perspective with other women interested in self defense and has served as an Assistant Instructor in a variety of firearms classes. She currently provides operational support at Urban Defense Academy.
Self confidence, awareness, marksmanship skill, knowledge of proper equipment and effective ways to carry concealed are just some of principles she has integrated over the years into her daily life.
Guest Instructors
We are looking forward to partnering with guest instructors to provide additional options to meet your training needs.