Technical Mastery. Real-World Readiness.
At Urban Defense Academy, our instructors bring over 30 years of dedicated experience in both armed and unarmed defensive arts. By integrating the mechanical efficiency of traditional martial disciplines with the precision of modern firearms proficiency, we provide a logical, step-by-step system of learning. Our curriculum is designed to provide you with the technical independence and fortitude required for real-world personal protection.
Brian Simmons
Co-Founder | Head Instructor
Brian Simmons is the lead instructor and visionary behind the curriculum at Urban Defense Academy. With over three decades of experience in armed self-defense, Brian is dedicated to providing citizens with a rock-solid foundation of essential skills. His approach is rooted in the belief that modern firearm proficiency is a crucial evolution of the defensive arts, requiring a balance of technical precision and a decisive mindset.
Two Pillars of Mastery
Brian’s instructional philosophy is built upon two distinct areas of long-term study:
- Advanced Firearms Lineage: Brian’s foundation was formed through intensive one-on-one mentorship under the legendary Michael Harries, a pioneer in low-light tactics. He further refined his craft at the prestigious Gunsite Academy, earning the rank of Marksman I under the late Pat Rogers. His teaching remains grounded in the “Modern Technique of the Pistol” developed by Jeff Cooper, emphasizing marksmanship, gun handling, and real-world mindset.
- Martial Arts Mastery: With a holistic view of personal safety, Brian maintains a dedicated study of both armed and unarmed defensive disciplines. By viewing firearm proficiency through the lens of traditional martial principles, he provides an unparalleled depth of instruction that bridges the gap between mechanical efficiency and the demands of modern personal protection.
Technical Experience & Curriculum Design
Brian’s expertise is defined by a history of professional leadership and high-level collaboration. From 2004 to 2018, he founded and operated Beyond CCW in Nevada, establishing a reputation for practical, no-nonsense training. During his six years with the Southern California Tactical Combat (SCTC) group, he was mentored by Michael Horne, the renowned designer of the Soldier of Fortune 3-Gun Championship competition. This collaboration allowed Brian to master the art of designing realistic, mentally engaging training scenarios that challenge students to think and react effectively in true-to-life situations.
Philosophy: Foundations for Readiness
At Urban Defense Academy, Brian focuses on the “Practical Citizen”—the individual who requires effective self-preservation tools for the real world. His training is uncompromisingly realistic, stripping away ego and sports-based bravado to focus on the mechanical foundations that lead to advanced capability. His mission is to ensure that every student leaves the academy not just with a skill set, but with the confidence to Be Ready.
Gigi Simmons
Director of Operations | Range Safety Officer | Instructor
Gigi Simmons is the operational backbone and a foundational instructor at Urban Defense Academy. With a professional background in corporate Human Resources, Gigi transitioned her expertise in organizational leadership and people operations to the defensive arts, ensuring that every student’s journey from initial inquiry to the range is seamless, professional, and purpose-driven.
A Legacy of Discipline
Gigi’s expertise is built on two distinct pillars of dedicated study:
- Firearms Proficiency: Her firearms journey began in 2008 in Nevada, where she spent 10 years intensively developing technical skills in pistol and tactical rifle under the direct guidance of Brian Simmons. This dedicated period of range and field-based training provides the technical foundation for her roles as an instructor and Range Safety Officer.
- Martial Arts Integration: Parallel to her firearms training, Gigi has completed 18 years of continuous study in traditional Japanese martial arts. As a Senpai in Ninpo Taijutsu with a decade of instructional leadership, she brings a high level of personal discipline and a deep understanding of mechanical efficiency to the academy’s leadership team.
Technical Experience & Range Operations
Gigi’s experience is rooted in consistent, hands-on participation and operational management. From 2011 to 2018, she served as the part-time Operations Coordinator for Beyond CCW in Nevada, managing logistics and operational flow for focused, small-scale training events and tactical matches. Since 2020, she has served annually as a Range Safety Officer for the Texas 3-Gun Championship Match. To maintain her own technical edge and mental fortitude, Gigi regularly participates in Run-N-Gun biathlon events.
Philosophy: Empowerment Through Fortitude
At Urban Defense Academy, Gigi focuses on fostering an environment of empowerment and fortitude. She provides a vital, complementary perspective that ensures the training environment is welcoming, making it accessible and effective for both men and women. Whether she is overseeing range safety, instructing, or managing the academy’s operational growth, her mission is to ensure every client is equipped to Be Ready.
