Brian Simmons
Brian Simmons began the study of armed self defense under the private 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 around the world.
He was a member of Southern California’s Tactical Combat (SCTC) group for over 6 years, and trained on a regular basis in different competition and scenario-based shooting exercises with Michael and others.
Through Michael Harries and SCTC Brian was introduced to and invited to shoot with Michael Horne. Horne was the designer and match director of Soldier of Fortune’s national “3-Gun” competition. Through Horne, Harries and SCTC he learned to design realistic self-defense training courses and matches for practical purposes.
After the passing of Michael Harries, Brian furthered his knowledge of the pistol and rifle craft by attending Gunsite Academy, one of the world’s most prestigious shooting schools created by the late Colonel Jeff Cooper. After completion of the Gunsite 250 Pistol Course, he achieved the rank of Marksman I. His instructor at Gunsite was the renowned late Pat Rogers.
Brian‘s traditional martial arts background includes a consistent daily study that has lasted over 30 years under the guidance of his teacher and life mentor Chadwick Minge. In 2004 Sensei Brian opened his own dojo and has been teaching traditional Japanese martial arts for a living since that time (20 years this year!)
Because the term “martial art” includes armed and unarmed defense, Brian continues to study and train in both fields to further his knowledge as it pertains to the average citizen. For those interested in a little more background on Sensei Brian Simmons martial arts experience, check out THIS POST for some deeper history.
Dai Sempai Gigi
We take training seriously, and we insist on having a good time too!
Gigi Simmons
Gigi Simmons started her pistol training in Nevada, in the Spring of 2008 with Beyond CCW’s Practical Pistol Course. In 2010 she began Tactical Rifle Training. She has continued to study and train since then to further her knowledge in the discipline of firearms use for self defense.
Gigi was introduced to practical competition shooting when she attended a few matches in California put on by Michael Horne, designer and Match Director of Soldier of Fortune’s national “3-Gun” completion. For many years she served as staff for training courses and events of Beyond CCW in Nevada including their annual 4th of July tactical shooting match. Today Gigi keeps up her training by instructing students and serving as Range Officer for Urban Defense Academy, as well participating in the annual Texas 3-Gun Championship Match as one of their many dedicated Range Officers.
Gigi began training in the traditional Japanese martial arts of Ninjutsu and Jujutsu in 2008 with Sensei Brian. In 2015 she began her journey into teaching the martial arts. Here at Shin Gan Dojo, Texas she continues her own training while instructing students of this art.