While inquiring about what to look for in a conceal carry instructor, MASF.co. lead me to John Murphy. As a member of MASF, he gave me the opportunity to take his Concealed Carry for Self Defense (CCSD) course. With positive and envious reactions of others in the forum, I figured I'd be a fool to pass this up. On 1-2 June, I took his CCSD training and was glad I did. Before you begin the hands on training, John gets you into the mindset of the unfortunate reality of society that surrounds us today. With actual video, he shows various situations and discusses each scenario with regard to awareness, as in "what would or should you do"? It's definitely an eye-opener and I think it's an important part of the program, as this brings the reality home. Whether you are going to carry some of time or all the time, his preamble should be a part of every class. Then the fun, yet seriousness begins with hands on instruction. Firing your weapon from the basic positions to the more advanced which includes a moving target. What I enjoyed best about his instruction is that he is not only fun but he's there to teach you, no mistake is too small for him to correct. And he will correct mistakes even the ones you don't realize you're making. Prior to each exercise, John demonstrates everything the student is to perform. John's shooting skills are impressive. This gives you a good feeling to know that he obviously practices what he preaches. If you're up for the challenge, start taking his classes. I have no hesitation in recommending John Murphy (http://www.fpftraining.com) I'm looking forward to his Advanced Concealed Cary Class. Mark W read more

If you are thinking about purchasing a handgun/pistol to carry for personal protection or to own one for home defense, this is the class for you! Recently I attended John Murphy of FPF Training's Concealed Carry for Self Defense (CCSD). I am very happy to have made the investment into this training! The class was extremely well structured and easy to understand. I feel that the most novice gun owner to the advanced would benefit from taking this class. John teaches how to properly carry, conceal, deploy and fire your handgun/pistol. The most important aspect that John teaches is mindset and situational awareness. Many people do not understand how important it is to pay attention to your surroundings, who is around and why are they near you. By being aware and paying attention I feel that this mindset aspect is something that everyone can learn from. I feel that if you are not comfortable with a handgun by the time you've taken this training you will be extremely comfortable and ready to defend your life and life in general. http://www.fpftraining.com/ccsd.html For the full training schedule go here - http://www.fpftraining.com/schedule.html FPF Training "Weapons Training with a Purpose" John R. Murphy http://www.fpftraining.com/index.html Telephone: (703) 609-6350 Email: john@fpftraining.com John is an NRA certified instructor and all of my handgun courses satisfy the Virginia requirement for a concealed carry permit. read more

My background: I am a combat veteran and have taken shooting and martial arts training from several different schools over the course of the last 6 years. I would highly recommend John Murphy's FPF Training concealed carry for self defense classes to anyone who wants to better their self defense mindset and skills. I have taken my wife and several other family members to this training, there is no higher endorsement than that. FPF Training differs from other schools in that there is a heavy mindset / attitude component to the classes, and it is integrated into all the mechanical skill work. The instruction is broken into logical building blocks which build up over the class. The class will give you the proper foundation for self defense with a handgun. For a much more detailed review I would recommend searching for tactical / self defense training websites, there are plenty of good write ups out there already. FPF Training offers top tier quality training at a regional price. John is an excellent instructor and as long as you come with an open mind and listen you will learn quite a bit. I have watched him take other students who have never shot a gun before and by the end of the class they are consistently performing the drills to standard. Bottom line - if you are thinking about carrying a handgun or keeping one at home for self defense, take this class - you will be the better and more empowered for it. read more

Like the general consensus states. John's classes are solid gold. I returned for the second part of his pistol course, advanced conceal carry tactics. It was definitely more demanding than I thought, but well worth it. Many lessons learned regarding what to expect out in the street. The unforgiving violent characteristics of human nature and how to confront these factors in order to survive. I certainly pray that no good human being ever encounters such malicious intent. But I feel awakened by the realities and lessons, scenarios and drills in the class. I will definitely be a repeat student/customer with John and plan on taking more courses with him. John will tell it like it is and definitely bring out the best, point out any flaws that his students encounter, and how they can improve themselves. The class will test your equipment, pistol type, holster type, modes of carry, skill under stress, and especially develope the mindset of survival, as well as how to articulate yourself against the legal factors involved in gun fights, violent attacks, etc in front of a judge. I could go on and on about the great lessons learned, but I am hoping many will step up to the responsibility of being an armed citizen and properly train yourself to the harsh realities out there. Pretty much... John's class is a MUST for anyone holding a conceal carry permit. read more

FPF Training is intense and real world-oriented. John R. Murphy takes you through all the basics like safety and marksmanship, but provides context so that you can learn to use these effectively in the real world. He has a range where you can move laterally and vertically to practice moving and shooting as you really would. He trains what target areas to focus on to score victories. His classroom studies offer the chance to analyze and discuss real life shooting events. You will also role play through scenarios that will not only save your life, but benefit you in a court of law should you ever have to use your weapon. John also puts extensive effort into working with his students individually and helps you develop a package of techniques that will be safe and work for you. If you are looking for great refresher training, and especially if all of your practice so far has bee in a booth on an indoor range, you NEED this training! read more

I served in the US Army and am a veteran of OIF & OEF. Throughout my experience in the Army, I received some handgun training, but I wish I would have had this training before deploying. Simply put, I can't say enough positive things about John Murphy and FPF Training. My wife and I attended the May 18-19 concealed carry course and feel exponentially more confident owning and shooting our firearms. We enjoyed the class because not only did John focus on shooting fundamentals and concealed carry tactics, but John also emphasized the great responsibility behind owning and carrying a weapon. John has assembled a great curriculum and professionally delivers the training to all skill levels. I consider myself a novice gun owner and John's class increased my comfort and skill level considerably. Overall, I highly recommend this course to anyone considering owning a handgun, whether carrying it or keeping it at home. read more

Just finished up Advanced Conceal Carry Tactics. Excellent course. John is a great instructor who does a great job instilling the proper mindset needed to carry to a weapon everyday. The advanced class (or part 2) is full of real life scenarios and drills and build on his concealed carry course (part 1). I highly recommend both. If you are in the DC metro area and carry, or are considering carrying a concealed firearm these two courses are a must and will lay a great foundation of knowledge. Both handgun courses can and should be taken more than once. Time permitting, I plan on taking this same course again in November. read more

John is a terrific trainer. I have taken three classes at FPF Training and have learned so much. John teaches safety, respect, awareness, responsibility and mindset. Outside of marksmanship, he teaches situation awareness and confrontation avoidance. All three classes had a wide range of skill levels from beginner to expert. John has structured his class in a way that everyone feels comfortable, and no one is singled out or embarrassed. We all learned from each other. To me these classes are priceless. ANYONE can benefit from learning gun safety, situation awareness or confrontation avoidance. read more

I first found FPF training almost a year ago and have been to over 10 classes now and every time I learn something new. He is always switching it up and is an amazing instructor. I was always nervous about taking a class but it's the best thing you can do if you carry. It's not just slinging lead down range ,but mindset. You can be as fast as you want on a timer but if you don't know what to look for and have the mindset, then good luck. read more

Here is my womanly review: John wants you to get the entire spectrum of the responsibilities associated with carrying a firearm. He is focused on safety, self defense, and real world "lawyer" consequences of using your weapon. I feel better equipped and will go back next year for the advanced course! Ladies look no further than FPF training and John Murphy. read more

For an area that is as saturated as it is with gun instructors, John Murphy really stands out from the rest. He is one the best tactical instructors in the area and will take you further than you ever expected. Do yourself a huge favor and take every one of his classes. read more