I took Spartan Defense's "defensive/tactical handgun" class this weekend. It was the first class I've taken with Spartan, and I enjoyed it so much I decided to share my experience here. I found both of the instructors to be very engaging and approachable. They presented the curriculum in a very accessible way, and were also very receptive to feedback and alternative methods presented by the students. The instructors also provided relevant anecdotal examples from their military and law enforcement backgrounds to give additional context to the real world applications of the drills they were putting us through. Class enrollment was capped at 12 students max, ensuring a teacher to student ratio that allowed everyone in the class to receive plenty of direct one on one instruction. We started with relatively simple drills that gradually ramped up in challenge throughout the day, culminating in scenarios where we would move, shoot, reload, and engage multiple targets, all while being timed. The course incorporated the use of a shot timer throughout, which added both a stress element as well as a trackable performance metric. Our times were recorded throughout the day, and then compared at the end of the class against the baseline times we had established during drills at the beginning of class. Pretty much everyone made solid improvement on their times by the end of the day. The only negative point I could make about the class was that the lunch break ran a bit long, so we ran out of time towards the end of the day and had to skip over a couple points the instructors had planned to cover. The instructors said that going forward they'd set a timer to prevent the break from running longer than intended. But we covered so much other worthwhile material that I didn't feel this was worth deducting a star off the review. I absolutely got my money's worth from the class, at a price point at or below most other comparable classes being offered here in the greater Bay Area. I'm already checking their class schedule to see what other upcoming classes I might be interested in. read more

Update review, reply to Mr.Fidel: What does my reviews of other businesses have to do with yours? As for your satisfaction, I am attaching the receipts of courses I took from you or your associates. Multi-State CCW : Feb 23, 2020 Precision Rifle: May 14, 2022 Red Dot: May 21, 2022 CCW Renewal: Jan 21, 2023 Out of 4 classes I took, Red Dot and Precision Rifle were not even worth 1 star. And for both courses, I came with friend/s and all of them agreed to my statement. If you want I can ask them to leave a review too. As for your statement on refund, please feel free to do it. Venmo @desijedi or Zelle desijedi08@gmail.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Initial Review: Have taken 4 classes in last 5 years and quality has declined exponentially. What used to be awesome is now just a money making business with no emphasis on education or proper training. Will avoid going to Spartan/Fidel and I will suggest others to do the same. Don't be fooled by bunch of various course offerings, not worth the price at all. read more

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Took my 16 hr ccw compliance class there for San Joaquin County. The instructor, Fidel, is very thorough, knowledgeable and passionate about his work. Highly recommend! read more

If you are debating about taking this class, don't debate! Sign up and take the course! This past weekend I took the 16-hour CCW course and all I can say is Fidel is an amazing instructor. I've learned so much about shooting and learned a lot of valuable information that police officers and gun store employees can't answer. I came out feeling confident and now me and my buddy want to take more courses to be better/responsible gun owners. Do take this class, don't hesitate, it's worth every penny believe me! Thanks again Fidel and Bradley, you guys are straight badasses!! I can't wait to take Gun 1, Carbine, and Tactical!!! read more

I've taken a handful of classes over the last couple years from Spartan and intentionally waited to provide a review. I do this as a way to show the readers that a positive or negative experience with the company is replicable and not based on a single encounter. That being said, I can without hesitation recommend Spartan for your firearm education and training needs. From beginner courses for those who have never handled a firearm, to advanced tactical classes, Spartan has a class for everyone. Safety is paramount in their classes and Fidel doesn't hesitate to identify a class participant's skills that need to be addressed. This is also a veteran ran business and many instructors have LEO backgrounding for those who are passionate about veteran support. While not necessarily required for all, I do want to point out they currently offer two all-women courses for those who would like to learn within that environment. As a woman who has taken both all-women and co-ed courses, I think it's important for those women who are hesitant to learn firearms, to be in a supportive, nonjudgmental, and most importantly safe environment. Fidel and his staff have consistently provided me with firearm skills and education without making me feel like I'm invading into a gentleman's territory. Additionally, his staff has graciously assisted with locating a firearm component I needed to fix my red dot sight. Thank you Spartan Defense, I look forward to continuing to improve my skills with you! read more

I took a firearm to the gunsmith Ben today and my experience was excellent. The staff greeted me when I walked in and I felt very welcomed. When I took my firearm to the gunsmith area I was greeted again saying "I'll be right with you" Ben took one look at my firearm and said he knew the problem and asked if I could wait he would fix it on the spot. These folks are excellent and it's always my first thought for gun purchases and maintenance. read more

The guys go in depth about the legal advice and methods of drawing. Highly recommend.

Fidel was very knowledgeable and I liked how he gave situational examples and drilled the importance of mechanics. I fell a lot more comfortable handling my firearm now and I will be interested in attending other courses. read more

I did my CCW certification/training through Spartan, Fidel is extremely knowledgeable and you will walk away much more confident in your shooting abilities I would recommend him to anyone. Completely worth the drive for me. read more

This is the second time I have taken training from Spartan Defense. Fidel is an excellent instructor and very patient with all students. He really makes sure you understand everything he is teaching you. His communication before and after training is superb. I would highly recommend him for training. read more

So I had the experience of taking my CCW renewal course with Fidel a couple weekends ago, and just want to share my views. First off I was slightly intimidated. Based off the website, photos, experience, and a very brief email exchange, I thought maybe these folks were going to be a bit snooty and "better than thou" attitude.... Boy was I not only wrong, but way too quick too judge from an appearance. Yes Fidel knows his stuff, and yes he can seem intimidating with his very matter of fact way of speaking to the group and individuals; however he, was extremely understanding, patient, thorough, and genuinely seemed to care about what he was saying to us. I felt very confident in what he was teaching us, and explaining throughout the day. Not once did I feel i was being misled or rushed through, or even having something shoved in my face not pertaining to personal safety or self defense. My initial course I took through another outfit, and was left with an extremely unsatisfied experience. Yes, I qualified and made it through the course because I am knowledgeable enough with firearms, however I learned very little when it came to carrying a concealed weapon for the first time. Not with Spartan Defense and Fidel at all. Very thorough, and very experienced, which gives him an awesome ability to appeal to folks easily. I could say so much more regarding my experience but I don't have enough time. All I can say is for any Firearm or self defense needs, contact Fidel Taylor with Spartan first, and you won't regret it. I am SOOO HAPPY I decided to go to a different class this time around, and will never go back. Thank you again to the Spartan crew and I look forward to having more opportunities to interact with you in a more self defense hand on type setting someday. read more

I can't say enough good things about Spartan Defense and Instructor Fidel. I had my first class and I was very nervous. He has very patient and his knowledge made me feel very comfortable. My private lesson was much more than I expected and I can't wait to train again. Please check him out! read more

I would recommend Fidel and Spartan Defense for all of your firearms training needs! My husband and I both took the one day CCW class and were impressed with the instruction and knowledge of Fidel. We will go back when it is time to decertify! read more

I found Spartan Defense in a community Facebook group when I was looking for the mandatory CCW training for my county and I liked their credentials. It was kind of a spur of the moment decision because my clock was ticking to get it done, but going with them ended up being a GREAT choice! They offered the classroom portion in two 4 hour sessions on weeknight evenings, which was convenient for my schedule, followed by a full range day the following Sunday. Fidel was knowledgable, funny, patient, and most of all, encouraging. I felt safe on the range and would recommend his classes to anyone interested in either getting into shooting or polishing up their skills. I'll update after I send my mom to his Women's Handgun class. read more

I took a CCW class from Fidel at Spartan Defense and was very impressed. The classroom portion was very detailed and he left lots of time to discuss real world scenarios a CCW might encounter. He challenged the class with tough questions to make everyone think. A class like this could certainly have been very boring but this one wasnt at all. The range portion was very well done as well. The instructor to student ratio made for a very safe day. The class had a high round count so you will certainly know your weapon when you are done. I am an experienced shooter and came away with a number of things I will work on. Most notably shooting much faster while retaining reasonable combat effective accuracy rather than shooting slower with excellent accuracy. The price of the class was reasonable, no complaints there. Overall I feel like I got my moneys worth and then some. Go train with Fidel! You'll feel better prepared to defend yourself. read more

I have trained with Spartan Defense and have been well prepared for many aspects of gun handling. As a female, it is not easy to learn a skill from scratch that is male dominated. It can be very intimidating. I have been fortunate to train with Spartan Defense in a few classes. I was made to feel extremely comfortable and encouraged. The instructors are knowledgeable, highly skilled, patient, funny, and encouraging. I needed this exact environment to grow and build confidence in a hobby that I want to craft over time. I also wanted to learn how to be safe. I took the Women's course twice. I have also had a private lesson with Spartan Defense which was incredible. I worked on gun handling skills from a holster, my stance, my gun working space; as well as, learning to handle malfunctions. This allowed me to prepare for my CCW class and to qualify to carry. I was able to pass my CCW course and I also learned about what equipment is best for me. I mustered enough strength to take the defensive handgun course last weekend. I was scared and not confident at all. I was the only female. I have to say it was one of the best experiences that I could ask for. The instructors were reassuring and worked at my pace. I knew I wasn't as skilled as many of the men but I am growing at my own pace. I hope more women recognize they too can take these courses and these instructor's main focus is safety and assisting in that growth and development because they are passionate about what they do. They create a safe environment for learning while stretching people's skillset. I have learned so much gun terminology, equipment knowledge, and gun fundamentals, that I am embracing this learning curve. Both instructors have been available and interested in supporting my growth too. If they didn't encourage me, I wouldn't have been in defensive handgun last weekend. My hope is that more women will see my post and feel the same level of comfort if they are desiring to gun train. The win in all of this is people; including women, learn a means of self-defense. Many times, women don't know where to start, at least I didn't know where to start and I am already pushing myself in ways I wouldn't have thought I would. I wasn't able to do that alone. That came from having very good gun instructors who have been the perfect start to my gun training. I plan on taking more courses with Spartan Defense. I hope my post will encourage you to take that step you have always wanted to take but fear was getting in the way! You will grown tremendously in confidence and skill with Spartan Defense!!!!!!!!! read more

Fidel and his instructors are nothing but professional and informative. This is not your normal bare bones run of the mill class. Fidel takes it to the next level and applies everything to real world situations and applications. read more

I truly enjoyed the training and am very excited about being able to use my new skills! I received one on one training which was perfect for me. The education provided on the basics of the gun really provides me more confidence now which is what I needed. Fidel is a true professional! read more

No bull****, no fluff, good training at the range and good information in the classroom portion. Took the 8 hour CCW class as a lifelong shooter and learned some great techniques to improve my abilities as a defensive shooter. If you want to learn how to save your life and protect your family this is the place to get your CCW training. read more