I've attended classes from various famous instructors and schools, from Oregon to Massachusetts, from Illinois down to Texas, and I found the classes offered by Tactical Firearms Training Team (TFTT) to be the most challenging I've ever taken. Over a decade ago, I took a week off from work to attend TFTT's Tactical Handgun series of courses, which consisted of four blocks: Tactical Handgun 1 (one-day), Tactical Handgun 2 (one-day), Tactical Handgun 3 (two-day), and Tactical Handgun 4 (two-day). Imagine to my surprise that, while attending Tactical Handgun 1, there would be a written test during Tactical Handgun 2 (covering the fundamental techniques learned during Tactical Handgun 1 and 2) and a qualification course of fire at the end of each class with the caveat that if a student failed to qualify, he/she would not be allowed to progress to the next class. Talk about turning up the heat! I thought I was back in the Marine Corps, but that sentiment is of no surprise since Max Joseph and many of his training cadre are Marines. As the week progressed, I noticed an approximate 50% drop-out rate for each class. We started with 10 students in Tactical Handgun 1, ended up with 5 students in Tactical Handgun 2, whittled down to 3 in Tactical Handgun 3, and finally me, the "last man standing" from the original 10 (and a remediated student from a class taken the previous year) in Tactical Handgun 4. The written test wasn't too difficult as the instructors spoon-feed you the information so, by the time the test comes around, you're chomping at the bit to regurgitate the knowledge onto paper! The qualification courses, however, were very challenging and were the obvious cause for many students failing to move up through the training evolution. In the end, I walked away from TFTT's Tactical Handgun course more informed and with a sense of achievement! BLUF: if you are willing to push yourself out of your comfort zone and to the next level, attend a TFTT class. read more

I have many of their classes, and traveled as far as Tennessee to do so. Max and his other instructors are the best. When my wife and kids were ready for formal firearms training this is the first shooting school I sent them to. It is well worth the cost and time. No matter your background, leave your ego at home and show up to learn. read more

I've taken so many courses with TFTT & DAG over the years, and have recommended their courses to all my friends who I thought I could encourage to take the best tactical training available. Gun safety is their primary objective, and once that foundation is laid, you'd be amazed at what a team of shooters can do. My two favorites has been Two Man Team Tactics and PSD/VIP Protection, followed by Tactical Rifle. read more

TFTT Direct Action Group - Graduation day of the VIP Protection course - Firearm Training Near Me - Huntington Beach, California

It's been four years since I wrote the foregoing review and next week, it would have been exactly seven years since I attended my first TFTT course. Since that time, besides being a repeat student at TFTT more times than I can recall, I've attended dozens of courses from a half dozen other schools for the purposes of comparison. The passage of time has given me the following insights as to why I will always consider TFTT the standard by which all other combat oriented training centers are to be judged: 1) The instructors are all at the top of their game and very well versed in any given subject being taught. Plus, each and every one of them are motivated to bring out the best from every single individual under their charge. They hold themselves and their classes to very high and demanding standards and expect the same from their students. 2) The training syllabus is based on skills, tactics, and training methodologies which have been pressure tested and proven in the unforgiving crucible of life-and-death contest in just about every zone of armed conflict raging around the globe. 3) The ability of the instructor cadre to impart knowledge - both during the classroom/lecture phase(a distinct shortcoming with many schools), as well as the live fire field exercise segments of the course - is of incomparable quality. This is the end result of both an effective teaching methodology as well as comprehensively articulating the context in which the learning objectives are to be applied. 4) And last, but, most definitely, not least, Training Director Joseph is what I would characterize as THE personification of professionalism and personal integrity. Which, in my strident opinion, sets an unparalleled standard for both his staff of instructors, as well as TFTT, as a whole. One final note for this update. When it comes to combative shooting, tactics, and training, very few people have as extensive a library as the one I possess but the most valuable writings among that collection are the volumes of notes I have taken over the course of nearly a decade of TFTT's classes. read more

I had the pleasure of going through the tactical pistol II course with Max as my instructor. Max provided a great amount of fundamental tactics and refreshers for improvised reloading while shooting. He covered malfunctions and what to do in order to effectively and rapidly clearing them. This is an excellent course to brush up on those perishable skills and the attention to detail in his instruction and practical application is 2nd to none. I highly recommend anyone looking to learn to take any of the courses offered. read more

TFTT Direct Action Group - Kneeling position with magazine reload drills - Firearm Training Near Me - Huntington Beach, California

This is a great company to train with. I'm a Law Enforcement Officer with over 10 years in a large agency. I can tell you the training I have received here is far superior and realistic to any of the official training I have undergone with my department. I've taken a lot of different classes with TFTT/DAG ranging from beginner pistol (pistol level l) through the more advanced courses. The founding principle Max and his cadre ingrain in their students is safety. They take safety very seriously and make no compromises. Everybody on their range, including students and instructors are required to wear body armor. At the beginning of any class/course they perform a very detailed safety briefing in the unlikely event of a serious injury. During the safety brief everybody is warned that if they do not abide by the safety protocols they will be removed from the class. If you're a beginner or have never fired a gun before I recommend you take their level 1 handgun. They start you off slow and gradually build your skills block by block. You will be receiving the same level of instruction that Max and his cadre uses to teach their Law Enforcement and Military classes, but without the yelling. In conclusion, whether you're a beginner or have years of experience, if you are trying to better your skills and tactics, I highly recommend TFTT/DAG. read more

The only thing I can say about dag USA Tftt is that they are unprofessional. I gave the credit card to charge half a month ago did they charge it, no Then when I call them they say it was declined I asked Max Joseph the owner did you bother to call me ? his response was none. No response so I tell them to charge it again two weeks later And some assistant of max calls me and says we are very professional and we have a high level of excellence, I asked him to charge a credit card immediately and send me a confirmation that wasn't done either I had heard great reviews from instructors at many other locations talking about how good his courses were my experience was not that way. then the day before class starts, So I call them to verify that the charge goes through at about 11 o'clock in the morning , they don't respond until 530 pm that day they say it declined.!!!! so it's taking 30 days for them to tell me this when they could've told me this immediately, so do not expect to have any professionalism with this company they may really know their gun fighting and marksmanship? But their customer service sucks max is the icon for the company and he should not be doing the admin work because he's not responsible enough to contact people if they have any issue with you your credit card. I'm just very disappointed I booked hotel accommodations and is takes 30 days to say it was declined when they could've told me from the get go and we could've done it on the phone . but no he does it multiple times I'll do it later I'm too busy now I'll do it later I'm too busy now and then he had a surrogate call me and I told them charge it now and if you have any problems to call me back. And his surrogate has the audacity to say we stand by our stellar customer service skills? After I challenged him about why did it take so long for him to even look at a decline code So to say I'm just disappointed if the company in general and specifically in Max would be an understatement I wasted three days when I could've been training somewhere else and then you had the Temerity to say oh ' the class is been full for a week 'on professional that is the only word I can think about it administratively unprofessional since I wasted a combination of time, money, and drove to LA because of their incompetence I won't be taking their classes ever in the future heck no and I don't recommend you guys waste your mind or money or time on these guys either. No I understand there's 16 digits in credit card and then you have the expiration date and you have the phone number in the CSC so somebody could've made a mistake writing it down and I understand that but it should not take 30 days to resolve a bad number or a number that was given or a number that was written down wrong on their end so good in that regard they really don't care about the customers because they don't do anything for follow up or follow through so giving him the benefit of the doubt they should never have let it go 30 days without a credit card charge In fact I had the $500 in cash to pay for the class and I tried calling multiple times during the day and they never bothered to call back I wanted to send an text saying classes for credit card is declined no response after I sent the texts that's unacceptable Any school worth their salt could add one more student especially if it was due to their mistake do they have no extra seats in that TCCC class? Can't they not put up an additional target on the range or are they that deficient that they don't have it or an extra seat. Overall great reputation terrible pathetic execution. Overall nothing positive to say about that is my after action report. AAR. I'm gonna go to a school that is respectful who's organized and if there is an admin error they will call or email or text saying we can figure this out reach wrote the wrong number down. Look elsewhere for training read more

Outstanding Training and standards. Highly recommended. Knowledgeable and detailed training and integrity. read more

Okay, so I took a pistol class with all women. There were 10 of us. Some with experience, some without. The instructor John was very patient with all of us. Safety is the first priority and you feel safe with John. I felt a little nervous in the beginning of the class because I wasn't familiar with my pistol (Beretta) but, by the end of my class I knew everything there was to know about it. How to load it, shoot it, put it on safe mode, and dissemble it to clean it. I left wanting to take another class. I am looking forward to more women's pistol classes. I talked with coworkers about it and they want to take the class as well! read more

Max and his cadre are by far the most professional, knowledgable and experienced group around. Whether it's the basics of marksmanship, vehicle assaults, CQB and everything in between they know their stuff and not only do they teach it well, they are always ready to explain the theory and reasoning behind each TTP and every decision made. I've taken a couple course with them already and I will definitely keep coming back for more. Make no mistake though, you better have your shit squared away and be ready to rock when you attend a class. Max utilizes every second up at the range and you definitely get your money's worth. Come hungry for knowledge and prepared to be challenged because this cadre will definitely get you engaged mentally and physically. Hone your skills and add a few tools to your tool box with TFTT, you won't regret it one bit. read more

TFTT Direct Action Group - CQB Room Combat Course September 2013 - Firearm Training Near Me - Huntington Beach, California

My wife and I took a class for basic handgun, I have been through many top schools costing thousands of dollars. My wife has never been to a formal school before and for her it was very focused training. She had just renewed her CCW, it was just the training needed to improve both her confidence and skill. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. They put my wife and I at ease, being aware of everyone's safety at all times. We will be back again this year. Also unlike a lot of firearms training we did not waste ammunition, but used it in a appropriate amount. Max Thank You and your staff, it was great training. Jerry and Sue D read more

I have been training with TFTT-DAG since 2009. I was referred by a friend who has been training with TFTT on and off for about 18 years. Every training institution can be evaluated by it's people, course material, and policies & procedures. DAG's Instructor Cadre are experienced, professional, and invested in the student's safety and success. All of Max's instructors are either former Military, Law Enforcement, or Contractors with actual overseas deployment experience. They all present as well versed in their subject material. DAG's courses are designed as building blocks, teaching techniques that work for the individual, while preparing to integrate into the team. This begins with stationary turns, and continues through stoppages and position SUL. Safety is embedded throughout the course. Each day of instruction begins with the morning safety briefing. All techniques taught are evaluated for benefit to the operator/team, as well as safety during practice. Even advanced or aggressive topics as Close Quarters Battle (CQB), whether executed as a single, pair, or team are instructed with techniques that maximize efficiency while minimizing risk to the team. My personal experience includes 18 years as a Flight Instructor, and NRA rifle and pistol instructor. (Yes, I spent my summer at Boy Scout camp as an instructor on the rifle range.) I do not claim to be a 'high speed, low drag' instructor, but I can recognize good instruction when I experience it. With DAG-TFTT, Max Joseph makes available quality firearms instruction to those who seek to learn. read more

I went through the Overseas Operators Course, then a one-week evolution several years ago in Burrow Canyon, at the Angeles National Forest in Azusa, California. I also had some small-unit, round-robin triaing with some of the TFTT staff on a field exercise earlier that same year. While I was fairly impressed with some of the interactive training, I wasn't entirely impressed with the professionalism of the senior cadre. While some were certainly colorful, if not amusing, others weren't so much. I was particularly impressed with the railroad police officer and his hand-to-hand techniques, as well as the retired doctor who struck me as something like an alchemist and a fount of knowledge, particularly regarding battlefield trauma. While some of the tactics, techniques and procedures he taught were informative, if not invaluable, I found the occasionally condescending nature of its senior facilitator a little off-putting. While he seemed to draw from a wealth of experience, I didn't care for the way Max answered some of the questions posed to him which I thought were legitimate. He made it sound like it was almost not worth his while to respond in some cases. I also wondered what relevance the things we had learned under his tutelage had in the real world. When I got to Iraq and later to Afghanistan, I got my answer: not as much as I thought. If you're supporting combat operations, the process of integration is neither quick nor easy, regardless of your previous credentials or experience. There is no way combat units will let you operate with them unless they're positive you know what you're doing and they can vouchsafe your combat skills. Lest there be any question on that, when in doubt, you won't go. Period. On a not-unrelated note, the PSD (personal security detail) training was interesting, but it was something I never utilized on any deployment or in any setting. Essentially, that portion was a waste of time and money and I got the idea it was something used to fill a week out instead of the few days that the entire evolution probably should've been. Factor that into your calculus before commiting to specific courses of instruction. Some of the weapons-handling techniques Max and company taught were something I was directed to stop doing one time on the range when I was in Southwest Asia. Again, I think the relevance is relative to the place you're going and the unit you're supporting. While some of it, particularly the shoot house, is a good primer for possible future eventualities, again, it rests with the supported unit as to whether or not, as THEY gauge it, you actually know what you're doing. In short, it's a better usage of time and resources to train with the unit you're supporting beforehand and not someobody else they're not familiar with. By so doing, the interoperability and integration process is complete to everybody's satisfaction and not contingent on a third party's input. Take TFTT for what it's worth, but also take it with a grain of salt. What you learn with Max and his band of merry men may have a great deal of relevance, or it may not have as much, depending on what you're doing, where you're going and who you're supporting. Be advised. read more

Direct Action Group, in my opinion, has the absolute best training one can attain. The director/head instructor, Max Joseph, is without exception the most knowledgeable and skilled professional in the business. He & his cadre conduct classes for real world applications from beginning shooters to world class operators. I can not speak highly enough about Mr. Joseph, his cadre & DAG's classes! read more

I've been to a couple of firearm classes, so I like to think that I'm not a total cream puff. Having read Temujin's review, I had to take a class with Max Joseph and TFTT to step up my game. Here are a couple of summary points: 1) This is some hardcore $hit. In the class of 19, about half were personal security detail, 3 military and 5 from a local PD SWAT. I do not think they can promise that they'll make you a better shooter, BUT they will make you one tactical thinkin mofo. Drawing from holster, shooting proficiently and efficiently, turning, kneeling, running, jumping all sorts of crap that you'd see a in a John Woo film. Ok, I lie about jumping. 2) Your feelings may get hurt, especially if you act like an idiot. Follow instructions and be SAFE! Max isn't there to kiss your ass, he's ready to kick it and make you hard. 3) It was hotter than hell, but wear pants. Knee pads might be a good idea. Trust me, don't be an idiot and wear shorts or else you will end up with bloodied knees. Also bring LOTS of fluids on a 90+ degree day. I could have drank about 3 gallons from 8-5. 4) Body armor is required at all times. Yes, seriously. They have them for rent though for $10. 5) The training curriculum is through and very precise. Listen and practice and you will do well. Best of luck on the qualifications, like it is said, 'the easiest day was yesterday!' read more

Awesome courses, awesome instructors, awesome company.. TFTT is just full of awesomeness. I got turned onto TFTT through a friend who talked them up as much as I am about to in this review. Five stars does not do its justice. I took tactical pistol with Max and then tactical rifle with Tim up in Sacramento. Came into the course as an amateur shooter and left feeling a tremendous sense of accomplishment with regards to my shooting skills and knowledge. These are hardcore classes with no time wasted. Breaks are no longer than 10 minutes (mostly five) and you have about 15 minutes for lunch. You definitely get what you pay for and even more. Both instructors were top-of-the-line shooters with the ability to effectively teach, identify individual student errors & recommend better techniques, as well as ensure that the range remains safe at all times. Safety is no joke in this course. If you screw up at any point resulting in a negligent discharge, you are out; no second chances. With that said, there is a detailed review of all safety procedures as well as the syllabus for the day. If you are new to shooting like me, don't let this fact intimidate you. The instructors will tell you and show you exactly what you need to do in order to stay safe and out of trouble. A couple points I want to stress that other reviewers may have already touched on: 1. Bring multiple magazines. It will make your life easier. 2. Bring plenty of water and snacks to stay hydrated throughout the day. 3. Make sure to get a good night's rest and arrive an hour early to prep. Don't arrive 10 minutes prior to the course starting. You need time to prep and get your equipment ready. 4. Wear long clothing and bring kneepads and elbow pads, unless you want bloody knees and elbows. 5. Bring a pen and a notebook. There is some classroom stuff that the instructors go over and they contain a lot of detail. Some courses even have a test at the end of the day. You'll need your notes to study. These courses not only improve your shooting ability but test your physical agility as well. You will be taking a knee, going prone, and standing up many times throughout the day. You will be sore and exhausted at the end of the course, mentally and physically. The instructors in this course all have prior professional experience dealing with everything they teach. If you want to improve your skills and knowledge in every aspect possible, I highly recommend taking TFTT's courses. I will most definitely be returning to TFTT for as long as Feinstein allows me to. read more

I just finished the 3 day TCCC course. It exceeded my expectations. Our instructor was Tim. He is good people -very experienced, yet not arrogant. He is also very professional. He kept the range safe, while making sure that we did not perform at a substandard level. I will be coming back to take more courses under Tim. read more

Max is the best! Took the Tacticle Pistol 1&2 course and Expert does not say enough... He is the f'ing Guru of tactical shooting. His basics are more advanced than much of the advanced shooting I learned in Marine Corps special ops (Recon) where we served together. He went on to teach as a Special Operations Training Group (SOTG) instructor. Yah, he was that good. That was back in the 80's... He has improved his skills and tactics continually. The result is an up to date, effective, proven, and safe course of instruction that will improve your ability to handle some of the worst situations in a gun carriers life. Unlike some old guy instructors who claim to be duty experts but really just rely on their glory days Max knows that there is always room for improvement. For the gun carrying professional there is no better way to get to your best level of performance. Shooting 250-300 rounds a day practicing the latest and the greatest will get you there. Highlights include live fire 360 degree shooting safety mentality, draw, reload, failure drills, movement, and tactics to reduce collateral damage (to name a few). In his PSD/VIP Protection Course his incite and advice is 100% on the money. Drawing form his real world experience inside the compounds of some worlds biggest "A listers", supervising and training their security staffs, he give a no BS, "this is how you do it" course for VIP protection. The highlights of the course include live fire from assorted moving formations, from vehicles, on foot with evacuation to vehicles and a final exercise out in the city... Exactly like the real thing. If you want to become a proficient PSD/VIP protector in 5 days this is the course for you. Looking forward to the Combat Arts Seminar!! read more

I have been training with DAG for about 4 years now. Every time I come out for even a refresher course to snap back in and work on fundamentals or take a new course, I'm always impressed. Impressed with how well the courses are set up to fit Law enforcement, military and Civilians needs. As a civilian, I've stood next to both on the line and everyone leaves with pride, new skill and knowledge. I push my LE friends to take courses with myself and DAG because it WILL help them in the field without a doubt. That includes courses like TCCC (Tactical casualty care). If you are military, LE, First responder, or a civilian and you want to gain confidence, skill and knowledge, I HIGHLY suggest you sign up with TFTT. read more

I agree with the previous comments above to a point. The only instructor I have trained with is Max Joseph so I cannot evaluate the other instructor's associated with TFTT. The training and the concepts of the training are good. Being a former Marine with much of the training that Max and his instructors have listed, I found the training "less than" what I expected. It's definitely not for the weak or feeble minded, even though it is a good basic course for military, law enforcement, and tactical teams. Having served many successful years in the Marine Corps and Law Enforcement, I'll speak from my personal perspective. First, I found Max to be arrogant and hypocritical. A lot more could and would be accomplished if Max would instruct instead of brag about what he thinks he is. More would also be accomplished if Max could stop trying to impress attendees with his "wish I could have been a D.I." way of running a class. He looses the respect and attention when he acts like a moron. Second, even though it sounds ridiculous, Max is big on telling those attending class not to eat donuts or smoke. It doesn't hold a lot of water when you go into town and see Max eating donuts and smoking. Credibility is lost and Max becomes (became) the behind scene joke. This discredits the program. Third, I've learned in life, particularly as a peace officer, that those who brag on themselves continuously (and with Max it was "continuously") that they are want to be's. The ones who say very little are the ones you need to watch. I question a lot of what Max continually bragged about. Fourth and finally, would I recommend the course? Yes, I would. Would I go through it again? No, not in the same pomp-ass environment I was forced to reluctantly endure. This could be and would be a tremendous class if the approach would be more professional and mature. Max, you may impress some of the younger guys (not all), but us old salts who have been through it and have already done that...You're not too impressive. read more

I am an instructor with TFTT / Direct Action Group. I absolutely guarantee you'll receive the highest level experience during any of our training programs. See you on the range! read more

After being a shooter for 4 years I decided to step it up and take on a class by a group called TFTT "tactical firearms training team" and I will say this is the best training you can get period. These instructors are hard core and to the point many of them have served in special units over seas and have been in a lot of combat missions. I showed up at 0800 to take a tactical pistol class in 100 degree heat and 6200 feet up in burrow canyon shooting range. Results I have a better understanding for combat shooting I know my body's limits at high speed. These instructors will test you but isn't that the point? Anybody can be a great shooter in a indoor lane shooting a non moving target at 10 feet. But these classes with make you a better shooter all around. I look forward to taking more classes after I hit the gym a little more and gain some endurance. I would strongly recommend these classes! And thank you TFTT for training me I will return. read more

Instructor is awesome. Classes are great. My only complaint is not with the company so much as it is with the Burro Canyon Shooting Range where the LA classes are held. They only have one port o potty and it is disgusting. Wish this company would push the Burro Canyon to have more port o potties. read more

I've been training with TFTT since the mid-90s and continue to train with Max and his cadre. I've gone to other schools but none compare, and TFTT is the standard. TFTT has been around for 22 years, before all these johnny-come-lately schools were in vogue. TFTT cadre are still operational on many levels, so their TTPs are not only current, but proven operationally. If you are interested in becoming the best you can be and try a TFTT course before committing, attend the annual Combat Arts Seminar which provides students with a combo of instructional blocks over 3 days of intense, safe, training. One bit of advice - if you are a soup sandwich, apply elsewhere because you will be a liability to everyone else in the class. Lots of experienced LEO and military students continue to train with TFTT because dumb-downed gov't training doesn't cut it in the real world. read more