John has found something lacking in the instruction many officers and citizens have received pertaining to self-defense and the use of firearms. Information about point shooting, stances and 'speed' shooting has many times caused misconceptions that often results in; too many shots discharged, high percentages of misses and mental errors made during high-stress confrontations.

The programs offered at Eagle Eye Academy have been well thought out, with consideration to not only marksmanship and safety, but, the thinking process that exists during unusual situations involving use of deadly force; namely the use of firearms.

"The proof is in the results!" Many former students of John Pride have related their experiences during gun fights in which they say "If it weren't for the stress, mental training, I believe I would have not survived the shootout!"

As far back as 1975 when I first joined the Firearms Training staff at the Los Angeles Police Academy, I was amazed how the 'Hogan's Alley' course was run. Recruit Officers were tested on their use of force knowledge and their abilities to think quickly and engage a variety of situations. The courses were 'OK' in my view but when most of the recruits did poorly (due to the high percentages of misses) the score keepers would ridicule the officers' performances, write it down and that was the end of it! When I suggested that we show the proper procedure for accuracy and stress reduction techniques the only answer I got back was, "we don't have time to do that!"

I developed my own technique of teaching, one that would start the students to think in abstract terms such as, "What do I do if I get shot?" and, "What if there is no immediate cover to go to?" "What if I get shot in my dominant shooting hand?" and many more questions like these to better prepare the person for the ever-growing possibility that they may have to use deadly force to defend themselves or others..

There are certainly many other aspects of training that I will address during my classes at the Academy. Those that have attended classes so far have made statements like, "I received, in one day of John Pride's training, more than I got from all the training during my 17-years as a police officer!"

Unfortunately there are instructors or philosophers who lack in substance; in other words create techniques and shooting styles they may have picked up while watching tv or movies. In many cases spend more time trying to make a student stand a certain way or hold the gun in an unrealistic stance, instead of focusing on the most important aspects pertaining to shooting; quickly and accurately; WHILE UNDER FIRE!! I've had to de-program many shooters who were given false confidence while doing 'point shooting' at very close distances and other ridiculous things!

Call today for class schedules and activities at Eagle Eye Academy. The class sizes are small to maximize the training that each person receives. Enjoy the beauty and relaxation of Gold Country, Mariposa County, California.