Jason Martin is a CA POST, NRA and a USCCA Certified Firearms Instructor

• Range Safety Officer (NRA)

• Small Arms Instructor (CA POST, NRA and USCCA)

• In Home Self Defense Instructor (NRA and USCCA)

• Outside of the Home Concealed Carry Instructor (NRA and USCCA)

• CA POST Firearms Instructor

• CA POST Red Dot Instructor

• MAG 40 Graduate

• San Diego Sheriff Dept. Approved CCW Instructor

NRA Certificate # 6220572

What is my goal with students that select me as their trainer?

My Lifelong Journey with Firearms and Training

A Story of Dedication and Expertise

Growing up on a farm in rural Maryland, having a firearm close by was a normal way of life. From a young age, I was surrounded by the culture of responsible firearm use. My father, a police officer and former Marine, taught me to shoot. It was under his guidance that I took my first steps towards becoming proficient with firearms. My grandfather, an avid shooter and reloader, imparted invaluable shooting techniques to me, further igniting my passion for firearms.

At the age of 18, I joined the Marine Corps. This decision marked a significant milestone in my life, where my skills and discipline with firearms were honed to a professional level. Upon completing my term of service, I pursued higher education and began a career supporting the Department of Defense. My role as a DOD contractor took me to Afghanistan, where I spent almost five years, an experience that deepened my understanding of firearms in a combat setting.

Upon returning from Afghanistan, I dedicated myself to formalizing my firearms training knowledge for the civilian world. I attained certifications in firearm training and began working part-time at a local gun shop. My competitive spirit drove me to participate in various shooting competitions including NRA Service Match rifle, 3-gun, Steel match, Precision Rifle, and Trap/Skeet shooting. Additionally, I have been an avid bowhunter throughout my life.

To further enhance my expertise, I attended classes held by esteemed instructors such as Shane Regan (Instructor Shane) and Morgan Ballis at Defensive Tactics, Sam Middlebrook with Redhawk Firearms Training, and Scott Satterlee with SSTAC Training Group for long-range rifle shooting. My commitment to excellence led me to earn my Instructor status with the NRA on “In and Outside of Home Defense." I also received USCCA instructor certification on “Inside and Outside of the home self-defense."

Furthering my credentials, I completed the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) with Riverside CA Sheriff’s Department, earning my CA POST Instructor certification. I also completed the CA POST RED DOT Instructor course, becoming a certified POST RED DOT Instructor. Additionally, I am a proud graduate of Massad Ayoob's MAG40 class.

As a trainer, I am committed to being a constant learner. I believe that the journey of learning never ends, and I strive to absorb knowledge from industry experts as well as my students. I encourage my students to embrace the same mindset of continuous improvement and learning.

This journey has been one of dedication, expertise, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in the field of firearms and training. It is a journey that I continue to cherish and build upon every day.

My goal with students who select me as their trainer is to equip them with the skills and mindset necessary to handle threats they may encounter in their day-to-day lives. The primary objective is not to resort to using a firearm, but to instill confidence in their ability to do so if the situation demands it. It’s about fostering a mindset of preparedness and self-assurance.

At Practical is Tactical, my approach revolves around creating a no-stress learning environment. I believe that we learn best in an interactive format where both students and instructors feel comfortable and can engage collaboratively. This mutual comfort allows us to work together effectively, enhancing your abilities and boosting your confidence in a supportive setting.