What our students say about TDI.

 


Mark Elliott

October 3, 2024

Absolutely outstanding. I have been TWICE. The training is outstanding, the facilities are remote and they do a great job of making things practical. I am very thankful for the opportunity and training.


Kevin Martin

September 22, 2024

The methodical and professional manner this group conducts themselves is a testament to their profession.


Brent Burchwell

September 8, 2024

TDI definitely lives up to their reputation. I am 48 years old now and have been shooting since I was 10 or 11 years old. A few friends and I took Handgun 1-3. The first hour of the first day of class I was already shooting better due to Tim explaining grip principles and then showing me a better technique. The new grip felt very foreign to me, but I stuck with it and it yielded excellent results.
TDI is excellent across the board, but the way the way they teach impressed me the most. One of the guys in the class was a Marine whom had seen combat in Iraq. Another guy had only fired a gun once before in his life. They both got the attention and instruction the needed to become more proficient.
The bottom line about TDI is- these dudes know what they are doing and are VERY good at transferring some of that knowledge to their students.


Scott Wedemeyer

August 17, 2024

Great instructors. Well planned out and taught.


Isabel Lobb

August 4, 2024

Great class, especially for beginners. All of the instructors are excellent and there is tons of one on one for extra support.


Michael Parrish

August 4, 2024

Outstanding experience for beginner handgun class – inclusive for all different skill levels.


Brandy Welsh

July 14, 2024

Spent 3 days with Tim, Pete and John taking Handgun 1-3. If you are thinking about it, do it. It is such a valuable experience. The trainers have so much knowledge and are so great at what they do. It will change your life for the better.


SM

June 27, 2024

If you own a gun you need to go to a training class. Going to TDI is a great choice! They are patient with new shooters and take the time to instruct and create learning moments. My wife loved it! Was only going to take handgun level 1 but loved it so much she stayed for 2 and 3! Lots of individual instruction. They have 4-5 instructors on the line observing and helping. Go take the classes, great environment and great people!


Matt B.

June 23, 2024

I just completed the 3 day, handgun lvl 1-3 class and it was such rewarding experience. The instructors were great, and each had their own unique way of suggesting improvements to the students without making us feel stupid or uncomfortable. The facility was great, and the content and techniques taught were spot on for beginner level pistol owners. Safety was a priority and I never witnessed any unsafe weapons handling by the instructors and any students performing anything unsafe were quickly corrected by the instructors. I think TDI was only able to achieve this by having such a high number of instructors present, which was great!
I can only come up with two suggestions for improvement:
1) maybe a speaker/audio system so it is easier to hear in the classroom. The background noise of the fans makes it difficult sometimes to hear the speakers talking.
2) air conditioning for the classroom, it was rather warm for our class and at least mentally a cooler location for class time and lunch breaks would have mentally been a fatigue relief.


Scot Rife

June 9, 2024

My first training experience at TDI was intense. Safety was a priority, and the instructors were outstanding. The fellow students were serious about developing skills. Overall, it is an excellent environment for serious shooters.


Shahin Aftabizadeh

May 5, 2024

Incredible training and atmosphere. Instructors are phenomenal.


Ethan Gaston

November 16, 2023

Fantastic school teaching simple, reliable, and current tactics and techniques. Professional instructors that meet you at your skill level and beginner friendly atmosphere.


Bill B.
November 7, 2023
The class and instructors was excellent, my son and I enjoyed it. instructors worked with everyone,wish I could have made the other two days

Jennifer Milyard
We did it for a husband & wife weekend! Do it! It was AWESOME!! We both learned so much!! It was very organized. The instructors were pros!

Tom Nordmeyer
Professional firearms training at the highest level

SCOTT MEUSELBACH
I’ve trained here from my first “real” firearms class of Handgun 1-2-3, and have now taken the majority of classes offered at TDI. The instructors are welcoming, and cater from brand new to more experienced shooters. Not only do they teach shooting, but learning and considering legal ramifications is also a fundamental part of training to consider and incorporated into training and “real world” experience at TDI. I have since taken several other classes from outside instructors as well, and I have always compared them to TDI as “the” standard. Highly recommended.

Wyatt Rodriguez
I have always been a enthusiast for firearms in all aspects and to say I wanted to train with the best and chose the best would be a understatement. I learned more here in three days then anything I learned just from reading or practicing at home. Don’t second guess yourself when looking for the best place to begin, or continue to improve your training. Each instructor was beyond attentive and helpful in many different degrees throughout the training period no matter what the question was, and I throughly cannot wait to go back

Andrew Schwab
I just attended my first training class and was blown away by the excellence of the training staff and incredible facility that allows for hands on training that is very hard to find all in one place if you can find it at all. The staff pays equal attention to all the students allowing for a super conducive learning environment. Everything I learned was super useful and practical. The training I got far exceeded my expectations, and when I got home from my class I signed up for 4 more the next year. Thank you so much TDI, and I will see you next summer!

Lindsey Daniel
They provide such good information! Super nice people and very helpful. I wouldn’t go anywhere else to get my training.

Thomas Marshall
October 30, 2023 Google Review
Just had the pleasure of attending the TAC Rifle 2 and 3 at TDI and was thoroughly impressed by the instruction and knowledge base they bring to the table. Even with USMC combat experience this opened my eyes to being ready to combat real events in civilian life. All instructors showed a passion for sharing their personal and professional experience. I would not hesitate to recommend TDI’s courses to anyone wanting to be ready for situations that have become commonplace in todays world.

Sam Pigg
October 17, 2023   Google Review
Great instruction, very competent, safe, and helpful.

daytonarmory1
October 16, 2023   Google Review
Tactical Defense Institute/TDI is a premier firearms training/tactics organization. The staff are inviting, knowledgeable, and safe. They can easily work with any student’s prior skill or experience level. It’s a fantastic value for the cost. They have the facilities to run evolutions and scenarios that are specialized for live fire. These are usually few and far between around the country. The training material is up to date and always inspires self-reflection and self-improvement. I can not recommend them enough!

Matt Comeau
October 14, 2023 Google Review
Quality instruction from very knowledgeable individuals.

Sarah Tolodzieski

October 9, 2023 Google Review

My 2 sisters and I along with our cousin recently attended the handgun 1-3 class. I cannot recommend this program enough. Every instructor was knowledgeable and professional throughout the entire weekend. I am 100% confident that if I ever come across a situation, I will be able to defend myself and my family. I will NOT be a statistic and I am forever grateful for the knowledge and experience I walked away with. I can’t wait until the next class!

Calvin McClory
Excellent training. On both legal and defensive use of force. I signed up for their pistiol one to three course, and camped on the property. One of the most fun weekends I’ve ever had. I plan on going taking every course they got.
The instructions are friendly, knowledgeable, and patient. They improved my accuracy and speed. And teach you drills that will keep you sharp and improving.They shoot rain or shine so bring rain gear, and cold weather gear, Ohio weather is wacky.
Everyone who carries, civilian or law enforcement, should go to TDI. Well worth the price.
Bring $50 cash so you can buy merch while your there. Get yourself a TDI cover garmet, hat, patch, coat, or polo shirt. Show up to your next IDPA match in style.

Bryan Reo
May 2023 Google Review 
I have taken almost every course at TDI at least once and several courses two or three times. I am about to take another course (Practical Precision Rifle) for the third time. TDI is my main go-to academy for firearms training East of the Mississippi. It should be yours as well.

Handgun I-III, July 9-11, 2021

WOW!  As always, my trip to TDIOhio was well worth the 7-hour drive.  Over the past 2 years, I’ve attended your Ground Fighting class, twice, and Handgun I-III, IV-V, VI.  They all exceeded my expectations.  

Thank you,

Billy Bucy, Grand Rapids, Michigan


December, 2020
Mastering Pistol Fundamentals is a great class.  Fine tuning speed and accuracy is exactly what I needed.  The structure of the class was perfect!
Another quality performance by TDI and all of the instructors.
Mike E.

November, 2020

Thank you again for a great weekend I enjoyed you and the whole team, and felt like part of the family.  I am completely amazed at the skills that everyone has and their willingness to share with us.  I’m honored to receive it and will be practicing. 

Billy B.


November, 2020

I wanted to take any moment and personally thank all of you again for this past weekend’s training and experience (11-20 through 11-22).  I truly look forward to taking many mores classes with all of you!

Jonathan P.


November, 2020

Thank you very much for the amazing course this last weekend. My wife and I really enjoyed ourselves and learned so much. All of your staff were truly amazing and I cannot say how much that helps in creating a great learning atmosphere. 

Jeremy H.


October, 2020

I want to thank you and your team of instructors for another great experience, TDI never disappoints. Year after year, class after class, I always have a great time and learn more than I expect.  

Mike E.


October, 2020

I had an excellent experience at TDI. I highly recommend their handgun class. John Benner is a gentlemen and knowledgeable. His staff of instructors where all excellent as well and paid attention to your progress. 

George K.


October, 2020

I want to hand out many compliments concerning the class.  All the instructors were excellent and I appreciated the attention to detail and personal instruction at the firing line.  The instruction touched many of my points of interest.
J. Coburn

September, 2020

Thanks again for encouraging me to take the rifle class.  It was a HUGE leap out of my comfort zone, but as always, you and your amazing team refused to let me (or anybody else) fail.  

Holly S.


September, 2020

You and your instructors run a top notch, first class program. Everyone of your instructors provided great instruction, guidance, and correction to help me improve my skills. I left the course much improved,  and more importantly, with a better confidence of where I am, and what I need to work on.
Gene

September, 2020

Please tell your staff thank you from both myself and Bill Jr.  It was a great weekend and we both had a great time.  Like last year the thing that stands out the most is the amazing staff you’ve managed to assemble.  

Bill Sr.


August, 2020

I took Handgun 1-3. Words cannot describe how excellent my experience at TDI was. All the instructors are absolutely wonderful and very engaging while teaching. They break down everything so that the students are able to understand what is expected of them.  If you are on the fence about whether you should go or not, GO! The money and time is well worth it.

Ashleigh


August, 2020

To John and entire staff at TDI:

I just wanted to send a message about how much I have enjoyed and appreciated the training that I have received at TDI. I believe I have been to TDI seven times over the past 5 years. I try to attend at least one or two courses per year somewhere to keep what skills I do have current.

I can’t tell you how many times I have seen TDI instructors pull people aside, including myself, and show them another way to do something and give them a pat on the back or John Motil getting someone’s gun back in the fight.  Again, thanks to the entire staff for always going above and beyond what’s expected. This is what sets TDI apart from the rest of the field.

Best Regards,

Rod


August 2020

If you have your CCW and got it through a NRA teacher, may I recommend you take this to further your tactical skills.

Stephanie


October 2019

I’ve been in law enforcement for 18 years and Level 1-3 handgun is the best handgun course I’ve ever taken. Their instructors are top notch, the courses of fire will improve all shooters, and their method of teaching is highly applicable to combat shooting. I highly recommend TDI.

F. Reagan


September 2019

TDI is top notch. I look forward to the next class.

P. West


September 2019

Thank you very much for a great weekend. I was just in your handgun I – III class September 6-9th. Your team is very thorough, patient, and instructive. I hope that I am able to improve on what you and your team has taught me. 

Tim K.


September 2019

I wanted to take a minute to thank you and your staff for the amazing experience that my son and I had the pleasure to be a part of this past weekend.  We’ve taken a few classes in the past but none were as comprehensive, enjoyable, and more importantly beneficial than HG I-III. I truly couldn’t think of one thing your staff could have done better.  

 Regards,

B. O’Donnell Sr.


July 2019

I wanted to let you John Benner know that my son, Xander, and I thoroughly enjoyed Tac Rifle I.  In addition, I was happy to see that TDI still offers absolutely topnotch training, and that its instructors are the best.  

Cheers, Nick


July 2019

I just can’t say enough good things about your instructors.  You’ve really put together a super team of great folks!

Thanks again for great instruction and a great time.

 Wayne J.


July 2019

The instructors were amazing, they instruct you on a very personal basis. TDI grounds were way above and beyond our expectations. John and his staff are extremely knowledgeable No complaints whatsoever.

Matt S.   Corrections Officer


May 2019

Michael and I would like to thank you all for the wonderful learning experience. I can’t express enough how happy we were to be able to take this course and learn from all of you. 

Michael and Janie


May 2019

Not long ago I was at Shoot Point Blank practicing the Malfunction Drill Forrest Sonewald taught us at this last Buckeye Blast.  All the other shooters around me were blasting away as fast as they could, while I just shot once, went through a malfunction clearance then back on target.  I put about 75 rounds down that way and my last 10 I did 2 to the chest one to the head til empty. I finished grabbed my gear turned around and the Range officer was looking at me nodded slightly and with an approving smile on his face that said, “Now that’s training!”  

John, Thanks again for your incredible staff.

P. Gawry


May 2019

Words cannot express my gratitude for your hospitality and world class instruction this past weekend. I always learn so much every-time I’m there. 

J. Staggs