2024 Streetwise Self-Defense - July 20

Preview the Liability Release you will be asked to sign when you check in at the event.

ONLY 30 SPOTS ARE AVAILABLE!! Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to complete paperwork!!

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS:

For most of our events, you may cancel and receive a refund (less a $25 processing fee)

up to 3 weeks before an event and refunds will not be available within 3 weeks of an event.

Course Summary:

This class is designed to help you improve your defensive shooting skills and expand your knowledge about the use of firearms for personal protection. This is why we feel this course should be the first class you take after receiving your Concealed Handgun License (also known as a CCW).

Someone once said that having a piano doesn’t mean you know how to play one and the same holds true for a firearm. Simply having a handgun does not mean you know how to use it. This class intends to teach you how to “run your gun” and prepare you to be able to tactically defend yourself with your firearm.

During this class we will focus on the difference between simply shooting a gun and actually using that gun to fight for your life. We will discuss situational awareness and how this mindset is vital in avoiding a confrontation in the first place. We'll talk about the pros and cons of different methods of carry and we’ll try to help you decide which one works the best for you as you go about your daily routine. On the range, we will run drills that are based on real-world situations you may encounter on the street.

Having confidence in your abilities with your firearm will go a long way in helping you prevail in a gunfight, and make no mistake - it will be a fight for your life. This class will help build that confidence and will help you prevail on what will probably be the worst day of your life.

Please note that this is a fast-paced class and it is moderately physical, so be prepared to work.

Prerequisites:

Good basic knowledge of safe gun handling skills is a must (muzzle awareness, trigger finger discipline, etc.) and safe holster usage skills are non-negotiable. Students must be able to demonstrate that they are able to hear and follow given instructions and that they are able to safely draw, handle, and re-holster their firearm. 

Course Length/Hours:

1 Day - 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Topics Covered:

• Marksmanship fundamentals
• Drawing from concealment
• Reloading
• Malfunctions
• Unconventional shooting positions
• Movement
• Use of cover

Gear Requirements:

• Modern defensive pistol
• At least two (2) magazines
• Mag pouch
• Sturdy gun belt - Please understand this is NOT a Sunday-go-to-meeting belt. This is a rugged belt designed to support the weight of a firearm, a holster, and other carry accessories
• Strong side holster (IWB, OWB, or Appendix) - no shoulder, cross draw, Serpa, or middle-of-back styles. Please note that holsters are NOT to be collapsible (i.e., Uncle Mike's style cloth holsters), and students must be able to holster their firearm using their dominant hand only
• Ammo: 300-400 rounds
• ELECTRONIC hearing protection - Students must be able to clearly hear and understand instructors/instructions during this training
• Eye protection
• Weather appropriate clothing, including boots - We shoot rain or shine!!
• Concealment clothes appropriate for climate and conditions
• Billed hat or ball cap
• Lunch, snacks, and plenty of hydration - Our training areas can get HOT!!

Classroom & Range Information:

• Dedicated Classroom - Please note that firearms and/or ammunition are NOT allowed in the classroom!!
• Portable restroom facilities on-site
• Use Google Maps to GPS

Course Tuition:

$175 per person, which includes instruction, targets, and range access. 

A portion of your tuition benefits Buckeye Firearms Association. Thank you for your support.

About the Instructors:

Chief Instructor Sylvester (Sly) Pocius

E.A.S.T. Group’s Chief Instructor, Sylvester (Sly) Pocius, is a Retired Marine Corps Staff NCO with operational, strategic, and tactical experience from multiple overseas deployments. Assigned as a Primary Marksmanship and CQB instructor, Sly's responsibilities included Pre-Deployment and In-Theater training of Marine units in the tactical areas of Pistol, Carbine, Shotgun, Precision Rifle, Close Quarter Combat, Mountain and Desert Survival, Rappelling, and Fast Roping. 

Sly’s private contracting duties included the Drug Eradication Task Force in Afghanistan and he was responsible for training the Afghan National Police in Weapons Handling, Team Tactics, Building Clearing, and Raid Techniques.

Sly served in a Diplomatic Protection Detail in Iraq, where his primary responsibility was the day-to-day security and monitoring of the movements of US Ambassadors and visiting US Dignitaries. His secondary duties included keeping the security teams proficient in their Weapons Handling Skills, Building Clearing Procedures, and Hostage Rescue Techniques.

Sly is currently Chief of Operations and Chief Instructor at E.A.S.T. Group, a state-of-the-art firearms training facility in central Ohio. 

Lead Instructor Jeff Baker

E.A.S.T. Group’s Lead Instructor, Jeff Baker, has been in law enforcement since 1996. During his LE career, Jeff has been a Swift Water Rescue Technician and Instructor, a Field Training Officer, a Boating Education Instructor, a Fitness Tester, and a Lieutenant Field Supervisor. He moved into supervision/management a number of years ago and his current duties include supervising security measures for his department’s headquarters. 

Jeff greatly enjoys teaching new and experienced students the importance of obtaining quality training and engaging in consistent and proper practice.

Jeff's current claim to fame is that he owns the rights to the term describing the rapid, defensive movement demonstrated by Sly in all of his trainings, which is affectionately referred to as "The Sly Slide."

Instructor and EMT Jason Bostic

E.A.S.T. Group’s Medical sector is handled by Jason Bostic, who is a 22-year Firefighter/EMT with vast medical experience gleaned from providing both inner-city and rural EMS, trauma care, and rescue task force element.

Jason began his career in 1998 attending OPOTA in Toledo, Ohio, rounded off his public safety coursework in Fire Science and EMS, and he currently works for a fire department in Central Ohio.

Jason is a perpetual student of the trade beginning his firearms training at E.A.S.T. Group several years ago and making the transition from student to instructor in 2020.

In addition to his other duties, Jason handles technology consulting and marketing for the E.A.S.T. Group facility. 

About the Venue:

E.A.S.T. (Environmental Assessment and Solutions Training) Group

E.A.S.T. Group was established by a group of professionals with a specific mission in mind: To assist individuals and organizations with the resources needed to map out a realistic training program and provide solutions to operate in today's ever- changing environment. 

Our cadre of instructors have the knowledge and experience gained from decades of working within the security realms both here and abroad which allows our students to immerse themselves in real world, up-to-date exercises. 

Our training methodology is unique due to our personal experiences which is why our company mantra “Bullets are Inbound” is the basis for all our training. This mindset allows for a vast mixture of “Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures” to tailor a training solution that meets the needs of our clientele.

E.A.S.T. Group's training facility is structured to allow students to engage in realistic training situations based on how our mind and bodies naturally react when put under stress. This awareness training helps to enable armed civilians to use their body's natural responses to their advantage instead of having it be used against them.

Please click here to visit E.A.S.T. Group's webpage.