Jim is a lifelong shooter and big game hunter, also a student of the history of gun fights from the times of the old west to present. He began his defensive shooting career in the late 1970’s as a member of the first Rochester area IPSC club and has competed in several national level pistol championships. Qualified in the use of the M16, M14 and M1 carbine while on active duty with the USAF. He currently holds the rating of MASTER in Defensive Shooting Management and EXPERT in IDPA’s, ESP division. He has an EXPERT rating from the US ARMY’S SMALL ARMS FIRING SCHOOL and is a graduate of Chuck Taylor’s AMERICAN SMALL ARMS ACADEMY’S Tactical Handgun, Advanced Tactical Handgun, Handgun Combat Master, Tactical Rifle and Tactical Shotgun courses. He is also certified by the STATE of NEW YORK in armed security and has worked in the security and personal protection fields. He is co-founder of the Defensive Shooting Management Academy and system of personal defense. He is a NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION certified instructor of Home Firearm Safety, First steps, Basic Pistol and Home Personal Protection, and is certified as an IDPA Range Safety Officer.