I started working with John with little experience and not much confidence handling my firearm. John is an excellent communicator and teacher with the patience and knowledge to learn at your own pace. After several sessions I am very confident and quite efficient at accuracy hitting the target, reloading under pressure, fixing the weapon when it get’s jammed and understanding how to safely carry my firearm on a daily basis and god forbid know how to use it if need be.

If you are looking for a firearm instructor who actually teaches with enthusiasm, is very knowledgeable, takes pride in what he does and creates a challenging and fun environment, look no further than John Riddle and Riddle Defense.

I took 2 hand gun course from Riddle in the past 2 months. I have to say I had not only a lot of fun but I learned quite a bit. I have a law enforcement back ground and I shoot often but I felt that I learned new techniques and have much more confidence in my firearm abilities. One of the biggest factors that makes me want to come back and take these courses and recommend them to friends is that Riddle never pushes his own beliefs on you. He shows you techniques and what has worked for him and others, but he doesn’t try to change your ways if something works well for you. The only thing he wants from you though is to be safe, which is very important during any firearm class. Whether you are a novice or expert, I recommend taking his firearm classes.

Thank you John, I had such a great time taking your class. You are a fantastic instructor. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Looking forward to taking future classes. Have a great week!

John, your retentions course today was very eye opening, really pushed the envelope for me. I’d like to train more. I am an NRA Instructor and Range Safety Officer, plus I have a Florida D and G License. You and Joe did a first rate job today!

Riddle Defense is a an amazing place to train. John and the other trainers are excellent at what they do, and really take the time out to help each individual get better. The krav maga program is extensive, well taught, and focuses on real life application; and everyone in the class is supportive, friendly, and will help you get better. The fitness classes with Leigh are great as well. It’s a very fun class with lots of interval training, and as a trainer, Leigh will push you to achieve the best results possible. I truly couldn’t think of a better place to train, or better people to train with, and I highly recommend training here!!

Very good self defense classes. I went with a few friends and we learned so much. Very good teachers and dedicated staff. it is worth every penny.

An excellent training facility for building competency in close-quarter hand-to-hand combat, real-world application of defensive firearms and just general physical fitness. John Riddle has an amazing ability to really break things down into the most fundamental steps that can be readily absorbed and then transformed into second-nature reaction when needed. Highly recommend.

Had an amazing time with the Riddle Defense team in an intro had fun class. Having shot in IDPA for a couple years this was definitely a humbling but highly educational experience. Can’t wait to get signed up for more training.

Great workouts with a great instructor. Always making sure my form is perfect! Thank you!!

Riddle Defense has been transformational for my son who suffers from social anxiety. The skills learned in the program have helped him to develop his self-esteem and self awareness. I can’t imagine anyone sending their child to college without these skills. I would say that these self-defense skills are more important than many of the skills that people want their children to have as they grow up.

May 2019

At least 10 years ago I was robbed. I’m fortunate there was no weapon involved and I clumsily fought my way through it. I’ve dealt with an extreme stalker, various incidents that could have gone badly, and as innocent as a overly friendly neighbor. I felt it was time to learn how to defend myself if necessary. What a class! I will take more of the workshops in future. John Riddle is honest, experienced, and clear in his instruction. As an educator myself (totally different genre!) I appreciate clarity and applicability. Amazing experience with John Riddle at Riddle Defense: Professional, experienced, clear. Best in the business!

The best training you will ever get.

A perfect weapon sir!!! You are a great teacher and an encyclopedia of info on all combat, weapons, and survival.

John Riddle is a top trainer in every aspect. He knows tactics, firearms and self-defense and communicates his expertise well to his students. Anyone who trains with him is lucky to have him as a mentor.

Very useful / informative / practical! Great for moms and teenage daughters !! Bully’s beware!

This was my first time doing training like this and I was nervous. John and his crew are wonderful and they make you feel safe in this training environment. I learned so much… this was a great experience.

I got to sneak in a Combat Fitness class this morning with Leigh while I am down from NJ visiting family for the holidays. Was a great class! Looking forward to being able to take the Krav class next time I’m down in the area.

I have taken 2 classes here (soon to be 3) and John and his team are fabulous. John has so much knowledge and every minute of each class is informational, practical, and well-stated. What a great service you offer. Thank you!

The absolute best real life class ever. John, Leigh and the team at progressive self defense systems are amazing!!! I took away so much info, courage, and also realized that practicing with the best makes me want to train more. I am waiting for my next class with great excitement. Thanks so much for all that you do.

I’ve known John for 20 years and trained with him in various classes and worked in the streets with him. Very smart, very intense and doesn’t just talk about it, he lives it. There is nobody I’d rather have next to me during a situation, no matter how bad it got. And I’d trust him with my family and never have to worry about their safety. John is one of the best teachers, coaches ( no matter the discipline)and/or men I’ve ever met. He has mastered the discipline and used it before ever teaching it.

I have trained with John in his group trainings and had a private lesson on the range. John is a very skilled trainer. He pays attention to every detail, makes safety paramount and teaches way beyond the basics. He brings his skills from his vast past experience….which makes his training invaluable. I highly recommend any training by Progressive Self Defense Systems!

John, Leigh and his team put together an amazing day of training! We learned Force on Force simunitions training. First – absolutely appreciated their safety measures..this group is on point!!!! Then each training scenario was run and debriefed in a manner that allowed you to absorb what happened and learn from it. All instruction was educational and constructive, at no time were mistakes criticized and you always felt that you were in a positive training environment. I had no prior simunition training and was nervous to be honest, but they explained everything and put me at ease. I highly recommend taking this class.

This is an impressive, experienced and knowledgeable training firm. I took their Home Defense Room Clearing course and think it’s an absolute necessity for ANY CCW holder or even has a gun just in their home for self defense. The instructors did a great job of creating very realistic scenarios and making you feel as if you’re truly in a potential life or death situation, with all the physiological responses that come along with it. I highly recommend this firm and this course and will surely be taking more of their training in the future.