train with confidence
Draw2Defend: Foundations & Live
Learn to draw from the holster & defensive shooting.
Canal Winchester, Ohio – Defensive Shooting Class
Want Real Holster Draw Training?
Whether you’re:
- Carrying daily but never practiced your draw under pressure
- Frustrated with benchtop only shooting
- Serious about defending yourself and your family with skill
- Tired of shooting paper targets without context
…we get it. This is why we’re here to help.
At Armed2Defend, this Holster draw range training is for intermediate level shooters. This training goes beyond the basics of shooting and teaches how to defensively draw from a holster and protect yourself.
This Is Not a Beginner's Course
Draw2Defend™: Foundations is designed for safe experienced shooters. You don’t necessary have to know the holster draw technique, but you do need to know how to safely handle a gun and shoot effectively.
If you’re not sure if this training is the correct level for you, you can call to discuss.
Here are some other classes that we offer that can get you ready to take this holster draw course.
Explore more training opportunities:
Ohio Concealed Carry (CCW) License Class
Ideal for those seeking foundational knowledge and certification.
Learn More
Refresh Range Training
Perfect for individuals looking to revisit and sharpen their shooting skills.
Learn More
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us!
Defensive Range Training
To ensure we have safe range experience, we have a preliminary Foundations holster draw class that gets everyone on the same safe and effective technique for practicing defensive shooting.
After the Foundations course is passed, then you’re able to schedule any upcoming Live sessions where you’ll run drills with the group and practice your defensive shooting skills.
1 - Draw2Defend: Foundations
Start with this class – One-day, structured training course
🔒 Required first step before attending any Live sessions
🕒 4-hour class with instructor-led coaching
✅ Learn safe and efficient holster draw techniques
✅ Practice live-fire drills from concealment
✅ Learn emergency reloads
✅ Includes dry fire and live fire reps
✅ Covers self-defense laws and safety protocols
✅ Gear review: holster, belt, clothing, etc.
🧾 Includes certificate of completion
🎯 Limited class size for personal attention
2 - Draw2Defend: Live
Keep your skills sharp – Ongoing, drop-in range sessions
🎟️ Available only to Foundations graduates
🕒 2-hour session running defensive shooting drills
✅ Flexible scheduling – come as often as you’d like
✅ Instructor-led with live feedback
✅ No classroom time – 100% range-based training
✅ Ideal for concealed carriers looking to stay prepared
✅ Drills rotate regularly to challenge all levels
✅ Build confidence through repetition and coaching
If you’re uncertain about any equipment requirements, feel free to contact us before the class. We’re here to help you prepare for a successful training experience.
What to Expect in Draw2Defend: Foundations
Draw2Defend™: Foundations is a 4-hour, live-fire training designed for concealed carriers who want to move beyond basic CCW knowledge and develop practical, real-world skills.
Class Fee: $85
Duration: 4 Hours
Location: Armed2Defend Range – Canal Winchester, OH
Here’s what you’ll experience:
Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early so that everyone is on time and we can complete check-in. For check-in we’ll do the following:
- Verify you don’t have carry firearms on you and that your gun is secured in a closed box, bag, or case.
- Take a photo of your ID for our records.
- Complete the liability form.
- Get situated to start.
Learn how to avoid confrontations, understand Ohio’s self-defense laws, and know what to do after a defensive incident.
We can’t overlook the importance of these topics as responsible concealed carriers.
Ensure your holster, belt, and clothing are suitable for safe and effective concealed carry and training.
All safe range activities must start with a range safety briefing. In this briefing we’ll review essential safety rules, range commands, and procedures to maintain a secure training environment.
Revisit grip, stance, aiming techniques (sighted fire and flash sight picture), and trigger control to build a solid foundation.
Dry Practice: Step-by-step instruction on drawing from a holster without live ammunition.
Live Fire: Practice drawing and firing with live ammunition to build confidence and proficiency.
Concealed Draw: Learn to draw from concealment, simulating real-world scenarios.
Focus on emergency reloads—when and how to perform them efficiently under pressure.
This is the fun part! Engage in drills that combine drawing from concealment and reloading to simulate defensive situations.
Once you complete Draw2Defend: Foundations, you’ll unlock access to Draw2Defend: Live — our exclusive, ongoing range sessions designed to keep your skills sharp and growing.
These sessions offer:
✅ Real-time, guided live-fire drills
✅ Flexibility to attend when it fits your schedule
✅ Dynamic, rotating challenges (no boring repetition!)
✅ Expert feedback from our Armed2Defend instructors
✅ A community of like-minded, safety-conscious shooters
Whether you want to stay confident carrying, work on speed and accuracy, or simply keep training regularly — Draw2Defend: Live gives you the chance to do just that.
By the end of this course, you’ll have the skills and confidence to handle your firearm safely and effectively in a defensive context.
What to Bring
To ensure a productive and safe training session, please come prepared with the following:
Firearm and Gear:
✅ Defensive Handgun: A semi-automatic pistol is recommended; revolvers are acceptable. No caliber restrictions. Bring it unloaded in a closed bag, box or case. Please don’t remove it until directed by the instructor.
✅ Extra Magazines: At least three magazines; more if available. Speedloaders for revolvers.
✅ Holster: A rigid, strong-side hip holster (OWB or IWB) that covers the trigger guard. No soft or collapsible holsters. Form fitted leather or kydex holster recommended. Must cover trigger/trigger guard. No drop holsters, appendix holsters, Serpa style holsters, or duty rigs.
✅ Sturdy Belt: Designed to support the weight of your firearm and holster.
✅ Magazine Pouch to hold 2 extra magazines or speedloaders.
✅ Ammunition: Around 100 quality practice rounds for your gun. You’ll need more for the Live sessions.
Clothing:
✅ Removable Concealment Garment: A removable jacket, button shirt or something to practice drawing from concealment. We’ll start with it removed then add it for concealed draw.
✅ Clothing: Weather-appropriate attire. We’re in a covered barn but it is openair. We do have fans and heaters.
✅ Footwear: Closed-toe shoes (no sandals or flip-flops). The range is gravel.
✅ Hat: A brimmed hat is recommended but not required to deflect ejected brass.
Safety Equipment:
✅ Eye Protection: Safety glasses. Since we’re undercover, non-tented is prefered.
✅ Ear Protection: Electronic earmuffs are recommended but not required for better communication.
✅ We can provide eye and ear protection as needed.
Additional Items:
✅ ID: For check-in. Can be driver’s license, passport, or other government photo ID.
✅ Hydration: Water or sports drinks. There aren’t any drinks available at the range.
✅ Snacks: Energy bars or light snacks to maintain energy levels. There isn’t any snacks available at the range.
If you’re uncertain about any equipment requirements, feel free to contact us before the class. We’re here to help you prepare for a successful training experience.
Ready to register?
Draw2Defend: Foundations
Draw2defend Foundation sessions are at our private range in canal Winchester Ohio, SE of Columbus.
Each session is 4 hours
schedule your Your session Below
We need a minimum of 3 students to hold a session
not sure yet? let’s dive a little deeper.
What to Expect in Draw2Defend: Live
Draw2Defend™: Live are 2-hour, live-fire training for those who have already completed the Foundations training.
Fee: $50 each session
Duration: 2 Hours of live fire
Location: Armed2Defend Range – Canal Winchester, OH
Real Drills. Real Practice. Real Confidence.
You’ve learned the foundations — now it’s time to put them into action.
Draw2Defend: Live is your opportunity to get back on the range and keep building real-world defensive handgun skills in a focused, flexible environment.
These sessions are open to Draw2Defend: Foundations graduates only and give you ongoing access to:
Live-fire holster draw drills
Emergency reloads
Instructor feedback and coaching
Reps, reps, and more reps — so your skills stick when it matters
No classroom time. Just high-value, Live range-based training tailored to your pace and goals.
Come once. Come every month. Your training journey doesn’t end with Foundations — it levels up here.
Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early so that everyone is on time and we can complete check-in. For check-in we’ll do the following:
- Verify you don’t have carry firearms on you and that your gun is secured in a closed box, bag, or case.
- Take a photo of your ID for our records.
- Complete the liability form.
- Get situated to start.
Ensure your holster, belt, and clothing are suitable for safe and effective concealed carry and training.
All safe range activities must start with a range safety briefing. In this briefing we’ll review essential safety rules, range commands, and procedures to maintain a secure training environment.
Continuing to train with live holster draw practice and scenarios.
These sessions continue your training, build confidence, and enjoy commadary!
Ready to register?
Draw2Defend: Live
Must Complete Foundations First
Draw2defend Live sessions are at our private range in canal Winchester Ohio, SE of Columbus.
Each session is 2 hours
schedule your Your session Below
We need a minimum of 3 participants to hold a session
not sure yet? let’s dive a little deeper.
About Our Private Range
Your training takes place at Armed2Defend’s private outdoor range, just outside Columbus, Ohio, in Canal Winchester. Our controlled environment is designed specifically for safe, effective firearms instruction with personalized coaching in mind.
Range Highlights:
✅ Private, distraction-free setting – no walk-ins, no public interference
✅ Covered to keep us out of the weather and blazing sun
✅ Safety-first design – strict adherence to range rules and commands
Why it Matters:
Unlike crowded indoor ranges, our private facility allows us to run drills that most public ranges don’t permit — including:
✅ Drawing from a holster
✅ Shooting from concealment
✅ Reloading on the clock
✅ Structured, scenario-based training
This gives you the confidence and freedom to train like you carry.
Location:
We’re located just minutes from downtown Canal Winchester with easy access from Route 33. Exact directions and instructions will be provided after registration.
You might still be wondering...
No, this is range training to build proper and safe holster draw and defensive shooting techniques. If you want to get your license, you can see our upcoming classes on this page.
Our range is on private property in Canal Winchester, Ohio (20 minutes southeast of Columbus, Ohio). Our range is covered but mostly open air. We have heaters or fans depending on the temperature, but you’ll want to dress for the weather. We also have lights.
We have range safety equipment that you can borrow for free. These include eye protection and ear protection. We require side shields for glasses to protect from casing that fly sideways.
For a restroom, we have a port-a-pot at the range.
Anyone 18 or older can take our training course. However, please understand that you must be 21 possess and transport a handgun.
*Please note: Anyone under 21 would not be legally able to transport a gun to class. A friend or family member 21+ is also attending the class that day, they can transport a gun for the underage person.
No – but this isn’t a beginner class. Participants are required to have a basic shooting fundamentals and safety before attending. If not, then they won’t be allowed to proceed in the class.
If you’re not sure, I would recommend that you either take a concealed carry class or one of out range only training.
No. While the class is ideal for those who carry daily, it’s also perfect for gun owners who want to be prepared to defend themselves responsibly — even if they don’t carry all the time.
You’ll need a rigid strong-side holster, either outside-the-waistband (OWB) or inside-the-waistband (IWB) that covers the trigger guard. Soft nylon or floppy holsters are not allowed for safety reasons when holstering. Also, no drop holsters, appendix holsters, Serpa style holsters, or duty rigs. You also need a sturdy belt and a concealment garment like a jacket or untucked shirt.
Unfortunately, due to the nature of the training, each student will need their own gun and materials.
We do require full payment ahead of time. There is a lot that goes into training day preparation on our end. We prepare paperwork specific to each student and hire instructors to assist.
The billing information doesn’t have to registering student for the online transactions. So if you can give the cash to a friend or family member and use their card for the billing section that works just fine.
Please note that we do not have a storefront location for doing in person transactions. We are unable to arrange for in person payments before class.
We choose not to train pregnant women on our range because of the potential for hearing damage to the baby and the exposure to toxic substances (lead) that are an unavoidable part of shooting.
If you feel that you must complete this training, we’ll require a doctor’s note. We’ll keep a copy of it for our records.
Have another question?
Contact us to discuss.
Hi there, we're
Armed2Defend.
We're certified instructors who want to help you improve your shooting skills.
Since 2010, Armed2Defend has trained more than 25,000 students through our Ohio concealed carry courses and certified over 700 instructors through the NRA and USCCA. We’re proud to have earned nearly 1,000 5-star Google reviews and over 460 Facebook recommendations from our graduates.
But those numbers aren’t what drive us.
What matters most is you — the individual standing on the line, trusting us to help you grow. Whether you’re building confidence, working through hesitation, or ready to level up your skills, we’re committed to giving you our full attention.
For every student who steps into our range, you become the focus.
We can't wait to meet you!
The goal isn't to just Go Shooting
You want to be trained
Good news-shooting is fun but we desire more. Here’s what you can expect instead:
Safe and informative range time.
Our instructors are very patient and have lots of experience working with new and experienced shooters.
During your time on the range, the instructor will walk you through the steps and make sure you feel comfortable handling, loading, and shooting a gun.
To insure range safety, our instructors work directly with each shooter. You'll feel confident about safety on our range.
Super-practical training.
Everyone's relationship to guns is different. We meet you where you are, steer clear of fancy terms, and teach like teachers (not drill sergeants). We want you to walk away with more than just training — we want you to leave with unwavering confidence, no matter how you felt before.
What to expect at this range training?
Please come prepared for this training to make sure that it is safe and effective for everyone.
WHAT TO BRING?
Your ID for check-in.
Defensive handgun: semi-automatic preferred, but revolvers are accepted. No caliber restrictions. Bring it unloaded in a closed bag, box or case. Please don't remove it until directed by the instructor.
Extra magazines (3 total) or speed loaders for revolvers.
Appropriate magazine or speed loader pouch.
Quality Strong Side Hip Holster appropriate for concealed carry. Can be inside or outside the waistband. Form fitted leather or kydex holster recommended. Must cover trigger/trigger guard. No drop holsters, appendix holsters, Serpa style holsters, or duty rigs.
Sturdy belt that can support the holster and firearm securely.
Removable concealment garment (light jacket, flannel shirt, or untucked t-shirt)
100 rounds of quality practice ammunition for your gun.
Eye and ear protection or you can borrow ours for free. We require side shields on eye protection.
Clothing appropriate for concealed carry including a mandatory removable cover garment. Dress for the weather as the range is a covered outdoor range. Please wear appropriate range attire.
Best positive attitude ever! We’re all here to learn. Let’s keep it positive and beneficial to all!
WHEN YOU ARRIVE
Absolutely no licensed concealed carry guns allowed at any point during this training. You’re only allowed to wear your pistol when directed. If you’re not sure, just ask.
Arrive and park at our range in Canal Winchester, OH. The full address will be given after you register. It is on private property and no visiting outside of scheduled sessions is allowed.
We'll start check-in around 20 minutes or so before the start of the session. You're welcome to come into the range building when you're ready.
CHECK-IN
We'll take a photo of your ID (driver's license or state ID).
You'll fill out a release waiver.
WE'LL GET STARTED ON TIME
Please be sure to arrive 10-15 minutes early so that we can complete check-in and get started on time.
Protection is everything.
Give yourself the option to carry.
Get Your Free Ohio CCW Training Guide
The guide includes 5 answers for the concealed carry test.
