Philosophy's of Training

Nathanael A. Malley

The Philosophy of Training

It has been brought up many times in conversations I have with people when speaking about firearms that there is a common issue: people get their Concealed Carry Weapons permit (handgun), and then that’s it. They’re done.

Many times, if people train beyond that at all, they may go to the range one or two times afterward — and then stop.

This is a problem, and it goes against many of my personal beliefs about what it takes to become proficient in any developed skill set.

The importance of being competent with a firearm is a responsibility that should not be neglected by the people who own and have access to them. A lack of research, studying, learning, and practice ultimately determines the level of confidence and competence someone will have.

You may have heard the saying, “In the time of need, one must rise to the occasion.”

The reality is that it is far more likely that one will rise only to their consistent degree of training.

Take Keanu Reeves for example. He starred in the very popular film series John Wick. One of the reasons those movies resonated with so many people — especially in the firearms community — was because of the “gun-fu” style and the realistic way firearms were handled on screen.

Of course, the movie itself is fiction and heavily dramatized. The character of Mr. Wick is essentially unkillable. But what stands out is how good he looked with a firearm.

Why?

Because he trained. And trained. And trained harder.

There are many videos of Keanu Reeves running shooting courses with live ammunition under professional instructors. He put in the time to develop those skills. But do you think he just showed up on set and was instantly amazing with firearms?

Of course not.

There was a point where he had to hold a firearm for the first time. A point where he had questions, doubts, and expectations about what he was holding and what it could do. No one simply picks up a gun and performs at their best potential immediately.

What makes his performance impressive is that his competence was earned through repetition and disciplined training.

One of his instructors even mentioned that he had reached a level where he could enter a competition and potentially do very well.

Back in the real world, the question becomes:

Why is it important to train? Why is proficiency necessary?

The answer is simple.

So that if you ever have to use your firearm, you are more fortunate than the person who opposes you.

That is the reality.

This isn’t a game.
This isn’t a movie.
There are no retakes.
And there may be no second chances.

The function of a firearm is simple: it destroys. It is the modern-day sword — and in a sense, also your shield.

When it matters most, it will only perform as well as its quality, its maintenance, and your ability to operate it.

And why do you own it?

That is a question you must answer honestly for yourself.

Maybe it stays in your home.
Maybe you carry it daily.
Maybe it is your duty weapon.
Maybe you want to compete.
Maybe it is for recreation or hunting.

Regardless of the reason, it is imperative that you understand the tool at your disposal. Every one of those uses requires competence and awareness.

Things happen fast. Very fast.

If you have not trained and prepared to handle your tool properly, then you are essentially walking around as a liability. That may sound harsh, but it is something people need to understand.

I have seen many things in my time around firearms that concern me: unsafe handling, poor instruction, a lack of discipline and seriousness, and people trying to achieve high goals without truly understanding what they are doing.

I have been flagged multiple times by people — clients and even friends — who believed they knew what they were doing with a firearm but forgot the first and most important principle of all:

Safety.

Because of this, my position on proper training sits near the top of my list of priorities.

You are not going to get better at handling firearms without practice. You have to invest time into this. There will likely be growing pains. Some people will naturally progress faster than others.

But in truth, that doesn’t matter.

The only person you are competing with is yourself.

Your goal should be to become better than you were yesterday. If you consistently do that, you will grow.

I am actually considered a relatively new shooter.

I didn’t buy my first pistol until 2023.

Since then, I have fired thousands upon thousands of rounds. A large portion of that has been .22LR because it was a cost-effective way to train. I have also spent significant time shooting 9mm because my field requires proficiency with it, and I will be competing soon as well.

But the truth is, I did not wake up one day and become a crack shot.

The first time I shot, I was nervous. I wanted to look good because I was insecure about looking foolish in front of others. I had high personal standards and wanted to meet them. I was sweaty, adrenaline was running, and it took time — and a lot of lead downrange — to become comfortable.

And even now, I still have a long way to go.

I know this because every time I reach a goal or achieve a milestone, I see something else that needs improvement.

The firearm may be a tool of destruction, but I am the one who wields it. I must continue to develop mastery over the skill and discipline of using it.

Because if I ever have to rely on it in a life-or-death situation, I am hoping my training sets me apart and gives me the upper hand — along with a little good fortune — to walk away the victor.

I know that sounds serious.
I know that sounds deep.

But pucker up, buttercups — it’s the truth.

If you cannot accept that logic, then maybe this isn’t the place for you.

But if you can accept that truth — even if it challenges you — then I’m glad you’re here.

Because that philosophy is the foundation of how I train, how I teach, and how I believe responsible firearm ownership should be approached.

And hopefully, over time, it becomes a part of your philosophy too.

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“The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war.”
— General George S. Patton

Training is not optional. Preparation is not a hobby and it is the difference between competence and chaos when the moment arrives.  If you want to win.