MDFI

I have attended three MDFI pistol and carbine classes in the past 2 years. In each class, head instructor Steve Fisher has created an exciting and challenging environment for students to learn real skills for real situations. Fisher demonstrates a clear understanding of the demands of armed conflict, and prepares students for those challenges by first laying a foundation, and then slowly building upon it one step at a time.

Students that progress to the advanced classes learn to assemble each of the previously learned skills into cohesive and fluid series of movements. While the beginner classes have few surprises, the advanced stages are less scripted. This challenges the student to think during a stressful training session, reducing the chance of slow reaction timing when involved in a real fight. In the end, the students are shown that advanced training is nothing more than the perfecting the basics, tying them together, and performing during high stress levels without losing focus. This, of course, is easier said than done.

Instructor Fisher emphasizes repeated training, and subscribes to the maxim, "You do not rise to the occassion, you sink to your level of training," meaning that no student is ever done training. Fisher leads by example, and continously hones his own skills. This means you will not ever find yourself chewing on yesterday's leftovers when attending his classes. There is never simply ONE way to do anything, Fisher recognizes this, and it comes through in his classes. He keeps things exciting, nutures development, and challenges students.

I highly recommend MDFI classes to everyone.

Thank you,



Tony Albaceli
Lenox Fire/Rescue
Industry Writer

Name: Stan

Background: USMC 5 years active 0311(Grunt), MSG Adak AK, Scout Sniper BLT 1/8 85-88. Expert qualification NRA High Power Match Shooter.

Steve Fisher Classes: Carbine II, Handgun I, Handgun II, Tactical Shotgun

Training notes:

Carbine II:
Personally I saw a need for, "in my mind", a refresher of what I thought I knew. What I found out in the first couple hours of Carbine II was,

1. I had deeply indoctrinated my mindset into High Power Match thinking, with the need to over come the firing line mentality

2. The training attitude, motivation, and confidence in his knowledge Fisher displayed was intoxicating, having us as students fired up, and wanting more.

3. I soon learned, by the end of the day, my military training was in much need of supplemental tutoring. Steve teaches to fight with the carbine, rather than just operate one. How to transition to the handgun, and when to do so. Shooting,(fighting) positions for various situations. I enjoyed mostly the mind set of situational awareness, and follow through, scanning for more targets that are out to do you harm.

1. 
   
2. Handgun I&II:
   

These classes gave me the confidence to use my CPL to its fullest. I feel, through this instruction, I have the ability to safely defend myself and family should the situation arise, without endangering bystanders. Once again, mindset is stressed.

Tactical Shotgun:
Many myths and misconceptions were cleared up for me. From what load to use, and the effectiveness of each, to what a versatile weapon the shotgun is. The reload drills were challenging and effective. I enjoyed learning how to work this tool into a weapon. I'm looking forwards to the follow up to this class, as are other students I've spoke with.

In conclusion. My feelings on continuing tactical training revolve around the idea of having the knowledge, and not needing to use it, vice needing the knowledge and not having it. As a X-Jarhead, now carpenter (civilian), I understand the difference of Military, LEO, and Civilian when it come to armed encounters. As well as the similarities in mindset when someone is out to kill you. Steve Fisher instruction will give you a toolbox of that knowledge, no matter what your background. In the defense of yourself, your family, your community, or your country.

Name: Lance

Classes taken from Steve: Carbine 1 & 2 (Carbine 1 was a private class given to our sniper team)

Background: SGT, US Army, 4 years. 16 years LE experience. NRA LE Instructor/Rangemaster. Tactical Rifle Instructor (semi & select-fire), Advanced Sniper Instructor. Instinctive Point Shooting Instructor. Armorer: Glock & Colt M-16/AR-15.

Classes taken: Too numerous to list. Highlights: OpTac Advanced Sniper Instructor, FBI Basic and Advanced Observer/Sniper Schools, HSS Mantracking, HSS Advanced Sniper, Mike Rayburn's Instinctive Point Shooting Instructor Class. Steve's classes, of course.

Notes: Steve was by far the most dynamic instructor I've had. He keeps the classes moving and motivated with little down-time. He takes students well outside of their comfort zones, but maintains safety at all times. Steve considers himself a student and is always adding additional training to his own bag of tricks. I look forward to taking more classes in the future.