At Firearm Training Institute (FTI), our team strives to provide the highest level of cutting edge instruction in the most up to date and progressive firearms skills and tactics. The FTI instructor cadre is composed of a small team of NRA Instructors and NRA Training Counselors who all possess extensive backgrounds in civilian and military operations.
FTI is an industry leader in cutting edge and realistic training. All programs come under the direct supervision of the Director and NRA Training Instructor, David G. Matthews. He proudly oversees a highly skilled cadre of world-class instructors who are committed to developing the best and brightest possible instructors and students!
We guarantee that you will encounter the highest level of professionalism in all of our courses and that the skills you learn will greatly enhance your operational effectiveness and weapons handling techniques.
If you are interested in becoming a NRA Instructor, we offer all of the NRA Instructor Level Courses to students who possess and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitude. Please contact us for more information.
MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS
DAVID MATTHEWS
DIRECTOR / NRA Training Counselor
Firearm Training Institute (FTI) is owned and operated by David Matthews, a veteran of the U.S Army, Law Enforcement, and a lifelong hunter, fisherman, and firearms handling and training expert.
Mr. Matthews has over 50 years experience in the field of firearms handling, tactics and law enforcement for and in the State of California. During his diverse career, he has studied with the industry’s foremost and well respected instructors and tacticians.
David is one of California’s top master firearms and tactics instructors and holds certifications from a wide variety of agencies and schools that are highly recognized throughout the United States. These Instructor Development Schools include FBI, CA Dept. of Justice, Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, ASP, NRA, and Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification just to name a few.
David’s years of experience and methods of teaching cutting edge tactics takes his courses to a level rarely seen.
David is dedicated to providing the highest quality professional training available whether for law enforcement agencies or private citizens, large seminars or private lessons, basic or advanced, with an emphasis on friendly hands-on instruction that is simple, effective, affordable, reality-based, motivating, empowering, and most importantly, FUN!
CHARLIE MILLER
Chief Instructor
Charlie Miller has been an NRA Certified Firearms Instructor since 2014. He is certified as an NRA CCW, Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, Personal Defense inside the Home, Muzzleloading and Home Firearm Safety Instructor and is an NRA Certified Rangemaster. He is also a USAA Level One Archery Instructor.
Charlie is an avid hunter, enjoying the fall Deer and winter waterfowl seasons. He is also certified by the California Department of Justice to train DOJ Certified Firearms Safety Certificate Instructors.
Miller previously worked as a Certified Athletic Trainer at several Bay Area Universities, retiring as a Certified Athletic Trainer in 2015
RICHARD DZIEDZIC
Instructor
Rich is a current CCW, Pistol, and Home Firearm Safety Instructor. FFL, COE and FSC. Rich is a current Emergency Medical Technician, Hazardous Materials Technician, and Swift Water Rescue Technician. In his spare time he enjoys Hunting and Fishing with his wife and children and competes in Military High Power Rifle Competitions.
RICHARD CRISAFULLI
Instructor
Ms. Williams started shooting as a young child and continued to enjoy shooting till adulthood. She enjoys shooting both firearms and archery. Karen is an avid competitive archery shooter, hunter, and a recreational shooter of rifle, shotgun, and handguns.
Karen has the following certifications: NRA Certified Basic Pistol Instructor, NRA Certified CCW Instructor, NRA Home Firearm Safety Instructor.