The N.A.P.S.I. Essential Defensive Pistol (EDP) Course was developed to provide the student with an opportunity to build upon the foundational skill-set and knowledge base that was acquired in FDP or BDSS. This includes a continued focus on the defensive mindset, discussion regarding avoidance/de-escalation strategies, an understanding of the physiological changes that occur in the body when under lethal force stress and what affect they have on our training, and a series of skill development exercises that will help the student learn to more efficiently and effectively use a handgun for self-defense in a lethal force encounter. EDP focuses on encounters that take place at distances beyond two arms reach. This is the class where all of the foundational work completed in FDP and/or BDSS starts to come together with a true mastery of running the gun. This course will allow the student to safely push his/her performance limits while quickly building the confidence and competence needed to prevail in a real lethal force encounter. EDP answers the "why" questions with quantifiable, empirical evidence-based information.

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Students should expect to fire approximately 250 rounds of ammunition. EDP consists of a full day (approx. 9 hours) of intense teaching, range training, and repetitive practice covering a variety of topics including:

  • Review of Firearms Safety and Safe Gun Handling Practices
  • In-depth Discussion on Physiological Changes that take place when under severe stress, and what effect they have on our training
  • Review of Defensive Shooting Fundamentals
  • Using Lateral Movement during a fight
  • Presentation From a Holster
  • Emergency and Tactical Reload Procedures
  • Proper Scan and Assess Procedures
  • Balance of Speed and Precision
  • Strong Hand Only Presentation and Operation
  • Non-diagnostic Malfunction Remedies
  • Realistic Approach to Engaging Multiple Targets
  • Moving to Cover and Concealment
  • Application of Skills in a 360 Degree Environment

Students will be required to show proof of completion of N.A.P.S.I. FDP or BDSS course, or pass a three-part pre-course qualification test, before being allowed to attend EDP.