GlockGal20@Wild West Academy

Round Two

2010-09-22T15:38:00.003-04:00

The first women's only class was such a delightful success we are going for round 2. That is right. If you missed out on the first, here is your chance to get in on opportunity to learn how to protect yourself against a violent crime.

The picture on the flier for the upcoming class is the satisfied ladies who took the first class. They are now lifetime students and are free to come back as often as they want to train with us. This could be you.

The seats filled fast last time so do not wait, send in your registration form with a deposit to hold your seat

ONLY 4 Seats Left

2010-08-19T11:40:00.002-04:00

Saturday, September 18th is coming up fast.

Women CLass Only

4 SEATS LEFT

Get your registrating in, call Denise at 586-215-0258

Women's CCW/CPL Class Date Change

2010-07-30T15:54:00.004-04:00

Hey Ladies, I am sorry for any inconvenience.

We had to change the Women's Only class to

Saturday - September 18, 2010

Maybe this is a better day for some of you couldn't come on Sunday?

Hopet o see you there. Register Early, spaces are being taken.

We have 5 already signed, in a 2 week period, so hurry!

Embrace Reality

2010-07-28T17:15:00.008-04:00

In engaging the spirit of Budo and Misonokoro, Mind Like Still Water, and an aversion to violence one needs to embrace reality. Would someone want to see their partner or someone else murdered because they couldn't do anything about as the assailant might be armed?

There is a passive acceptance of imminent death that must be embraced to adopt this philosophy which will break down when reality of certain death presents itself. It is estimated that over 2 million lives a year are saved with civilians producing their firearm at the right time and the right way. Of those estimated 2 million cases, it is also estimated that less than 00.001 percent of all brandishing cases end up in a firearm being discharged.

As for suicide, and intentionally using a tool like a gun to end one's life, it is unfair to make the comparison at all. If I set myself on fire would we want to get rid of all matches? If I sat in a closed garage with my car running, a very common way to commit suicide, would we make comparison between having a car and killing one's self with it by using it in a way that is was not intended?

Abstract thought with the absence of pure and simple logic and a bit of emotion tossed in is an impossible debate to win. You either look at the cold hard facts , or you drift into thoughts of how you would like things to be. I would like for there to be no need for firearms in the world. Unfortunately , what I like is of no consequence in terms of what may happen. As one who worked as an EMT in Detroit for 15 years and seeing the senseless murder of innocent people every day at the hands of persons who did unconscionable acts, I can say that those who believe firearms don't or aren't necessary at times to save lives simply haven't been there.

Hold a young woman in your arms with blood everywhere and her brains seeping out the back of her head who has just been shot after giving up the money in an armed robbery, as an after thought , [robber already had the money and is half way out the door], comes back in and blows her head off just for fun. Stay with that lifeless body for a few hours, clean it up, wrap it in a shroud, tag the toe,write the name in a book all they while looking at the young life gone for no reason, a perfect creation of God gone forever. Then tell me that you would not have wanted to have a the ability to save that life by having a firearm of your own available.

I have dedicated my life to non violence and perpetuating the idea of a sober disposition and walking away whenever possible. As a 3rd degree black belt in Karate, and black belts in Judo and Aikido with over 35 years of continuous training, I would like to be able to say that is enough. But, I have been at the wrong end of the gun more than you'd want to be, been down on the ground with a gun barrel against my head, and I realized that all the technique in the world is useless at that point, and being there was a result of not having a firearm which puts me and others at the mercy of people who are insane.

I hope that explains my perspective. A peaceful world I'd love to see, but what I want is not always to be.

Mark Cortis [Wild West Academy] http://www.wildwestacademy.com/
248-506-3472

CPL CLass for Women Only

2010-07-20T18:52:00.002-04:00

My first Bachlor Party

2010-07-20T18:22:00.001-04:00

What a bachlor party without girls and booze? You heard it right. And what a blast they had. Lets see, there was I think 12 guys total. Most of which had little to no experience.

The Best Man gave us a call with the idea. Hey why not, we're game for anythign at Wild West Academy. So we did it.

We ran through the safety rules of gun handling and range rules, and used the first basics of our class syllabus. Until...the Groom asked if they could just throw ammo down range...

Well, let me tell you. We went through so much ammo in 2 hours and so much fun. These guys were great, and having a riot. No one got hurt all had fun, no hangover after...

From 5 shot charter arms bull dog 44 special to a Full Auto M-16 and everything in between. They had a bacholor party to remember.

We did too.

Destination = DESERT WOLF TOURS

2010-04-08T20:43:00.002-04:00

OK guys here I am again flying the friendly skies, ahhh with Delta. This is pretty cool I can connect to the Internet while flying. What a day and age it is.

Transport went smooth again at the airport. I had no problem with TSA, they were great and doing a good job.

This trip out to AZ main event is going bah-ha'ing [spelling] in the desert and mountains with the Desert Wolf Tours. Ya got to check out their website for sure. Looking forward to some Extreme Firearm Experience.

I'll write again on the way home and tell ya all about it

M-16 and AR-15 Blast

2010-02-21T20:24:00.003-05:00

A day in the life of AL, Mark, and Denise at the Range

What a great day today. I had so much fun! There is nothing like hanging out at the range with like minded friends. I love these guys. We didn't have class today unfortunately, but at the same time gave us some time to play and play we did. It's a Full Auto thing, you just wouldn't understand, Until you do it.

A new friend came today for the first time, so I did have the opportunity to teach her to shoot [Glock 22, 40 cal, FN 40 cal, Glock 20 10mm and a 9mm] for the first time in her life. She never held a gun before, EVER. She was nervous and not feeling so confident. By the end of 1 - 2 hours she was doing well, loving it.

Just sharing some time with someone sharing with them what I love to do, using a gun safely and confidently is such a joy for me. Our un-named newcomer loved it so much she signed up for out CPL class this Tuesday. Good for her taking the steps in being prepared to protect herself.

Airline Transport

2010-01-01T15:38:00.002-05:00

OK guys I am actually writing this on US Air flight 232 December 24Th 2009 heading for Phoenix, Arizona. Some of us have a fear of flying let a lone a fear of flying with firearms. I did it! I purposely did it so I can share with you first hand what to do.

Why is it even when I follow the law exactly I still feel a sense of fear. Well let me tell you, if you have any fears about transporting a firearm, don’t! It is simple as long as you follow direction.

I first checked out the airlines rules and regulations on transporting. And as you all can guess it must be checked in and not carried on. If you try to do that I guarantee you won’t get very far. And then I even called for verification, my need to hear it from the horse’s mouth.

Must be unloaded and secured in a hard case. I field stripped mine and placed them in the container. This container needs to be locked with TSA approved locks, which can be bought from your local hardware store. Although not needed I copied my RI-60 form [Purchaser’s copy] and placed in the container.

At the check in counter they asked me to open the case and show that they were not loaded. The viewed the fired arms and confirmed this. I had to sign a voucher and place a copy within the case and re-lock it.

If you have any questions, please write and I will fill you in with more details.

That was it…so now I am in on the plane, in the air and I will update you and should land in another couple hours

------------------------------------------------
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Arizona to Detroit – The trip home was pretty similar however a little more secure then the flight out. In Arizona things felt a bit tighter, organized and secure. After the regular check in like in Detroit I had to lock everything up again. The Check in employee then took my bag and I followed him to the TSA area. Again I had to re-open and do the same routine in front of the TSA and they took a closer look to verify that the firearm was indeed unloaded.

So again all went simply smooth. The only thing different from traveling to Arizona and back to Detroit was the landing. I prefer landing in warm sunshine instead of the cold snow. Welcome back to Detroit, Michigan

Yummies at Self Defense

2009-10-19T14:41:00.002-04:00

FREE _ FREE _FREE

Pizza and Soft Drink

served after

Self Defense Class

at the

YWCA in Clawson

November 7, 2009

Bring the family, Bring your friends. Self Defense Techniques everyone should know in order to help protect themselves against a violent crime.

"Put Your Life First"

Wild West Academy

Full Auto Fun

2009-10-15T08:35:00.001-04:00

"Man I am still seeing stars, just thrilled. Who would have ever imagined me, shooting an M16 - I was making calls all the way home....Told my nephew to just call me Aunti Ramboo. So what do I have to do to get a class 3 license
--Can't wait to do it again

2009-10-01T17:02:00.002-04:00

In case you missed last weekends free self defense class, here is the new update of the next one.

November 7, 2009 - Same time - same place!

I understand it was a great turn out. Thanks to all who came. And, don't forget to keep coming back.

I couldn't go for Wild West Academy sponsored a hole at the 9Th annual Bill Knope memorial Gold Outing. Some lucky guy won a free CPL class. It was a great day.

I will be at this one for sure. My calendar is already marked.

Hope to see you there. For more details check out my website. www.wildwestglockgal20.com

Free Self Defense Class Reminder

2009-09-02T12:01:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone...It's September - Mark your calendar for September 26 a Saturday...FREE SELF DEFENSE CLASS - you can find the info at my website. www.wildwestglockgal20.com / Remember this free class is Non Firearm for young and old a like in any shape, bring the family tell your friends - great for husband and wife team to go home and practice...CYA

Out For A Walk

2009-08-18T11:45:00.007-04:00

Unaware - Aware - Alert - Alarm

Remember the days when we could go for a walk anytime of the day or night? Swinging our arms with not a care in the world and listening to our favorite music just bee bopping along. Back in the day when UNAWARE was OK. Not any more. Boy, I'm getting old, that was along time ago!

We need to take Unaware out of our vocabulary and Be AWARE at all times this day and age, no matter where one lives or how in shape one is. Today I don't walk alone, if you know what I mean? Today I need to be Aware of all my surroundings so sad to say, I don't listen to my favorite music anymore while taking a stroll or speed walking for exercise. Today I look, I use my eyes and see my surroundings.

I had an experience just this week where I became Alert. From being trained at Wild West Academy and practicing I knew how to handle myself. I was out walking and it was dark. I passed a parked car. Soon after, the car started to move slowly never passing me, with only the cruising lights and no head lights on. Just cruising real slow behind me. I wasn't feeling to comfortable.

I felt Alarm coming over me. I look and then looked again. Still cruising slow behind me. There were cars parked to the other side of me so I walked in that direction to get behind the engine block of those cars and so I was not out in the open. I bent down as to tie my shoe, still looking around me and put my hand on "Elliot" .....The driver I am sure did not see me posture as if I had a gun because I was on the other side of the cars. [Or maybe he did?] At that point he sped off and then turned the head lights on and off he went.

Ahhh...Elliot stayed in place...and off I went.

Grateful I am, that I have never had to use force. And grateful that I was aware of the situation and was able to handle myself in a calm way and mostly, to report nothing happened. I was prepared, just in case imminent death, sexual assault or grave bodily harm was to come to me.

So when you are out for your walk day or night alone or with someone...Always be AWARE of what is going on around you. Armed or Unarmed

Be Safe....................Oh by the way, who do you think Elliot is? ;-)

Classes at Wild West Academy Never Cease To Amaze Me

2009-07-27T12:11:00.004-04:00

Man, what a great weekend! We had a great class on Saturday with all first time students, Who all new each other. [Family and Friends] I won't disclose their names, for that wouldn't be proper, but let me tell ya, what a great group.

When you think of a class room and tests it brings one back to their school days. Nose in book, reports to write, listening to the same teacher over and over for how many hours, with that "Voice", fighting to keep your eyes open. Anyone remember that? Geeze....I sure do. Let me tell you, it sure isn't like that at Wild West Academy CPL [Certified Pistol License] Class.

Giving students scenarios to think about, what if that happened or this was about to happen. What would you do, What could you do if a threat was happening to you....And then change the scenario around to where it would affect a loved one....There is no right or wrong..We all have to decide for ourselves. Just to quote one student,"I came in never expecting to leave with all I learned today". Another left with an even higher awareness then she came in with. [And Confident]

The awesome experience for me is that I see someone come in, woman or men who have none to very little experience. They are timid, shy and nervous...and I watch them through the range time and see their confidence build. They become more comfortable. It's great.

And then there was yesterday class on Sunday. Words cannot describe it. Yes it was just too cool. Another man a bit shy and one who had much experience. Even the fella who knew a lot and was shooting since he was about 6 and now is 39....said, "I know a lot about firearms, and never expected to learn so much more in this one class"

Come join us. I promise you won't be disappointed.

My own website - WOW can you believe it

2009-06-30T16:09:00.003-04:00

OK guys, I now am sporting my own website...I can't get over this one. I did it myself too so give me a break on the set up. Although I have to say, not to shabby for a first time website builder.

Go check it out

www.wildwestglockgal20.com

Hmmm, ya OK, so the name is a little corny. I was trying to tie it into Mark's as close as I could and still make it individual. The cool thing is it is linked on his site [ www.wildwestacademy.com] and I have that linked on my site.

Now we just have to get Al hooked up. Who's Al, you ask?

He is our Gun Specialist. He can take down a gun and put it back together blind folded. I like in class when he uses mine to demonstrate on. I know for sure I have the cleanest gun around then.

The 3 of us make a great team!

OK-I OWN MY FIRST GUN, NOW WHAT...

2009-05-28T15:51:00.004-04:00

Just because I had my CPL and now purchased my first gun there was a level of discomfort going on. I called my Instructor right away and told him of my experience. I wanted more encouragement and he was more than willing to help as usual. I met him on a Saturday to show me how to break down the gun and to guide me in carrying. I mean I just didn’t know what to do, or how to do it.

I first got lesson in breaking down the Glock 17, in order to clean it. After he showed me, I actually did it. Pretty simple actually. They say the Glock is the easiest gun to break down and clean. I now do it today with ease/

I was given a holster to try and it worked like a champ. It was quite comical. Ok so now I am all strapped up and ready to go What to I do, where do I go..OMG this was really strange and exciting at the same time. Mark just said, go about your business, you will get use to it. Go everywhere, store, work, even a bank..WOW, I just couldn't believe I was going to walk out into the society carrying a firearm.

I felt strange and a bit awkward getting in and out of a car at first. I’d say it was only a few days before I felt comfortable.

Today I am a full time carrier.......

The Purchase

2009-05-28T15:18:00.002-04:00

OMG Another fear to walk through. I was afraid to go and buy a gun. FEAR this short word somehow touches every aspect of my life [100 forms of fear] Anyway - Ok So Dave suggested to ask Mark to go with me, or Jeff at work. Yeah, I think that is a good idea. I talked to both of them and both were more than willing to go with me. The more and more I talked to these guys, I realized I needed to walk through this on my own, that I had nothing to worry about. Heck, I've been shooting the Glock 17 for about 4 months and KNEW the gun, KNEW that it is what works for me. I had to remember that all I have spoken to had all their own opinions. Some agreed and some disagreed. I was shot [no pun intended] down for wanting a Glock and I met many who loved it. The point is, everyone has their opinion and there is no right or wrong. I needed to get what worked for me, not Joe, not the store clerk, not Jeff or even Mark.

Ok, one Friday I made the decision and called Dave from work. I told him I was going on my own to buy my gun. He again was concerned that I was going alone. Well that all turned out to be his fear. I let him have it and went through my own and off I went. When I walked in the door of the gun shop I immediately zeroed in a woman behind the counter. Thank you, God. I went to her and felt very comfortable. I told her what I wanted and she got it for me. She brought it out and demonstrated it, we filled out the paper work, and I paid for it and out the door I went. THAT SIMPLE. Having a CPL also made it very simple and quick.

I’ll tell ya one thing having a gun in my possession has done. Since that night I have been a more responsible cautious driver. Even though I have a CPL and am doing everything legal, I just don’t want to be pulled over by the police for any reason. Even talking on the phone while driving has taken a back seat.

My First Gun

2009-05-28T15:04:00.003-04:00

After returning to Wild West Academy over and over and trying different guns to see what fit for me [Size, weight, what I could handle well]. I went back to the first original gun I borrowed in class. In class if one doesn't have a gun it was OK because there was plenty to try of Mark's. And not only that, I went to the gun range where one can rent guns and there I tried many others and got more practice.

I narrowed it down to a Glock 17, a Beretta 92 FS and Beretta P-Storm all three 9mm. Each of those 3 had a different weight, and size. Look wise I like the Beretta, it is a good looking gun. I had to ask myself what I wanted this for. Self Defense was the reason. Not target shooting. Not for looks or being cute or good looking. If ever I am in a situation I do not want to be fumbling for any safety, I want smooth and easy. The less things I need to mess with in a life or death situation the better, for me. So I decided on the Glock 17 for my first gun to carry.

Now to go out and get one.......

That Was Then, This Is Now - A Year Later

2009-05-27T20:13:00.000-04:00

One year has come and gone. It has been an adventurous year indeed. Last Memorial Weekend [2008] was the first time I shot a gun not knowing a thing and just this past Memorial Weekend [2009] I was teaching someone who never held a gun. I was able to give back what was given to me.

Some more first too. Again, for the first time with Darrel, I shot a .22 rifle. And 1 out of 2 skeet shooting was so bad for the first time, with a .20 gage shotgun. OK, so the first once was luck and the second one I tried just to hard. What fun I had. I never shot at an outdoor range, that was a first as well. Up North under the blue sky ans sunshine.

Here I am having fun and being an Instructor at the same time. In the past year I have become so passionate about teaching self defense with a firearm. It is something I am good at. It is something that gives me great joy, to see someone come in knowing nothing and leaving with more then they ever expected. Just like I did my first day.

And when people come back and keep practicing, getting better, it is good to know that there is just another person out there prepared, for something I hope and we all hope that we never ever have to face.

Free Re-takes at Wild West Academy

2009-04-30T22:07:00.001-04:00

Mark Cortis the instructor of Wild West Academy really encourages to follow up on the free re-takes. I was a bit nervous about doing that [that low self esteem again] but thought it would be a good idea. Even though I learned so much that one class in 8 hours, I myself didn't feel comfortable to go out and get a gun and carry it. I needed more experience.

I went once, twice, three times [a lady, oops sorry thought of that song] and around the 13th time I believe I broke the recored of coming back. Still always being encouraged to do so. I got better and better. I was able to try different guns as well and see what fit me best. The first gun I used ended up being the first gun I bought [Glock 17-9mm].

Through out all these times I became more and more comfortable and was looking forward to move on and go through with the CPL process. And through out all these times I ventured out and hit the ranges. All so many first and exciting experiences. Let me tell you all about it...

AR-15's ROCK

2009-04-30T21:57:00.002-04:00

What else can I say? I had too much fun for my own good.

Way too Cool, I wanna do it again!

The Class

2009-04-25T14:39:00.000-04:00

3 hours on the range and 5 hours in the class room. I was the only girl there. Darrel was absolutely right. I didn't have to have any fear of being around all the macho guys. I actually felt OK once I was in there. The Instructor was awesome, non-intimidating and made feel equal to all.

After the range class I felt more confident then ever. I left class knowing how to load shoot and unload a 9 mm Glock and Berretta 92 FS. I didn't know what a Glock was and thought a Berretta was a car. I never considered ever to carry a gun, until now.

The one mistake [I say that sarcastically, because it is no mistake] was the Instructor encouraged all of us to return for the free re-takes. Today, I do not see many doing this. I certainly did, and every Sunday to date give a take a few Sundays off I returned for more. To become more comfortable and get better. I highly recommend to take the free life long
re-takes.

Ahh now for the 5 hour long book class room, NOT. It was fast and even ran over 5 hours [I didn't want to end]. The book was there but we didn't read it. Marks life experiences and knowledge of the law was more informative then any book could have ever taught us. There was never a dull moment. We were given situations (What if) and great discussions took place. [Everyone has to determine their own threshold].

I left there with a greater awareness of the world around me, now considering the thought of getting my cpl [certified pistol license] and carrying a firearm.

Class starts in a half hour - Oh noooo

2009-04-24T21:52:00.000-04:00

Thank God and program friends to walk me through the fear.

8:30 A.M Great Lakes Crossing/Bass Pro Shop parking lot. Trucks pulling in, guys stepping out, [Your Male Marine Type] and me. What the hell am I getting myself into, I asked myself.

Fear? You betch ya. Insecure/Low-Self Esteem, oh yeah! [I was scared to death and feeling very intimidated before I even walked in]. I knew zero about handling a firearm.

I called Patsy and Darrel. Just needed the support and reminder of , Yes I can do this. With Patsy's "girlfriend" words and Darrels Male point of view [about men showing woman how to use guns], I was able to take the next steps to walk through those doors. I never imagined that day I would be teaching woman and men what I went there to learn. Beyond my Wildest Dreams indeed.

Let me tell ya about the class....

Web Address

2009-04-22T21:25:00.002-04:00

www.wildwestacademy.com

When and How It All Started

2009-04-22T15:55:00.001-04:00

Memorial Week-end 2008 was when my interest in guns came alive

With the guys in one room and the woman in the other, I over heard Darrel talk about guns. I shouted out that I wanted to go shooting, he said lets go and that is where it started. He sat me down and taught me the first 3 safety rules of handling a gun.

1.] Always Keep the Gun pointed in a safe direction
2.] Always Keep Finger off Trigger until Ready to Shoot
3.] Always Keep the Gun Unloaded / Action Open when not in Use

Off to the woods we went. I shot the gun oh about 10 times and that is all it took, I was hooked.

Tuesday I looked at the NRA site looking for some kind of classes for beginners. I spotted one class that looked like what I needed but it didn’t start until September. If you are anything like me, that was just too long to wait. I scrolled down and found a really cool name http://www.wildwestacademy.com/ . Sunday was the class and I signed up. His [Mark Cortis] motto is Any Time Any Where.

To be continued…..

Introduction

2009-04-21T17:17:00.001-04:00

Welcome to my world of finding firearms, getting through my fears and going through all the firsts. How it was and what is like now.