Your educators deserve more than a lecture—they deserve real preparation. Our school safety trainings empower staff to respond calmly and effectively to threats through hands-on, scenario-based sessions tailored for school settings.

When training wraps and the gear comes off, there’s one mission left, finding the best food in Charlotte, NC. Here's a roundup of A+R Tactics' favorite local restaurants that fuel us up, bring us together, and always deliver.

Churches should feel safe, and it’s our job to help keep them that way. At A+R Tactics, we offer immersive church safety training using real-world scenarios, non-lethal weapons, and expert instruction to help your team respond confidently when it matters most.

Two friends traveled in. What they got was more than training—it was transformation. At A+R Tactics, we tailor every session to your skills, goals, and reality. Watch them work through real-world scenarios and see why our force-on-force experience is worth the trip.

A+R Tactics spent the day locked in with Aimpoint at an exclusive Industry Day—and it did not disappoint. From pistol to carbine and shotgun platforms, we put Aimpoint’s latest optics to the test and walked away with serious respect for their performance and durability. Hosted at the elite Hyatt Farms Shooting Complex, this event delivered hands-on training, top-tier gear, and insights we’ll be bringing straight back to our training floor.

Step onto the mats with UFC legend Kenny Florian and explore the principle-based truths of Jiu Jitsu. His No-Gi classes at A+R Tactics go beyond technique—focusing on timing, structure, and efficiency for long-term growth. Train smarter, not harder.

In a world where threats evolve rapidly and unpredictably, security professionals, first responders, and protectors of all kinds need more than just initial certifications—they need consistent, relevant, and realistic training.

That’s why we created the Guardian Network—an exclusive, online training community developed by A+R Tactics to support those who take their role in safety and protection seriously. This initiative is designed to offer continued education, direct access to professionals in the field, and a space where protectors can grow their skills and their network.

At A+R Tactics, we believe in full-spectrum readiness — and that includes legal protection. After years of exploring different self-defense legal plans, we found a clear leader: Right to Bear. From unmatched coverage to genuine leadership, they stand out. We’ve had the honor of meeting their President and Vice President, and what impressed us most wasn’t just the coverage — it was their commitment to protecting good people doing the right thing. Whether you're an individual or an entire security team, Right to Bear has your back, on and off the clock.

Want a competitive edge before match day? The Shoot House Match Workshop on May 3, 2025, gives you the chance to train, adapt, and dominate before stepping into the A+R Tactics x Strategic Dynamics Shoothouse Match. With unlimited practice runs, expert coaching, and real-time strategy refinement, this exclusive three-hour session is designed to sharpen your CQB skills and boost your confidence. Spots are limited—secure yours now!

At A+R Tactics, training is never one-dimensional. It’s about learning skills that complement and enhance each other, taking concepts from one discipline and applying them to real-world scenarios. That’s exactly what happened during one of Kenny Florian’s No-Gi classes—when the group decided to take their grappling skills into the shoot house for a full-circle training experience.

Not every unsettling situation presents an immediate threat. Often, you’ll find yourself in circumstances where someone’s behavior or an environment gives off a slight warning. This inner alarm isn’t there to alarm you unnecessarily—it’s a tool, honed through experience, to help you gauge when to stay and when to leave.

Birthdays are a time for celebration, adventure, and making unforgettable memories with friends. We love when people choose to spend their special day with us, blending fun, excitement, and valuable safety training into one incredible experience.

Recently, a group of ladies came to A+R Tactics to celebrate a birthday in the most unique way—with real-world self-defense training. The birthday girl planned the entire event as a surprise, keeping her friends in the dark about what they were doing or where they were going. Their reactions when they arrived? Pure excitement.

Most of us cater our martial arts skills to create offense. I remember early on taking the approach of being so offense-oriented that my strategy would often lead to 2 paths. 1. My opponent would be forced to play defense which would never allow them into the match. 2. They would ultimately succumb to the pressure and would give up a submission. Of course the very skilled and great opponents would find a way to defend, nullify and/or counter my offense.

Safety isn’t just a consideration—it’s a responsibility. This past week, a real estate office came to A+R Tactics for shoot/no-shoot scenario training focused on concealed carry and situational awareness in their line of work.

Real estate professionals often find themselves in situations where they’re meeting new clients alone, walking through unfamiliar properties, and navigating spaces that may present unexpected risks. By training in real-world scenarios, they can develop the skills and confidence to stay safe while doing their jobs.

At A+R Tactics, our mission is simple—to provide real-world, effective training to anyone who seeks it. Whether you're local or traveling from across the country, if you're committed to leveling up your skills, we're here to make it happen.

Recently, we had the honor of training with someone who flew down all the way from New York State for two full days of private training. He wanted to sharpen his CQB (Close Quarters Battle), grappling, and combatives, so we built a training experience tailored specifically to his goals.

When it comes to personal safety, discreet protection matters. Whether you're navigating everyday life or preparing for worst-case scenarios, having body armor that is lightweight, comfortable, and truly concealable can make all the difference. That’s why one of our favorite safety products is the Everyday Armor T-Shirt (Armored) by Premier Body Armor—a game-changing, bulletproof undershirt that provides protection without bulk.

In moments of conflict, time is everything. A situation can shift from tense to dangerous in a matter of seconds. This is why early intervention is a crucial skill—especially in environments where emotions run high, such as schools, workplaces, and public spaces.

In any self-defense situation, your first priority should always be finding a way out. Escape is the best option when possible, but what happens when that’s no longer an option? Situations escalate fast, and if you’re not mentally and physically prepared, you could find yourself reacting too late.

Our first-ever A+R Tactics and Strategic Dynamics Shoothouse Match was a huge success! With participants traveling up to four hours to compete, it was incredible to see shooters of all skill levels challenge themselves in a realistic, pressure-tested environment. Everyone walked away with new skills, exclusive training discounts, and a sense of accomplishment. Whether you're a seasoned shooter or brand new to CQB, this event proved that stepping out of your comfort zone is where real growth happens. Stay tuned for the next match—we can't wait to see you in the shoothouse!

Excerpt from Coming Face to Face with Yourself by Kenny Florian

Growth isn’t just about skill—it’s about confronting the hardest opponent of all: yourself. In the pursuit of mastery, the ego sneaks in, clouding our vision and convincing us to protect an illusion rather than embrace the reality of endless improvement. It resists change, rationalizes mistakes, and shields us from the discomfort of self-reflection. But the truth is, we are built to adapt, to evolve, and to push past limitations—if we’re willing to silence the ego and embrace the lessons that failure brings. The path forward isn’t about preserving an image, but about becoming the best version of ourselves, no matter how uncomfortable that process may be.