Riddle Defense

Riddle Defense provides exceptional gun training with 150% focus on establishing strong gun safety habits and shooting accuracy. I’ve taken other gun training classes and John’s training was far and above the others. Great class; definitely recommend!!

Our son has been attending Riddle defense for 5 years now. John's hand on approach and professional experience have helped our son develop defensive skills, situational awareness, a positive mindset & mental strength that go beyond the usual self defense studios. The fitness studio ran by Leigh has bootcamp style training classes that are geared to build both muscle and endurance and they are always mixing things up to keep you in top shape.

I took a great level one gun training class with John Riddle this weekend. If you own and have a CCW, and you’d like to learn how to use your gun safely and properly, John is an excellent instructor. He taught at an outdoor range, which allowed us to do things you cannot do at an indoor range. I recommend this instructor! Thank you, John.

Over the years I have trained with several instructors but training with Riddle Defense is far and away the best, safest, and most informative. I would certainly recommend anyone looking for an intense firearms course with safe instruction, choose Riddle Defense.

Riddle Defense is a an amazing place to train. John and the other trainers are excellent at what they do, and really take the time out to help each individual get better. The krav maga program is extensive, well taught, and focuses on real life application; and everyone in the class is supportive, friendly, and will help you get better. The fitness classes with Leigh are great as well. It’s a very fun class with lots of interval training, and as a trainer, Leigh will push you to achieve the best results possible. I truly couldn’t think of a better place to train, or better people to train with, and I highly recommend training here!!

Excellent experience with John Riddle this past weekend. Participated in some larger group, outdoor pistol and long gun training. John, and his associate Amos, were professional, clear, patient and flexible with our needs (some of us were trained in different fundamentals, and he worked to address those differences).

If you’re looking for someone who is a balance of clear instruction, incisive attention to detail, experience, and someone who is an instructor that will push without being a jerk, try Riddle Defense.

I have been involved with Progressive Self Defense for a number of years. I have not only taken self defense classes with John, Leigh has been my trainer for years. From John I have learned so much about shooting and find it so valuable to know the difference between shooting at a stationary target and learning how to shoot on the move. From Leigh I have made my body stronger with workouts that incorporate several different forms of training in each session. The workouts are always so varied it never gets boring, and they work out more than one part of your body with each exercise. Progressive self defense becomes more than a place to workout. They become family. I can't say enough good about this place and these people

John and his instructors are top notch. He takes a battleground art and adapts it to civilian application with the addition of many other disciplines. Fitness and conditioning is incorporated into every lesson and every skill learned is immediately applicable to real world situations.

I’ve been training with John and Leigh for 6 months in Krav Maga, MMA combat fitness, and handgun courses. They are the absolute best at what they do! The techniques and skills I have learned from John has given me confidence in knowing I can defend myself if ever needed. Leighs fitness classes are challenging and you will never get the same routine. At 45, I’m mentally and physically stronger than I have ever been in my life, dropped 23 pounds, and found real Camaraderie!

I became interested in fitness in my mid-twenties and since then I have always been physically active. I started getting tired of the same old gym routine and wanted a new challenge. I did a search for self defense schools and I found Progressive Self Defense Systems. Since I had no prior self defense experience, walking through the door that first night was intimidating but after meeting John and Leigh I decided I would give it a shot. Since then, the school has become my second home. I have been with the school for about five years and it has been an amazing experience. I consider John and Leigh to be great instructors and the school has all the equipment and tools needed to learn and succeed.

When I first walked into this gym almost 2 years ago I immediately knew my search was over. Both John and Leigh are extremely motivating and devoted to each of their students. Regardless of age, athletic ability or skill level the classes are always beneficial to all. There is a very welcoming atmosphere and a non-judgmental attitude among the students and instructors. At the age of 53 I feel stronger than ever ( thanks to Leigh's class) and much more aware and skilled to defend myself thanks to everything John has taught me.

As a firearms instructor for women I am always looking for female friendly courses for myself and my ladies. I had the pleasure of attending Defensive Handgun Level 1 and just completed Defensive Handgun Level 2 with John Riddle at Progressive Self Defense Systems. I can’t speak highly enough of John and his team. Professional, respectful and the classes are packed with drills that apply to real life scenarios and safety. John teaches you what to do and how to shoot as if you were in a gun fight defending yourself.
Pure Excellence!
I’m very much looking forward to the next class.

Just wrapped up Defensive Handgun Level 2 with Progressive Self Defense Systems, and let me tell you the class was absolutely amazing! John Riddle brings a wealth of knowledge in the firearms training arena. This class and all of his classes prepare you for real world scenarios. His staff was extremely safe and professional in assisting him during the day. As a FFL Licensed Dealer with a brick and mortar shop, and being around the firearms business since 1979, I highly recommend taking Progressive Self Defense Systems Firearms classes!!!

I took 2 hand gun course from Riddle in the past 2 months. I have to say I had not only a lot of fun but I learned quite a bit. I have a law enforcement back ground and I shoot often but I felt that I learned new techniques and have much more confidence in my firearm abilities. One of the biggest factors that makes me want to come back and take these courses and recommend them to friends is that Riddle never pushes his own beliefs on you. He shows you techniques and what has worked for him and others, but he doesn't try to change your ways if something works well for you. The only thing he wants from you though is to be safe, which is very important during any firearm class. Whether you are a novice or expert, I recommend taking his firearm classes.

We have been part of the Riddle Defense family for some time now, and I must say everything that they provide for services is beyond what is expected! It is a place where you feel safe to practice self-defense and fitness that is guided by real professionals. These guys are hands on and trust me will not let you down. Beyond grateful for all the knowledge through the years that they have provided for my family and myself.

I spent the day with John and his team doing the Multi Discipline Handgun Course. What a great day! The skills John taught are based on his real world experience and were full of stressors we might have to encounter. Incredibly valuable and practical! And as always, John’s range is safe and there is a real comraderie there. Egos left at the door! Excellent day! Thanks John.

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to confidently be able to defend yourself. That ability extends past basic fundamentals but into mindset and conditioning instincts. We are lucky to have an amazing instructor right here in PBC! Don't just take my word, check out his extensive resume and give him a call!

Great Instructor John Riddle! Great associates training and teaching students! Train Under John, extremely Knowledgeable. Highly recommend other people join Riddle Defense it will change your life!

I teach high level performers for a living. John is the greatest teacher I've ever met. I studied under him for a short time before moving. Still have yet to find his ability to instruct elsewhere. I've found people that are experts, but none teach as well as John. If you're thinking about taking any of his courses, just do it. Only thing is, if you move out of town, good luck finding an equal replacement. It just doesn't exist.

I have been training with John for about 1 year. The training is meant for real world, day-to-day application. Everything we learn has a clear purpose and is designed to help you quickly and effectively deal with an attacker. Hands down the best self defense classes I've ever taken.