SAFE | FUN | EDUCATIONAL | EGO-FREE

Our staff is dedicated to helping ensure the safety and security of our students by providing sound, proven defensive instruction in a safe, fun, and educational environment so students can grow as responsibly-armed citizens.


What Does 'Training For Everyday Life' Mean?
This isn't "tactical training". Everyone loves to use (overuse) the word, 'tactical.' Life is nothing but tactics (choices). Our day-to-day life is filled with choices from one situation to the next. Making choices based on bad information and an incomplete skill-set is not a good idea no matter what buzzword you put before it. We train for everyday scenarios throughout everyday life.

MDFI bases all of its training around the “Whole Person Concept, " essentially focusing on all the traits that compose a responsible citizen. The goal of MDFI is to establish and build on a solid defensive foundation in the areas of firearms, less lethal tools, medical skills and other associated disciplines.

At MDFI, we work to give you the information, tools, and training that will help you make the right choice when you need it the most. We welcome all Americans, regardless of what they do and where they are from. If you are looking to learn more on being a responsibly-armed citizen, you have come to the right place.
About MDFI
Michigan Defensive Firearms Institute (MDFI) is a Michigan-based training company that has been providing real-world firearms training to military, law enforcement, and responsible citizens since 2007.

Catering to the beginner and the experienced student alike, MDFI works to ensure that all participants walk away with the benefits of professional training, evaluation and feedback.

About Our Classes
Safe – MDFI has the highest firearms handling standards of any school in the world. You can be assured that all classes start with in-depth safety/control briefings to make sure we can have the safest time training as possible.

Fun – We want our students to have as much fun at class as we enjoy teaching them. You can expect a team environment of friends who enjoy training together.

Educational – Our team is made up of professional educators who are dedicated to the skill development of their students. Our courses are constantly evolving to give our Alumni the best knowledge and training possible.

Ego Free – We all started on our path somewhere. Come to an MDFI class knowing that all skill-sets are welcome and that a lack of knowledge or experience will never get you treated poorly. If you are concerned that MDFI classes are like “basic training” – rest easy as they are the farthest from it.
About Our Staff
Our team is dedicated to helping ensure the safety and security of the citizens of Michigan and surrounding states by providing sound, proven defensive instruction in a fun, educational and safe environment so students can grow as responsibly-armed citizens.

Our Cadre is comprised of certified LE/Mil/Civilian Instructors and Educators. Our staff is continually updating their own training to bring you the most current proven techniques available.

Learn More About The Cadre >




Latest News & Articles

2025: MDFI’s Changing of the Guard and Next Year’s Course Schedule

Please take a minute to read an important update from Trek and Lead Instructor Tim Nelson plus a "sneak peak" of the 2025 MDFI Class Schedule.
Trek Speaking At Capital

Articles in Breach Bang Clear, Recoil Magazine & Monderno

Aside from being the previous owner and lead instructor of MDFI for 15 years, Trek also writes for MDFI, Breach Bang Clear, RECOIL Web, RECOIL Concealment Magazine and Moderno regarding American rights and second amendment issues.
Matter of Facts Podcast

Podcast: Matter of Facts – The Kids Aren’t Alright

Trek from MDFI and the MoF hooligans sit down to talk about the current happennings at U.S. Universities and use of force as the boys muse about the probability for a second “Summer of Love”.

Podcast: JBS Training Group w/ Trek

Trek and Mark Smith from JBS Training Group discuss a bunch of stuff from self-reliance to firearms training at MDFI. Also a really interesting conversation about firearm and range safety.

Shield Arms ROC (designed by Trek!)

A groundbreaking innovation designed by MDFI's owner Trek and produced by Shield Arms – you no longer need to purchase a new revolver to mount an optic. The ROC allows you to convert your existing revolver into an optics-ready design.

Podcast: Manny Talks Shooting w/ Trek

Self Defense Training and the Competition World Discussion