What Does it Mean to be an Able Shepherd?

Uniform

Everyone in the program, no matter your experience, receives the same exact training.  Our instructors are trained to provide consistent delivery throughout to each and every member.

Safe

Safe firearm handling skills for individuals and teams, even while moving. Consistently display the ability to identify threats and non-threats prior to discharging your firearm.

Accurate

Possess the repeatable, documented ability to place rounds on the intended targets.  Our program teaches time-proven tactics to ensure accurate and consistent delivery on the range.

How Does it Work?

Take the POP Course

This 4-hour class is the prerequisite to the entire Able Shepherd program.  Learn the basics of self-defense and gain an insight to reality-based simulation training.  Open to the public with no membership requirement or commitment.

Purchase a Membership

Once you’ve taken the POP class we promise you’ll be hooked and ready for more!  Purchase a membership or sign up for individual classes as you go.

A membership gets you 2 classes per-month for the price of one!

 

Sign up for a Class

Now that you’ve completed the POP Course and purchased a membership, it’s time to dig in!  To register for a class you must first log in to the calendar.

Take a look at our introductory Protecting Our People (P.O.P.) Course

Program Precursor

The first step is to sign up for the POP class to see what this program is all about.  After completion, you’re now eligible to start a membership and advance through the phases.

Protect our People P.O.P (Mandatory)

Prerequisite class that builds the foundation for all following training.

Length: 4 hours
Price: $200

Course Description: This course is specifically designed for Men and Women with a desire to better protect themselves and those in their care. Whether at home, work, or on the street, those who make the honorable choice to protect others deserve the tools to be successful. This course is an introduction to the same training principles that have been validated and utilized by the US Navy SEAL Teams, Elite Federal Tactical Teams and Law Enforcement organizations across the nation. The foundation developed in this course will be the foundation on which future training may be built (unarmed, knife, pistol, rifle).

Objective 1: Student will demonstrate an appropriate posture for an offensive or defensive encounter.
Objective 2: Student will demonstrate the ability to defend their upper body vitals.
Objective 3: Student will demonstrate the ability to handle a pistol safely.
Objective 4: Student will demonstrate the ability to Load, Unload, Reload a pistol.
Objective 5: Student will demonstrate the ability to appropriately and effectively engage an adversary with a pistol.

What to Bring:
We will provide everything you need for this course.

Attire:
Good shoes or boots you are able to move freely in.
Good belt which will hold a holster.
Clothing you can move freely in.

Learn more here.

 

Ready to Start? Sign up for the P.O.P Class today!

Cost: $200

Now being offered at 2 locations.

Weekdays at Able Shepherd Headquarters (7146 S Tucson Way, Centennial, CO)

Saturdays at Main Location (6649 S Paris Street, Centennial, CO)                                                                                                                 

*Registration window will open in a new tab. 

* Private Groups by Request. Contact 720-775-5674 or email info@ableshepherd.com  for more information

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December

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Women's ONLY

Program Phases

Once you’ve completed the POP course and started a membership, you’ll progress through Phases 1-3 with testing in between each phase.  Completing all phases allows you to test for Able Shepherd status and proceed to Phase 4 for advanced training.

Phase One

PISTOL, STATIC

Course Description: Students will progress at their own pace through the A, B, C, and D classes (in no particular order) where they are presented with foundational pistol skills limited to basic movements. Students move on from Phase 1 by successfully completing the Phase 1 Test in order to progress to Phase 2.

Classes:

  • 1A -Intro to Reality Based Training
  • 1B- Immediate Action Drills (SIM)
  • 1C – Basic Movements (Live)
  • 1D – Concealed Draw (SIM/Live)

Done in any order.

Then…

Test:

“Sentry” Pistol Test

 

Phase Two

PISTOL, DYNAMIC

Course Description: Students will progress at their own pace through the A, B, C classes (in no particular order) where they are presented with progressive pistol skills followed by the ETA, ETB and ETC (Entry Training) with a pistol for instruction on tactical movements. Students move on from Phase 2 by successfully completing the Phase 2 Test in order to progress to Phase 3. (ETA, ETB and ETC can be taken in any order, and then the Phase Test can be taken)

Classes:

  • 2A – Pistol Postures (SIM)
  • 2B – Flashlight (SIM/Live)
  • 2C – Stress/3 of 3 (Live)

Done in any order.

Then…

Entries:

PHASE II Pistol

Course Description: Student will progress at their own pace through ETA, ETB and ETC (Entry Training).  Students will use pistol for Phase II. Instruction will be on tactical movements. Students move on from Phase 2 by successfully completing the Phase 2 Test after taking all three entry classes. (ETA, ETB and ETC can be taken in any order, and then Phase Test can be taken).

  • ETA (Entry training A)(SIM Pistol)
  • ETB (Entry Training B)(SIM Pistol)
  • ETC (Entry Training C)(SIM Pistol)

Then…

Test:

“Protector” Pistol Test*

*Effective August 1st, 2021 we will require that individuals testing for Protector Certification-PHASE 2 be STOP THE BLEED Certified. Additionally, anyone already certified at the Protector level and beyond will need to be Stop the Bleed certified by August 1st 2021.  This certification is good for 2(two) years at which time would need to be re-certified.

Phase Three

RIFLE and PISTOL, DYNAMIC

Course Description: Students will progress at their own pace through the A, B, C, D, and E classes (IN THAT ORDER) where they are presented with progressive rifle and pistol skills followed by the ETA, ETB and ETC (Entry Training) with rifle/pistol for instruction on tactical movements. 

Classes:

  • 3A – Intro to Shoot House (SIM)
  • 3B- AR Postures (SIM)
  • 3C – AR Setup & Sight In (Live)
  • 3D- Intro to AR Stress (Live)
  • 3E – AR Stress/AR 3 of 3 (Live)

Done in order.

Then…

Entries:

PHASE III Rifle

Course Description: Student will progress at their own pace through ETA, ETB and ETC (Entry Training).  Students will use a Rifle for Phase III. Instruction will be on tactical movements. Students move on from Phase 3 by successfully completing the Phase 3 Test after taking all three entry classes. (ETA, ETB and ETC can be taken in any order, and then Phase Test can be taken). Upon Phase 3 certification students may take the Able Shepherd Test (AST), receive the ABLE SHEPHERD DESIGNATION and advance to Phase 4.

  • ETA (Entry training A)(SIM AR)
  • ETB (Entry Training B)(SIM AR)
  • ETC (Entry Training C)(SIM AR)

Then…

Test:

Phase Three Test (Live)

Then…

Test:

Able Shepherd test (Live)

  • THREE QUALIFYING ENTRIES (NO MAJOR INFRACTIONS)
  • Pistol 3 of 3 = @ 10 ft
  • Pistol Stress= 60’- 3 to body, 10’- 3 to body, 40’- 3 to body, 20’- 3 to head, 10’- two body/one head
  • Rifle 3 of 3= @ 35 ft
  • Rifle Stress= 60’-3 to head from prone, 60’-3 to head from kneeling, 45-3 to body standing from right shoulder 45’-3 to body standing from left shoulder, 21’-3 to body, transition to pistol, 3 to body standing

Skill Development

Drills are designed to refine the skills that have been presented within the Able Shepherd Program classes.  Many of these drills classes can be taken throughout the program, whether you are preparing for a test or wanting to hone a specific skill.

Pistol Drills

Prerequisite: Phase One Test

Course Description: Students will be presented with drills that will refine the skills previously presented in Phase 2 to improve personal performance. 

Objective 1: Student will demonstrate safety with firearms and recite 3 primary safety rules.
Objective 2: Student will demonstrate Uniformity in all phases of training.
Objective 3: Student will demonstrate Safety in all phases of training.
Objective 4: Student will demonstrate Accuracy in all phases of training.

What to Bring:
Electronic Ear Protection
Eye Protection
Please bring your own Pistol with 5 mags
Holster and dual mag pouch
200 Rounds of Pistol ammunition and 100 Rounds of Frangible (NO Steel Ammo)
Water bottle, fountains are available in training area

Attire:
Good shoes or boots you are able to move freely in
Good belt which will hold a holster
Clothing you can move freely in

Rifle Drills

Prerequisite: 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E

Course Description: Students will be presented with drills that will refine the skills previously presented in Phase Three to improve personal performance. 

Objective 1: Student will demonstrate safety with firearms and recite 3 primary safety rules.
Objective 2: Student will demonstrate Uniformity in all phases of training.
Objective 3: Student will demonstrate Safety in all phases of training.
Objective 4: Student will demonstrate Accuracy in all phases of training.

What to Bring:
Electronic Ear Protection
Eye Protection
Please bring your own Pistol with 5 mags
Holster and dual mag pouch
Please bring your own Rifle with 9 mags and a way to carry them
200 Rounds of Rifle and Pistol ammunition and 100 Rounds of Frangible Pistol (NO Steel Ammo)
Water bottle, fountains are available in training area

Attire:
Good shoes or boots you are able to move freely in
Good belt which will hold a holster
Clothing you can move freely in

Entry Drills

Prerequisite: ETA, ETB, ETC either Pistol or Rifle

Course Description: In this class students will enter simmulation with a rifle or a pistol to practice tactical entries.
Include T360 concept, 1 person entry, 2 person entry into open door, 2 person exits and appropriate timing.

What to Bring:
50 Rounds of FX/Marking Simunition (Can be purchased at Centennial Gun Club)
Water bottle, fountains are available in training area
Holster or Gun Belt for Glock 19 or 17 (if owned)

Attire:
Good shoes or boots you are able to move freely in
Good belt which will hold a holster
Clothing you can move freely in

    Protector Certified Multi Room Pistol Drills

    This class will give students (Protector certified and above, and have taken 3A) the opportunity to refine and maintain previously learned multi room entry skills learned in 3A: Intro To Shoot House and all other previous courses. Drills will consist of clearing and safely moving through multiple connecting rooms while maintaining optimal 360° coverage and evaluating potential threats as they are encountered. This will be a high paced environment with both physical contact and Simunition fire validation.

    Real world threats can come from any direction—your training should reflect that.

      Stop the Bleed Certificate Course

      Learn the basics of emergency bleeding control products and techniques. The course instructor will present products and applicable skills associated with the basic Able Shepherd emergency vehicle kit to include: Scene assessment, primary assessment, wound packing, and tourniquet placement.

      • Effective August 1st, 2021 we will require that individuals testing for Protector Certification-PHASE 2 be Stop the Bleed certified.
      • Additionally, anyone already certified at the Protector level and beyond will need to be Stop the Bleed certified by August 1st 2021.
      • Stop the Bleed certifications are good for two (2) years, upon which time individuals will need to re-certify to stay current.
      • You are not required to take our Stop the Bleed class, but if you choose to do so, you may use a monthly class credit for the course.
      • This course is open to anyone and they do not need to be in the Able Shepherd program or have taken any prior classes from us.
      • Dates/times for our Stop the Bleed classes are listed here: https://ableshepherd.com/new-classes/
      • and on our class calendar: https://ableshepherd.sites.zenplanner.com/calendar.cfm

      We feel that to “Take Care of One Another” emergency medical aid knowledge is a must.

      Stop the Bleed classes are available to a member’s family at the discounted price of $100 instead of $175

      If you have any questions pertaining to this Stop the Bleed requirement, please feel free to reach out to us.

        Advanced Training

        Once you complete Phases 1-3 and pass your Able Shepherd Test, you will now eligible for advanced training and special events in Phase 4.

        Phase Four

        RIFLE and PISTOL, ADVANCED

        Prerequisite: Able Shepherd Only

        Course Description: Students now designated as Able Shepherds are introduced to increasingly advanced tactics with both rifle and pistol. Additionally, team members will be asked to attend real-world events where discreet security with advanced capability is required.

        Program Classes

        View a PDF of our current class Phase Schedule

        Testing Standards

        View a PDF of the most current Testing Standards.

        Ready for More? Purchase a Membership

        You can pay for classes individually as you go, but a membership will get you 2 classes for the price of one!

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        Able Shepherd Monthly Subscription

        $175 per month
        2 Classes per month
        This is a recurring subscription

        Without a membership you will pay $175 for each class.
        With a membership you get 2 classes/month for $175.
        This membership is paid once a month on autopay.

        Chris Waterman
        Chris Waterman
        2023-02-08
        Best training! Don't delay, do it.
        John Orefice
        John Orefice
        2022-10-15
        Absolutely the best training offered to the general public.
        Tom L.
        Tom L.
        2022-03-17
        Best personal protection training program you will find. If you want to protect yourself, your family, and your community this is the place to learn, practice, and grow. Great people, great facility, and great training. Take the introductory POP (protect our people) class and you’ll understand.
        Alex J Moore
        Alex J Moore
        2022-01-25
        So glad to have found out about Able Shepherd from a good friend of mine. I took the POP (Protecting Our People) half day course and was amazed by the organization, professionalism, and breath of skills taught and practiced. I hope to be returning soon to continue my training.
        Becky Griess
        Becky Griess
        2021-07-31
        Can you truly say you would know what to do in a situation where you had to protect yourself, loved ones or even a stranger? A year and a half ago I would have flippantly said “Oh sure” but truly being afraid of my own shadow. After taking the POP Class and beginning my journey in the Able Shepherd program, I look back and see how naïve I truly was. I have gotten more out of life, live more confidently and feel more secure when I am with my child and by myself from the training and relationships that have been built in this program. When Jimmy, the Able Shepherd Staff and members say, “Come for the training, stay for the family”, every ounce of this is true. I encourage everyone to at least take the POP class. You can never go wrong with Able Shepherd’s training.
        Chad Allen
        Chad Allen
        2021-07-31
        The best training you can get anywhere! Trust me the training is great but the fellowship puts it over the top!!
        Joe Davis
        Joe Davis
        2021-07-23
        The Able Shepherd team has taken my training to a whole new level with respect to uniformity, safety and accuracy in a professional and respectful environment. If you want the best in firearms training look no further than Able Shepherd!
        RIDDICK Erickson
        RIDDICK Erickson
        2021-07-23
        Ive been through the Able Shepherd program and have been being trained by the instructor's for some time now. Never once have i left a class and not learned somthing new. It really is the most applicable training to civilian life iv ever seen. Including personal protection, self defence with all weapons types and family protection. It makes a fire arm a capability not just another untrained tool.
        Chad Szpunar
        Chad Szpunar
        2021-07-23
        The Able Shepherd training program is outstanding. The entire staff is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Not only do I feel the training received is unparalleled , but they also deliver it in such a way that creates a community based atmosphere to the program, which makes you feel as if you’re part of something special. I would highly recommend the Able Shepherd program to anyone who is looking to learn the importance and skills of protecting yourself, your family, and others around you.

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        DISCLAIMER: Always obey all firearm safety rules when handling, shooting, cleaning, and storing firearms. Only practice live fire training at shooting ranges designed and appropriate for shooting live ammunition. The tips, opinions, techniques, and strategies on this website are for training purposes only. Only practice the techniques and strategies with trained and qualified professionals in an environment suitable for such training. Techniques and strategies on this website related to security protocols should be implemented by trained professionals in conjunction with a comprehensive security scheme. Techniques and strategies related to defending against active shooters and other violent encounters are constantly changing and evolving. Able Shepherd therefore does not guarantee any outcomes. The contents of this webpage and associated photos, video, graphics, or other materials may describe or reenact active shooter scenarios or other violent scenarios which may be disturbing to some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.