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    ABOUT US

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    About Us

    Welcome TO RPD

    Rochester Personal Defense, LLC offers a full complement of firearms, self-defense and pistol permit training classes for private citizens and Law Enforcement. The instructors at Rochester Personal Defense, LLC have taught thousands of men, women, and children with a simple philosophy: we will work with you in any way that benefits you and ensures you get the most out of your self defense training.

    At Rochester Personal Defense, LLC we believe in training you, the average person, who wants to be safe. Self defense is just that – defensive, not offensive in nature. You will become an ordinary person with an edge, who is ready and able to defend yourself appropriately when needed, guided by the laws and morals you already believe in.

    Come train with the staff of Rochester Personal Defense, LLC and experience real training for your real life. All of our instructors are fully experienced and certified by the National Rifle Association as well as other nationally recognized organizations to teach in their own subject matters. Each instructor progresses through our own intense instructor development program so that the main idea and values of Rochester Personal Defense, LLC are maintained. Our instructors’ educations are not just from books. They have experienced real life; and they bring that knowledge to the classroom for your benefit.

    About Detail Our methods are used as models of training for many different processes. From basic firearms training to court systems, the sound principles behind our training concepts produce real, life-changing results. We provide a simple, proven, training method which can be built upon so that you may quickly and easily move from the beginner level up through to an advanced level in order to develop the skills needed to go home safe every night.

    View Our Courses
    Firearms training

    19+

    INSTRUCTORS

    175+

    COURSES OFFERED

    1574+

    CLASSES COMPLETED

    5389+

    STUDENTS TRAINED

    19+

    INSTRUCTORS

    What We Stand For

    OUR CORE VALUES

    Safety First

    Every class begins and ends with safety. We build responsible habits from day one.

    Practical Skills

    Our curriculum is built around real-world scenarios, not just target shooting.

    Certified Excellence

    All instructors hold state and national certifications and pursue continuous education.

    Community Focused

    We serve civilians, law enforcement, and security professionals across Western NY.

    Our Team

    MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS

    Darcie Murray

    Darcie Murray

    Instructor: Women's Training Division

    Born and raised in the Southern Tier of Western New York, Granddaughter of a hunter sportsman on one side of the family and a WWII Normandy Vet

    David Jenkins

    David Jenkins

    Founder And Primary Instructor

    You’re safe until you’re not. I have always believed that in one form or another. What does that mean? People's comfort exists because of many factors.

    Dana Gridley

    Dana Gridley

    Instructor

    I was raised around firearms. I have always loved being outdoors, hunting and fishing. My dad taught me how to safely handle firearms at an early age.

    Reviews

    WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY ABOUT US

    4.9 on Google

    "Best firearms training in Rochester, hands down. The instructors are professional, patient, and clearly passionate. The NYS CCW course was thorough and well organized."

    Tom B.

    3 months ago

    "I was nervous about taking my first firearms class but the team at RPD put me completely at ease. They're efficient, informative, and actually fun. Can't recommend them enough!"

    Sarah L.

    1 week ago

    "I've completed the handgun master program and it was life changing. The depth of strategy and knowledge the instructors bring is unreal. Best around, don't settle for anything less."

    Chris G.

    1 month ago

    Our Firms

    AFFILIATE COMPANIES

    Lionspride Training Group

    Practical, reality-driven training to equip you with the skills and confidence to handle any situation — expert instructors all across the US.

    Carry Gear Store

    Premium self-defense accessories and carry gear — less-lethal options, holsters, and everything needed to prioritize your safety.

    Handgun Combatives

    Real-world pistol skills for those who carry a firearm for personal protection. Not target shooting — combatives training that could save your life.

    READY TO GET STARTED?

    Register for a course today and join thousands of students who have trained with Rochester's most experienced firearms instructors.