About Us

Built by Experts. Trusted by Thousands.

Practical Defense Systems was founded to give everyday people the real-world skills they need to stay safe, succeed in security careers, and protect what matters most—with instruction grounded in law enforcement, security, martial arts, and over a century of combined field experience.

Meet Your Instructors

Our team is made up of seasoned law enforcement, military, security, and firearms professionals—bringing decades of real-world experience to every course we teach.

Joel Persinger

Founder – CEO

Joel Persinger is the founder and Chief Instructor of Practical Defense Systems. With over 18 years operating a BSIS-licensed security training facility, Joel and his team have trained more than 32,000 students in guard card, firearms, defensive tactics, and specialized security courses.

He brings extensive real-world security experience including executive protection, explosive detection K-9 operations, workplace violence prevention, physical security penetration testing, hostile terminations, and church security. Joel’s practical, no-nonsense approach focuses on teaching skills that actually work in the real world.

Big Nick Persinger

Firearms Instructor, Shotgun Coach

Big Nick Persinger is a highly skilled firearms instructor and dedicated shotgun coach. An experienced hunter and competitive shooter in trap, skeet, and sporting clays, Nick has been shooting since he was six years old and grew up around guns. While proficient with all firearms, his true passion is shotguns, wing shooting, and the shotgun sports.

Nick brings patience, enthusiasm, and real-world expertise to the range, helping students of all levels improve their shotgun handling, accuracy, and safety. His approachable teaching style makes complex techniques easy to understand and fun to practice.

Dave Weiner
(Chief of Police Ret.)

Scenario Training Instructor – MILO Simulator

Dave Weiner is a retired Chief of Police and U.S. Air Force Veteran with decades of command-level law enforcement experience. He specializes in realistic scenario-based training using the MILO simulator system. Dave brings advanced expertise in crisis intervention, de-escalation, and high-stress decision-making to every class. His practical, real-world approach helps security professionals and armed citizens develop the judgment and skills needed to handle critical incidents safely and effectively.

Giovanni McQueeney
(Sgt US Army Ret.)

Firearms Instructor – Rifle

Practical Defense Systems provides expert-led training for every level of experience—from first-time learners to seasoned professionals. Whether you’re pursuing a career in security, enhancing personal protection skills, or meeting certification requirements, our wide range of courses covers everything from Guard Card training and CCW permits to active shooter response, de-escalation, CPR, and more. Explore hands-on, real-world training designed to prepare you for today’s threats.

Courses We Offer

Security Guard Training

BSIS guard card
Exposed Firearms permit
OC/Pepper Spray permit
Baton permit
Handcuffing
Defensive Tactics
CPR/AED/First Aid
Church Security Training
and more.

Shooting Course Series

Home Defense Pistol Series
Concealed/Open Carry Pistol Series
Skill Builders and Practice Sessions

Concealed Weapons Permit Courses

Utah, California and Arizona CCW Permits.

CPR & First Aid:

CPR, First Aid and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) course meets California BSIS requirements

Testimonials

Honest Reviews from  our Students

    
 
 
      Posted on Trustindex  
   
   Rob 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Trustindex. CCW Renewal class with PDS and Joel Persinger. I recommend PDS and Joel for your CCW training. I just took the CCW renewal class with the added benefit of the Situational Awareness Lab. It was an excellent class!
  
 
     Posted on Trustindex  
   
   Glenn Martin 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Trustindex. Outstanding and practical class The class is exceptionally well-designed and provides clear, practical instruction. The teaching style is engaging, and the information is presented in a way that's easy to absorb and apply. Highly recommended for anyone looking to gain valuable skills effectively!
  
 
     Posted on Trustindex  
   
   Tina Young 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Trustindex. CCW Renewal Course The classroom simulator was a real eye opener about how quickly events can occur. We debriefed each event and the entire class learned from one another. The range portion contained clear instructions ensuring everyone’s safety and success. I’ve had my CCW permit for 12 years and have had a lot of firearms instructors. Joel Persinger is hands down the best.
  
 
     Posted on Trustindex  
   
   Chris Myers 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Trustindex. Excellent and engaging lecture! The lecture was engaging and very well-designed, with scenarios that effectively broke up any potential monotony. It kept my attention throughout and made the learning process more enjoyable and memorable. Highly recommend!
  
 
     Posted on Trustindex  
   
   Mark Yandell 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Trustindex. Highly Recommend I liked the hands-on experience.  The laser training was very helpful, interesting and fun.  I would very much recommend this training to anyone.
  
 
     Posted on Yelp  
   
   nolan l. 
 
 
 Verified Practical Defense Systems' 16-hour CCW course is hands down one of the best classes you can spend your hard-earned money on, especially in this economy. I would 10/10 recommend it to all my family members before they begin carrying. I have been carrying a firearm overtly for over 16 years and concealed for nearly nine years. During that time, I've taken numerous tactical shooting courses ranging from low to medium speed and drag. Going into this class, I initially thought a 16-hour California CCW course would be a waste of my time and money. However, Joel and Dave's expert knowledge, experience, and the overall flow of the course quickly changed my perspective. The material was well presented, practical, and highly relevant. The significant amount of simulator time was especially valuable and helped reinforce real-world decision-making. I'm very glad I took their course and definitely feel better equipped to carry concealed in the Wild West that is California. Thanks, gentlemen -- I look forward to taking more courses in the future.