Strategic Firearm Training, LLC, founded by Byron Mathews, is dedicated to educating and training in the safe and effective use of firearms and critical defensive thinking so that you can confidently defend yourself or your loved ones.

What I enjoy most is helping people take responsibility for their personal security and give them the tools so they can do that effectively, with confidence and peace of mind. I offer private, small group, women only, and individual/couples training.

I hold high standards for the quality of the training and the materials used. I look forward to working with you to achieve your objectives.

Helping to Save Lives by Teaching Responsible Gun Ownership and Preparing Responsible Gun Owners for Self-Defense Situations.

I’ve been shooting firearms for over 30 years. I am a U.S. Air Force veteran, a martial artist, a corporate IT executive who recently retired from a Fortune 100 company.

THE CONVERSATION

My journey began many years ago. At the time we lived in the Chicago area and I worked downtown at financial trading company. I was coming home from work late at night and had stopped at food deli where I had a discussion with Chicago police officer. We both were at a restaurant picking up carry-out when I made the comment about his vehicle having the words ‘to serve and protect’. Making conversation I said “I feel safe since you are here protecting me”. He looked at me and laughed and said  – “That is a just general thing we say. It’s up to you to protect yourself. Sure, I will show after the fact, take a report, talk to a few people, and all that. Of course, that would only matter to you assuming that you have survived the assault.” We talked a bit more, got our meals and parted ways.

THE DECISION

As I was driving home, that got me thinking about our conversation. That is when I decided to take personal responsibility for protecting my myself, family and loved ones and not assume, or trust that that is someone else’s job (or even concern). I would no longer be in denial and I, like many others – refuse to be a victim.

THE REALITY

I, or my loved ones, were NOT immune, or exempt, to violence and not having a realistic and viable strategy were no longer an option. I had to be more intentional and strategic in my approach and training. 

• NRA Defensive Pistol
• NRA Personal Protection in the Home
• NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home
• NRA Range Safety Officer
• USCCA Conceal Carry and Home Defense
• USCCA Defensive Pistol Shooting
• SABRE Personal Safety Awareness (Includes Proper Pepper Spray
• Training)

Byron Matthews holds high standards for the quality of the training and the materials used. He looks forward to working with you to achieve your objectives.

Byron has been formally certified to teach the following classroom courses and live-fire courses:

Gear Up for Safety: Learn Firearm Handling Today

Our highly qualified instructors have successfully passed rigorous classroom, live-fire, and written examinations. They are committed to ongoing education through regular recertification.