” I am sitting here trying to put into words what my experience was like at Valor Ridge… Despite my general ease with words, it is not easy. The reason why is not just because of all the techniques taught, the class lectures, the kinship experienced with other students or even Reid as an individual. There is a spirit that is conveyed that is hard to quantify in a few paragraphs, but let me try.
The class jumps right into all the techniques you will need to know to save your life and the lives of others. There is no bullshit here, no fancy words, or pontification from the instructor. Reid breaks it down and gets rid of the often overly complicated art of fighting with a handgun. You will quickly come to see how simple, although not always easy, it really is. Within 48 hours you will have all the basic skills one would need for a lifetime of practice, and you will be shooting at a level and confidence above where you were before you started. The road for you to travel as you continue on the path of mastery will be very clear. In short, the limitations you are left with, will be the ones you put on yourself.
The lectures are short and to the point. No time is wasted on glory or ego. They are the “why” to what you do. Reid inspires, but does so with little fanfare. The class is not about him, or about anyone else, but you, and only you, as an individual. There is no hero worship here, no equipment orgies, there is no rank. You are there to work on you alone, and that is how it should be. Reid is an equal opportunity instructor. Leave your ego at the gate.
I am left with trying to describe the spirit of the class, and as much as Valor Ridge is Reid Henrichs, there is a spirit that is conveyed that is bigger than the school or Reid or any one individual… I think everyone walks away with a little something different, but to generalize, I would say you will understand not only the often talked about right to bear arms, but the responsibility you have to do so. You will be in communion with something greater than yourself. This, to me, was as valuable as any technique I learned, as the techniques themselves are practically useless without the desire to practice and the will to execute them if need be. The warrior spirit is awakened and the ego is put back to bed…”