1st Annual BHS Defensive Skills Summit
September 26-27 | Coldwater Area
The BHS Defensive Skills Summit is a professional training weekend designed to help responsible armed citizens build practical capability beyond minimum certification.
Whether you are earning your Michigan CPL or continuing your development as an existing CPL holder, the Summit provides focused training blocks in one organized weekend.
Students may attend individual classes or choose a bundle option for a more complete training experience.
Certification is the beginning. Competence is the goal.
A Structured Weekend of Defensive Handgun Development
❋ Foundation
Michigan CPL certification and responsible carry principles.
❋ Skill Development
Red dot, low light, and defensive handgun performance training.
❋ Professional Structure
Small class sizes, safety-focused instruction, and clear progression.
Weekend Training Blocks
Choose individual training blocks or build a full weekend of structured development. Each class is intentionally capped to maintain safety, quality instruction, and meaningful instructor oversight.
The Foundation + Skills Bundle is designed for students who want to earn their Michigan CPL and immediately continue into practical defensive handgun skill development.
This bundle includes three training blocks from the 1st Annual BHS Defensive Skills Summit:
Michigan CPL Certification
Intro to Red Dot Handgun
Defensive Handgun Skills Lab
This is a strong option for students who want more than a basic certification course and are ready to begin developing practical handgun skills beyond the minimum standard.
Date: September 26–27, 2026
Location: Coldwater Area
Exact range location will be provided to registered students prior to the event.
Included Training Blocks
Michigan CPL Certification
Saturday, September 26
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Intro to Red Dot Handgun
Sunday, September 27
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Recommended round count: 200
Defensive Handgun Skills Lab
Sunday, September 27
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Recommended round count: 250
CPL Renewal Eligible
The Full Summit Pass is the most complete training option for the 1st Annual BHS Defensive Skills Summit.
This pass includes all four scheduled training blocks across the weekend:
Michigan CPL Certification
Low Light Defensive Handgun
Intro to Red Dot Handgun
Defensive Handgun Skills Lab
2026 Summit Patch
This option is designed for students who want the full weekend experience and a structured path from foundational certification into continued defensive handgun development.
Date: September 26–27, 2026
Location: Coldwater Area
Exact range location will be provided to registered students prior to the event.
Limited to 8 students due to Low Light class capacity.
Included Training Blocks
Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Michigan CPL Certification
Saturday 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Low Light Defensive Handgun
Sunday 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Intro to Red Dot Handgun
Sunday 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Defensive Handgun Skills Lab
Recommended Product Note
Students will receive a detailed information packet after registration with required gear, round counts, arrival instructions, safety expectations, and location details.
The Sunday Skills Bundle is designed for existing CPL holders and handgun owners who want a focused day of structured defensive skill development.
This bundle includes:
Intro to Red Dot Handgun
Defensive Handgun Skills Lab
Students will work on pistol-mounted optic fundamentals, visual discipline, recoil control, draw efficiency, defensive accuracy, and practical performance beyond basic CPL-level training.
Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026
Location: Coldwater Area
Exact range location will be provided to registered students prior to the event.
Included Training Blocks
Sunday 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Intro to Red Dot Handgun
Sunday 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Defensive Handgun Skills Lab
Recommended Round Count
Intro to Red Dot: 200 rounds
Defensive Handgun Skills Lab: 250 rounds
Total recommended round count: 450 rounds
Recommended Product Note
This bundle is ideal for students who already have their CPL and want structured development beyond minimum certification.
Individual class Pricing
Students may register for individual training blocks or choose a bundle option for a more complete weekend of development. Bundle options are designed for students who want structured progression across multiple areas of defensive handgun training.
Saturday, September 26, 2026
6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Coldwater, Michigan
Cost: $150
Limited to 8 students
The Low Light Defensive Handgun course is a four-hour evening training block designed to help students safely and effectively apply defensive handgun skills in reduced-light conditions.
Most violent encounters do not happen on a square range in broad daylight. Low-light environments introduce additional challenges involving target identification, flashlight use, visual processing, movement, and accountability. This course is built to help responsible handgun owners better understand those challenges and develop safer, more capable responses.
Students will work through a structured combination of instruction and live-fire application focused on light use, target identification, practical handgun handling, and the realities of making decisions when visibility is limited.
This is not a gimmick course and it is not simply “shooting in the dark.” The goal is to help students think, see, and perform more effectively in realistic low-light conditions.
Course Topics
Low-light safety considerations
Principles of target identification
Positive threat recognition and accountability
Handheld flashlight use and considerations
Weapon-mounted light considerations
Light discipline and light management
Practical searching and visual scanning concepts
Common low-light errors and performance issues
Handgun presentation and manipulation in reduced light
Shooting with limited visual information
Working around photonic barriers and glare
Practical live-fire drills in low-light conditions
Building a safe low-light practice plan
Who Should Attend?
This class is appropriate for:
Concealed carriers who want more realistic defensive training
Handgun owners who want to better understand low-light threats and limitations
Students with prior handgun experience seeking practical skill development
Responsible citizens who carry a handheld light or weapon-mounted light
Law-enforcement officers seeking additional low-light handgun training
Shooters who want to move beyond daylight-only practice
This is not a first-time handgun course.
Students should already understand basic firearm safety and be able to safely load, unload, operate, holster, and fire their handgun without continuous instructor assistance.
What Students Receive
Students who successfully complete the course will receive:
Four hours of structured low-light instruction
Guided live-fire training in reduced-light conditions
A BHS Skills Summit class guide
Individual instructor observations and corrections
A recommended low-light practice plan
Course completion documentation
Founding Attendee recognition for the inaugural 2026 Summit
Access to applicable Founding Attendee benefits
Law-enforcement CPE documentation when applicable and approved
Required Equipment
Students must bring:
A safe and functional handgun
A secure handgun case
A quality holster designed for the handgun
At least two functional magazines
Magazine pouch or secure method of carrying spare magazines
A handheld flashlight suitable for defensive or training use
Eye protection
Hearing protection
Appropriate factory ammunition
Weather-appropriate clothing
Closed-toe footwear
Water and any needed snacks
A weapon-mounted light is recommended but not required unless otherwise stated in the confirmation email.
If a student uses a weapon-mounted light, it must be securely attached and functional. Students should arrive with fresh batteries or a fully charged light and should bring spares when possible.
Clear eye protection is strongly recommended for low-light training.
A detailed equipment list and recommended ammunition quantity will be included in the student confirmation email.
Firearms must remain unloaded and secured until students are directed otherwise by an instructor.
Training Environment
This course will be conducted during evening hours and will include reduced-light or low-light conditions.
Students should expect:
Limited visibility
Repeated use of handheld or weapon-mounted lights
Movement and manipulation under reduced lighting
Close attention to muzzle discipline, target identification, and instructor commands
Because of the training environment, safe gun handling and attentiveness are especially important.
Completion Requirements
Students must attend the entire course, participate in the required drills, demonstrate safe firearm handling, and follow all instructor commands and range rules.
Completion is based on safe participation and engagement—not speed or advanced marksmanship alone.
Unsafe conduct, repeated failure to follow safety instructions, or the use of unsafe or unreliable equipment may result in removal from the course without completion credit.
Registration is limited to 8 students to allow a safer training environment and meaningful individual coaching.
When the light is limited, your judgment matters even more.
Sunday, September 27, 2026
1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Coldwater, Michigan
Cost: $150
Limited to 12 students
The Defensive Handgun Skills Lab is a four-hour, performance-focused training block designed to help responsible handgun owners identify weaknesses, improve core defensive shooting skills, and leave with a practical plan for continued development.
Rather than spending the entire class on a single technique, students will work through a structured series of drills that evaluate accuracy, consistency, handgun presentation, recoil management, target transitions, movement, and practical problem-solving.
This course is designed as a training lab, not a competition and not a pass-or-fail shooting test. Students will establish a performance baseline, receive instructor feedback, and learn how to practice with greater purpose after the Summit.
The goal is simple: help each student become safer, more efficient, and more capable with the handgun they actually carry or use for personal defense.
Course Topics
Safe and efficient handgun handling
Grip, stance, and recoil management
Presentation from the holster
Accuracy at practical defensive distances
Balancing speed and accountability
Target transitions
Reloading and handgun manipulation
Shooting from varied positions
Movement and positional safety
Performance-based drills and scoring
Identifying strengths and training deficiencies
Building an effective personal practice plan
Who Should Attend?
This class is appropriate for:
Concealed carriers who want to evaluate and improve their current abilities
Handgun owners ready to move beyond basic static shooting
Students who want structured drills and measurable feedback
Shooters preparing for more advanced defensive handgun training
Law-enforcement officers seeking additional handgun practice
Experienced shooters who want a focused performance assessment
This is not a first-time handgun course.
Students should already understand basic firearm safety and be able to safely load, unload, operate, holster, and fire their handgun without continuous instructor assistance.
Students do not need to be highly advanced or exceptionally fast. They must be safe, receptive to coaching, and willing to work within their current ability level.
What Students Receive
Students who successfully complete the course will receive:
Four hours of structured handgun training
A personal performance baseline
Guided live-fire drills
Individual instructor observations and corrections
A BHS Skills Summit class guide
A skills scorecard or performance notes
A recommended 30-day practice plan
Course completion documentation
Founding Attendee recognition for the inaugural 2026 Summit
Access to applicable Founding Attendee benefits
Law-enforcement CPE documentation when applicable and approved
Required Equipment
Students must bring:
A safe and functional defensive handgun
A secure handgun case
A quality holster designed for the handgun
At least two functional magazines
Magazine pouch or secure method of carrying spare magazines
Eye protection
Hearing protection
Appropriate factory ammunition
Weather-appropriate clothing
Closed-toe footwear
Water and any needed snacks
The holster must completely cover the trigger guard and securely retain the handgun. Shoulder holsters, cross-draw holsters, ankle holsters, and collapsible nylon holsters are not permitted.
Students may use either an iron-sight or red-dot-equipped handgun.
A detailed equipment list and recommended ammunition quantity will be included in the student confirmation email.
Firearms must remain unloaded and secured until students are directed otherwise by an instructor.
Physical and Training Considerations
This course may include standing, kneeling, movement, positional shooting, repeated handgun presentations, and other moderate physical activity.
Students should notify the instructor before class of any injury, mobility limitation, or medical concern that may require a reasonable training modification.
No student will be required to perform a drill in a manner that is unsafe or outside their physical ability.
Completion Requirements
Students must attend the entire course, participate in the required drills, demonstrate safe firearm handling, and follow all instructor commands and range rules.
Completion is based on safe participation and engagement—not achieving a specific score or speed standard.
Unsafe conduct, repeated failure to follow safety instructions, or the use of unsafe or unreliable equipment may result in removal from the course without completion credit.
Registration is limited to 12 students to allow meaningful observation, coaching, and individual feedback.
Measure where you are. Build toward where you need to be.
Saturday, September 26, 2026
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Coldwater, Michigan
Cost: $100
Limited spaces
The Michigan CPL course is the foundation of the 2026 BHS Defensive Skills Summit. This full-day class is designed for responsible citizens seeking the knowledge, safety habits, and practical handgun skills needed to pursue a Michigan Concealed Pistol License.
Students will receive a combination of classroom instruction and supervised range training covering firearm safety, responsible ownership, handgun fundamentals, safe storage, legal considerations, concealed carry responsibilities, and the practical application of defensive handgun skills.
This course is about more than completing a requirement. Our goal is to give students a safe, professional starting point and a clear understanding of the continued training needed to become confident and competent handgun owners.
Course Topics
Fundamental firearm safety rules
Safe handling, loading, unloading, and storage
Handgun components and operation
Ammunition fundamentals
Michigan concealed carry responsibilities
Situational awareness and conflict avoidance
Defensive firearm considerations
Marksmanship fundamentals
Range commands and procedures
Supervised live-fire training
Continuing education and practice recommendations
Who Should Attend?
This class is appropriate for:
Michigan residents seeking their initial CPL
New or developing handgun owners
Individuals who want structured safety and fundamentals training
Responsible citizens who want to better understand concealed carry
Students who have not previously completed an approved CPL course
No advanced shooting experience is required. Students should, however, be comfortable participating in a structured classroom and live-fire environment.
What Students Receive
Students who successfully complete all required classroom and range portions will receive:
Course completion documentation
CPL reference and training materials
A personal practice and continuing-training plan
Founding Attendee recognition for the inaugural 2026 Summit
Access to applicable Founding Attendee benefits
Required Equipment
Students must bring:
A safe and functional handgun
A secure handgun case
Eye protection
Hearing protection
Appropriate ammunition for the handgun (50 rounds)
Weather-appropriate clothing
Closed-toe footwear
Government-issued photo identification
Lunch, drinks, and any needed snacks
Additional equipment and ammunition requirements will be provided in the student confirmation email.
Firearms must remain unloaded and secured until students are directed otherwise by an instructor.
Important Information
Students must attend the entire course, participate in all required instruction, follow all range and safety rules, and successfully complete the required classroom and live-fire portions.
Unsafe conduct, failure to follow instructor commands, or violation of range rules may result in removal from the course without completion credit.
Registration is limited to maintain a safe environment and provide meaningful individual instruction.
Certification is the beginning. Competence is the goal.
Sunday, September 27, 2026
8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Coldwater, Michigan
Cost: $175
Limited to 12 students
The Intro to Red Dot Handgun course is designed to help handgun owners understand and confidently use a pistol-mounted red dot sight.
Whether you recently purchased an optics-equipped handgun or have been struggling to consistently find the dot, this four-hour course will provide a structured introduction to red dot operation, setup, presentation, sight confirmation, and practical shooting fundamentals.
Students will learn how to properly present the handgun, acquire the dot efficiently, understand common causes of a lost or inconsistent dot, and build repeatable habits through guided dry-fire and live-fire drills.
This course is not focused on flashy techniques or shooting as fast as possible. The goal is to help students establish a reliable foundation they can continue developing after the Summit.
Course Topics
Red dot sight terminology and operation
Benefits and limitations of pistol-mounted optics
Proper optic setup and basic maintenance
Understanding zero and point of impact
Handgun presentation and dot acquisition
Consistent grip and visual focus
Diagnosing a lost or inconsistent dot
Target-focused shooting
Sight confirmation at different distances
Managing recoil and tracking the dot
Fundamental accuracy and performance drills
Building an effective dry-practice routine
Who Should Attend?
This class is appropriate for:
Handgun owners who are new to pistol-mounted optics
Shooters transitioning from iron sights to a red dot
Students who struggle to consistently find the dot
Concealed carriers who want greater confidence with their equipment
Law-enforcement officers beginning or refining a red dot transition
Experienced shooters seeking a structured review of red dot fundamentals
This is not a first-time handgun course. Students should already understand basic firearm safety and be able to safely load, unload, operate, and fire their handgun without continuous instructor assistance.
What Students Receive
Students who successfully complete the course will receive:
Four hours of professional instruction
Guided dry-fire and live-fire training
A BHS Skills Summit class guide
Individual performance observations and corrections
A recommended red dot practice plan
Course completion documentation
Founding Attendee recognition for the inaugural 2026 Summit
Access to applicable Founding Attendee benefits
Law-enforcement CPE documentation when applicable and approved
Required Equipment
Students must bring:
A safe and functional handgun equipped with a properly mounted red dot sight
A secure handgun case
A quality holster designed for the handgun and optic
At least two functional magazines
Magazine pouch or secure method of carrying spare magazines
Eye protection
Hearing protection
Appropriate factory ammunition
Weather-appropriate clothing
Closed-toe footwear
Water and any needed snacks
The holster must completely cover the trigger guard and securely retain the handgun. Shoulder holsters, cross-draw holsters, ankle holsters, and collapsible nylon holsters are not permitted.
A detailed equipment list and recommended ammunition quantity will be included in the student confirmation email.
Firearms must remain unloaded and secured until students are directed otherwise by an instructor.
Optic Readiness
Students are responsible for arriving with a securely mounted and functional optic.
Before attending, students should:
Confirm that all mounting screws are properly secured
Install a fresh or reliable battery
Confirm that the optic functions correctly
Verify that the handgun and optic are mechanically sound
Bring any optic-specific adjustment tools
Bring spare batteries when possible
The course will address zeroing concepts and verification, but it is not intended to serve as an equipment installation or gunsmithing session.
Completion Requirements
Students must attend the entire course, participate in the required dry-fire and live-fire exercises, demonstrate safe firearm handling, and follow all instructor commands and range rules.
Unsafe conduct, repeated failure to follow safety instructions, or the use of unsafe or unreliable equipment may result in removal from the course without completion credit.
Registration is limited to 12 students to allow meaningful instruction, observation, and individual feedback.
Stop searching for the dot. Build a presentation that puts it where you need it.
Founding Registration Pricing
Founding Registration Pricing will be available for the first 7 days after registration opens and applies to bundle options only.
Individual class pricing will remain firm.
The BHS Defensive Skills Summit is designed for responsible armed citizens who want structured, safety-focused training beyond minimum requirements.
Whether you are brand new to concealed carry or already have your CPL, this event gives students a clear path to continue developing practical defensive handgun skills.
Who This Event Is For
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For students ready to earn their Michigan CPL and start with a strong foundation in safe, lawful, and responsible carry.
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For those who already have their CPL but want more than minimum certification-level training.
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For students carrying or training with pistol-mounted optics who want better consistency, presentation, and visual discipline.
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For those who want to understand target identification, flashlight use, and decision-making in reduced visibility.
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For everyday people who take personal protection seriously and want professional instruction in a controlled environment.
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Licensed Michigan law enforcement officers may receive completion documentation suitable for agency training records / CPE reporting for applicable blocks.
This is not a casual range day. It is a structured training weekend with clear safety expectations, limited class sizes, and professional oversight.
What to Expect
The BHS Defensive Skills Summit is a structured, safety-focused training weekend. Each block will include clear instruction, defined safety expectations, and practical skill development appropriate to the course.
Students will receive a full information packet after registration, including:
Required gear list
Recommended round counts
Arrival times
Range procedures
Weather considerations
Safety expectations
Location details
Waiver information
All students are expected to arrive with safe, reliable equipment and follow instructor direction throughout the event.
Exact range location will be provided to registered students prior to the event.