STAND READY.
PROTECT WHAT MATTERS.
Real-world firearms training built on discipline, awareness, and decisive action.
One-on-one training
Beginner to advanced
Real-World Defense
Confidence Under Pressure
Firearm Fit & Selection
Safe Skill Development
Live & Dry Fire Training
Performance Driven Coaching
About GRIP DEFENSIVE TRAINING
David and Christy Hofstetter are handgun enthusiasts and co-founders of GRIP Defensive Training, where they teach safe, confident, and effective firearm skills. David is a USCCA-certified instructor and NRA Range Safety Officer who turned his passion for firearms into a professional calling after years in cosmetology and business ownership. Since moving to Virginia, he has developed expertise across handguns, shotguns, and AR-15 platforms. Christy, a Staunton native, began shooting competitively as a teenager and went on to earn multiple instructor certifications through USCCA and NRA in handguns and rifle/AR-15 training. She also works as a fitness instructor coaching CrossFit and personal training. Christy co-founded and co-owned C-BAR Firearms Training from 2021-2026. Together, David and Christy combine technical expertise, real-world experience, and their Christian faith to deliver high-quality defensive training.
AVAILABLE CLASSES
GRIP Fundamentals: Concealed Carry & Home Defense
Grip Personal Training Session
This is where skill meets purpose. Train one-on-one in a focused, no-nonsense environment using your firearm and your ammunition. Every session is built around you—your skill level, your goals, and your need for real-world capability.
Grip Firearm Fit & Fundamentals Session
Get hands-on experience with a variety of firearms before you invest. We provide the firearms and ammunition—you bring the mindset to learn. This session is designed to help you discover what works for you, what doesn’t, and why.
GRIP Handgun foundations: Safety & Fundamentals
GRIP Handgun Foundations is the ideal starting point for new shooters or anyone with limited handgun experience. This course builds confidence from the ground up in a safe, structured, and supportive training environment.
GRIP Defensive Carry: Foundation – Core Skills (Part A)
Built on USCCA curriculum and enhanced through the GRIP training methodology, this class focuses on developing your awareness, control, and readiness under pressure so you can respond effectively when it matters most.
GRIP Defensive Carry Foundation – Application (Part B)
Building directly on Part A, this course takes your defensive fundamentals and applies them under movement, stress, and decision-making.
GRIP AR-15 Defensive Foundations: Home Defense
Designed specifically for responsible civilian use, this class blends classroom instruction with live-fire application to develop safe, efficient, and controlled performance with your rifle.
GRIP Youth Program: Foundations
GRIP Youth Foundations is designed to introduce students to firearms through a structured, step-by-step program that emphasizes safety, discipline, and confidence from day one.
GRIP Custom Firearm Services
Your firearm should fit you—not the other way around. We provide performance-driven customization designed to improve control, speed, and consistency under pressure.
View All Classes
We have classes running every week but if you don't find one that works, let us know and we'll do our best to accomodate your schedule.