Rochester Personal Defense offers self-defense classes, firearms safety and firearms training, personal safety awareness courses. Personal defense training for women and teens in the Rochester New York area.

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Self-defense, personal protection classes, firearms training

Meet Dave Jenkins, Founder
Meet Ian Scott
Meet Mike Chalson
Meet Wendy Saetta
Meet Denis Gurnett
Meet Frank Coniglio
Meet Loring (Tink) McDaniels
Meet Ray Bohrer
Meet Jim Chesko
Meet Chris Schlierf
Meet Mary

Meet Dave Jenkins

I started Rochester Personal Defense in 2003 after discovering that there is a need for someone versatile to fill the gap between the small, feel good seminars and the martial arts dojos.

History

My interest in self defense started in 1993 when I was 'introduced' to the world of firearms by my father, who was the organizer of a pistol match at one of our local gun clubs. Right from the beginning, I felt I wanted to learn everything and anything about how to shoot my best and the legal rights and responsibilities of carrying a firearm. Under my Dad's watchful eyes, I quickly worked my way up from the most basic levels to an intermediate point where I felt confident and secure with my skills. I started developing the mindset for carrying a firearm for self defense fairly early and it has since expanded as my skills have grown.

It did not take long to figure out that I was learning one solution of a wider set of problems. I started looking into other forms of self defense, such as hand to hand, sprays, impact type weapons, etc. I found myself attending many different schools as I learned. I went through a police academy and received a New York State Police Certification. I went to training facilities around the East Coast and took classes in personal combatives, tactical operations, SWAT training, baton, pepper spray, edged weapons, firearms, and evasive driving. All of the training and experience that I received from those classes has been whittled down and separated into what I offer in the classes I teach.

Philosophy

The basic idea that I believe in is simple: I want to be able to live my life without the threat or fear of something bad happening to me. I have taken steps to ensure that I will have a better than average chance of prevailing in any encounter or situation I run into. I will win and I will go home every night, no matter what the odds, no matter what the situation. This statement may sound aggressive or harsh, but it is true and it is the attitude that you should have or should start developing in your life.

I believe in the "why" behind the "what" in my training. For instance: when I am attending a class, I learn better and faster by knowing WHY I am doing a skill or tactic, WHY it will make me safe and WHAT that skill or tactic will do to get me my end result. I can translate this into my teachings. For instance: when I am showing a student how to counter a punch, I also show them how to set yourself up to counter a secondary attack as well as set up your own defensive attack. As the skill (the 'what') is explained, I also add in the 'why' which puts the skill into the proper context thus the student actually will learn faster and better.

Women and Self Defense

I have been teaching shooting skills and combative skills since 1998, and in the past three years have started to gravitate towards working with more and more women that are looking for self defense and protection training. In my teaching experience, I have found that it is difficult for women to even begin looking for an instructor or even somewhere to go to learn self defense.

Most women are restricted by society's view that they should not have to protect themselves so they do not actively seek any training. They tend to face a multitude of barriers or hurdles; the biggest one is actually locating a facility for quality, common sense training, and then finding a competent, easy going, professional trainer that knows what to present and how to present it to the female student without seeming demeaning or pompous. The latter condition is the most important.

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Meet Ian Scott

My interest in shooting sports started in 1966 when my father, a local law enforcement officer, introduced me to shooting and hunting. My interest in shooting sports with all types of firearms and archery equipment grew very rapidly from there. From these sports I learned discipline, self motivation, and the reward of training. Not mention I had a lot of fun!

When my two children became old enough to hunt and shoot, I discovered that being a boy in a rural community with a father who was an active shooter gave me opportunities to learn marksmanship skills no longer available to many. It was at this time of my life I decided to give back to the sport which had given me so much. In 1994 I became a NFAA Archery Instructor and in 1996, I became an NRA Firearms Instructor. I then set out to my share my love of shooting sports with as many people, young and old, as I could.

Teaching has been a very rewarding experience. I get so much enjoyment from seeing the success of my students. The beaming smile on a new shooter’s face when they succeed is the greatest reward an instructor can get. I meet many wonderful people, and oftentimes I learn as much from them as I teach them. My teaching style blends the seriousness necessary for the subject, humor to gain my student’s attention, and enthusiasm to affect my students in a positive way.

My Philosophy of Self Defense

As I became more proficient as defensive shooter, I began to realize that the only solution I had was the firearm, and it often wasn’t the best solution. They say timing is everything and this is when I met Dave. Dave offered me opportunities for training and shared philosophies that have made me a better prepared instructor and individual.

We should be alert and aware enough to see potential problems ahead and either avoid them (the best victory is for the battle not fought) or prepare the solution that affords the least liability to ones self and loved ones. We should have a variety of solutions that allow us the flexibility to solve a problem without using force if possible. But we need to be ready, willing, and able to use force to defend ourselves and our loved ones when all else fails. We will go home with those we love at the end of the day.

Perhaps the values that I taught my children says it best.

I taught my son to be kind, treat others with respect and avoid confrontation when possible, but not to wronged or injured by others. Also, when necessary, defend himself, the weak, and the less fortunate, but to remember that any confrontation has consequences for all parties involved. And often even the winner loses something.

I taught my daughter to a strong, independent, alert, and wise young lady. Not to let society set how she should act or be treated. Not to live in fear, but be prepared, confident, observant and a predator’s worst nightmare if they picked her. When I sent her away to college I was confident that her personality would make many a bad guy pass on bothering her and she was prepared to see and deal with those who didn’t.

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Meet Mike Chalson

My interest in firearms started when I was 18, I was introduced to trap shooting by one of my friends. Not only was I taught about the fundamentals, I was also taught about firearms safety. When I turned 21, I applied for my New York State Pistol Permit. The day it came I picked up my first handgun, a S&W Model 66 stainless steel .357 Magnum. I taught myself to shoot it and used it for several years competing in PPC events. I also competed in IPSC shooting for many years. I feel any type of shooting is better than none at all. I had my heart set on becoming a Law Enforcement Officer and in 1980 I joined the Binghamton Police Department. In 1983, my Chief sent me to my first Firearms Instructor School. Over the next 20 years, I attended many firearms schools for the department and used the knowledge to train both seasoned as well as recruit officers. My philosophy always has been not only to survive the confrontation but to survive the mental stress that eventually sets in after.

During my career, I worked in the Training Division part time with my friend that shared the same passion for good, solid training, whether it be firearms, defensive tactics, or officer survival, as I did. Together we introduced many new and innovative ideas to the Department and to other Broome County Law Enforcement Agencies. In 1986, I introduced reactionary steel targets and moving targets. This was unheard of in those days when most shooting was done on paper targets only. I brought each Agency together making firearms and other training a county wide task instead of each doing their own. Members of each Agency enjoyed this and looked forward to future training sessions. This style training works very effectively when there are high stress incidents which involve several agencies at one time. During my time with the Binghamton Police Training Division, I trained nearly 100 officers to become New York State Certified Firearms Instructors. In 2000, my duties changed to our Traffic Division. I remained committed to training and attended many seminars on my own time.

In August 2008 after more than 28 years, I retired from the Binghamton Police Department but currently am employed as a part time officer with a local village police department. Also, I run my business installing emergency lights other equipment on police and fire vehicles, which I started in 1989.

Philosophy

I have one simple rule…survive.

The simplest thing one can do is stay aware of his or her surroundings, make adjustments as the situations dictates, and avoid a dangerous event before it happens. If this does not work then you must have the best skills possible to survive a deadly encounter and deploy those skills without hesitation or reservation.

Over the years, I have trained over 500 men and women of law enforcement, along with many civilians, to survive deadly encounters. Police must not retreat and are held to a higher standard but it is civilians who suffer in greater numbers at the hands of criminals. I bring nearly 30 years of survival/firearms training and experience to Rochester Personal Defense and for this reason I am committed to teaching both men and women the proper skills in the use of non-lethal and lethal force, thus making them more confident to survive

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Meet Wendy Saetta

I was never involved with any type of defensive training or firearms training growing up. I was fortunate enough to become introduced to defensive shooting by my ex-husband, and we found a defensive pistol shoot, run by Dave and his father Stu, on Tuesday nights and attended as often as we could. I was immediately drawn to the format of this event, and I have been a Range Officer on Tuesday night now for three years.
Once involved in the defensive pistol sports, I realized that you need more answers to life’s questions that just a gun. So, with that thought, my interest in unarmed self defense increased as well. I have taken many of RPD’s personal defense courses, as well as Insights Unarmed Self Defense and Defensive Knife Class. I cannot stress enough that you need to have unarmed skills because you will not always be able to have your gun with you or maybe even get the chance to deploy and/or use it.
I started taking more training with Insights, Sig Academy, and was even fortunate enough to go to Thunder Ranch. With some encouragement by Dave Jenkins, three years ago, I became an NRA Instructor. Soon after, I became an instructor with Rochester Personal Defense, LLC. After gaining more experience in teaching, I am now the Lead Instructor in the Women’s Training Division for Rochester Personal Defense, LLC.
I truly enjoy teaching firearms and unarmed defensive skills. There is nothing better than teaching someone a new skill, then watching them perform the skill with confidence. I also am always learning new things from my students.
I strive to teach at the highest level possible. In order to achieve this, I attend as much training every year as my schedule, and finances, will allow. I don’t believe that just because you are now “certified” in an area that means you don’t have to continue training and learning. Every one of us can learn something new. I also am afforded the chance to help plan new classes and training for the Rochester Personal Defense, LLC curriculum.

Philosophy

The world is an ever changing place. My attitude is to always hope for the best, but always be prepared for the worst. I want to do all that I can to avoid being preyed upon, and I achieve that mindset through knowledge, skills, practice, AND lots and lots of training.

 

 

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Meet Denis Gurnett

I have been a firearms and 2nd Amendment promoter all of my life and have taken advantage of the opportunity to train and teach with Dave and Rochester Personal Defense, LLC. I am a certified NRA firearms instructor, NRA Range Safety Officer and participate in several competitive firearms activities. I am invested in promoting membership in the NRA as an official NRA Recruiter. Also, I have spent many years, as well, as a scuba instructor.

 

 

 

 

Philosophy

My philosophy is to share what I know with as many folks that are truly interested in training with us.

 

 

 

 

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Meet Frank Coniglio

Hi. I became introduced to firearms in my late teens (a long time ago) when I started varmint hunting with two of my good friends and their father. Living in a rural community I progressed into a variety of hunting experiences and established wonderful friendships with many people of good moral and ethical standards. This lead myself into trying some handgun shooting sports in the mid 70’s and I have been hooked ever since. As a young adult I quickly learned that not everyone I would come into contact with throughout my life held themselves to the same moral standards and would not hesitate to take advantage of me or my family if I allowed it. It was at this junction in life I started carrying concealed and increased my awareness of life situations that could bring danger my way and avoided them where ever possible. Approximately six years ago a couple of coworkers told me about a defensive pistol league they participated in, so I checked it out and this is where I met Dave Jenkins. I became a regular participant and was overwhelmed by what I learned I didn’t know about defensive tactics and techniques that Dave was teaching. I started taking training classes, became a range officer, and an NRA instructor. I am presently involved in pursuing more instructors training through the NRA and Dave and am assisting Dave and the other instructors at Rochester Personal Defense. I am a strong advocate of the safety aspects that Dave brings to his training courses. As an instructor I learn things from the participants as well and feeling grateful for the opportunity to work with individuals to help them become more confident and skillful as I have since becoming involved with Rochester Personal Defense.
Dave has designed the courses to instill knowledge, skill and self confidence in an enjoyable and safe environment. We look forward to seeing you.

 

Philosophy

Pursue a life you will enjoy.
As we strive to attend school, go to work, play, discover hobbies and relax, pursuit of these endeavors need not be hampered by fear. By acquiring and developing the awareness, knowledge and skills to protect ourselves and families to the best of our ability we will be better prepared to fulfill our dreams.

 

 

 

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Meet Loring (Tink) McDaniels

I've been interested in shooting since I was young. When I was 18 I bought my first rifle, and enjoyed plinking at the range. When I got my pistol permit and started buying handguns I started shooting much more. I realized that I was not comfortable with my skills to carry a pistol concealed. That's when I met Dave Jenkins at The Genesee Conservation League in Penfield, NY and started to do some training with him. That is when I learned how much I didn't know. After being a student of his for a few years, he asked me if I would be interested in becoming a range safety officer for the Tuesday night shoot held at GCL. Under the guidance of Frank Coniglio I became educated in how to safely instruct shooters on the range. When I realized how much I enjoyed guiding other people on how to reach their goals, I asked Dave about becoming a trainer. I am now an NRA Certified Instructor and a Sig Sauer certified armorer.
I believe that as gun owners we have a great responsibility. My safety and the safety of others are two of my highest priorities. My personal goal is to teach the safe ownership and operation of firearms and to help minimize firearm accidents through negligence. By educating more people, we can all learn how to be more responsible and build our skills. I have found that teaching is a two way street, after every class I feel as though I'm the one that has learned something new.

Philosophy

 

 

 

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Meet Ray Bohrer

My interest in firearms started when I was very young. My dad and Uncles were all hunters. My first rifle was a single shot 22LR from that rifle my interest expanded to competitive shooting. I'm a life ATA member and competed for 18 years. Received my CCP in 1981 and quickly became involved in IPSC and shot competitively for several years successfully. September of 2008 joined GCL and started my new shooting career in defensive pistol shooting with Rochester Personal Defense, LLC and Dave Jenkins

 

 

 

Philosophy

I believe we have a responsibility as gun owners to protect our right to bear arms. We need to understand firearms safety and we need competent instruction and training in the use of firearms.When I met Dave Jenkins in 2008 I saw that Rochester Personal Defense, LLC was an opportunity for me to help people to become better prepared as firearms owners and shooters.

 

 

 

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Meet Jim Chesko

My father first introduced me to shooting when I was around 11 years old. I hunted for several years after that and was always an avid shooter to stay proficient. Although I don’t hunt anymore, I still enjoy the shooting sports and firmly believe in our rights to self defense. I’ve been a trainer in some capacity for most of my career and enjoy helping people learn a new skill. I’ve trained soldiers how to load bombs on B-52 aircraft, I’ve trained production workers how to program automated machinery, and I’ve trained maintenance workers how to operate and troubleshoot building environmental systems. I held a concealed firearm permit in the state of Maine while in the USAF and after being without handguns for a few years, I decided to get back into it about two years ago. I’ve enjoyed the many training classes I’ve taken with RPD so much that I decided to set a goal for myself to become an RPD instructor…..and here I am. I always look forward to meeting new people who believe in the same principles as we do and giving them the skills and mindset necessary to live by those principles.

 

Philosophy

In life there are sheep (the general populous), wolves (those that seek to harm others) and sheepdogs (law abiding citizens who train in self defense). As sheepdogs, it is our obligation to continuously train and be as proficient as possible to make the right decisions every time. This is an obligation to our self, our family, our community and our way of life in this great country.

 

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Meet Chris Schlierf

My firearms experience started in the early 70’s shooting on my High School Rifle Team. Is there still such a thing? From there my interest went to Pistols where I competed on a small bore pistol team. Next up was an interest in center fire rifle and a couple of trips to the National Rifle Matches at Camp Perry. Time for a little more variety, so off to a little defensive pistol shooting here and there. Then some small bore Sporter Rifle. That’s where I saw the poster for Defensive Pistol at Genesee Conservation League on Tuesday nights. Simple practical defensive handgun shooting, not choreographed jump here pirouette there, just be safe and get’er done. That’s where I met Dave and the crew. Right in my own back yard, a group of shooters with good experience, safety minded and willing to share there experience in a fun way to help me be a better safer shooter. How can you not want to be a part of that?

 

Philosophy

Take responsibility for your actions, we all make mistake, learn from it and move on. Consider the long term consequences of your actions before you commit to them. Be respectful, helpful, do your best and always look for ways to improve. God Bless America and the Republic for which it stands.

 

 

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Meet Mary

Hello, Everyone. I am glad that you have dropped in to the website to take a look around. I’m always happy to meet new people. Let me tell you a little bit about myself.

I had great parents who raised me on a farm in a small rural town in upstate New York where I learned the value of hard work at an early age. I am a professionally trained vocalist; a published author, preferring poetry to prose; and was a nanny for three years. I graduated from Syracuse as a medical secretary, and worked in Equine Research at Cornell University assisting in the O.R. as a surgical nurse, developing Wang calculator programs, running lab equipment, and performing a host of other duties. I did a short stint at a Volkswagen dealership before finally settling down at a local utility where I did all sorts of interesting jobs: accounting; purchasing and contract administration; time keeping; and administrative assistant to name a few. My most favorite job was buying coal and scheduling trains for the generating stations (‘cause I LUV trains). I retired—comfortably and happily--in 2007 with over 38 years of service. I am 60 years young, happily married (2006), and am 18 credits away from an A.S. in Marketing, Management, and Sales.

I believe that we humans should never have to live in fear of another human being. To that end, I believe that every man, woman, and child should become educated and proficient in some manner of self-protection, and that each should seek out the best possible training to achieve that goal. I have owned long guns since I was 18, but started pursuing my New York State pistol permit in February of 2008 through the Pre-Licensing course with RPD (Rochester Personal Defense, LLC). Since then, I have taken five additional courses with Dave and the RPD, LLC instructors, who have become my friends as well as my teachers. I was happy to step out of retirement and come on board in April 2009 to become the new voice of Rochester Personal Defense, LLC. My goal is to serve you all well.

Remember: Life is not about taking a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving unscathed in a pretty and well-preserved body; rather, it is about skidding in sideways, thoroughly used up, completely worn out, and loudly proclaiming, “WA-HOOO - What a Ride!!!" Just be safe doing it.