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.

safeinrochester.com self defense courses for women and teens

Rape Prevention Courses and Personal Safety Awareness

Self-defense, personal protection classes, firearms training

Testimonials

I highly recommend this course

I would like to thank Dave Jenkins and Mike Chalson for an incredible NY concealed upgrade and Defensive Pistol 101 class. I work as investigator for Texas Equusearch throughout the state of NY and this class will allowed me to carry my Firearm responsibly and legally through out the state. While I have worked with firearms through out the years, I learned more in 2 days with Dave than I have in over 15 years of firearms carry. I highly recommend this course to all who are deciding to carry a firearm for their safety and upgrade their NY license to full carry privelages. I will be attending pistol 201 and other classes to continue my education from these pros.

M.R. Binghamton, NY

DPS101/CCW Upgrade Class

I just completed your DPS101/CCW Upgrade Classes and must thank you again. The instruction was invaluable and the 3 instructors very enjoyable to learn from. Your teaching abilities and sense of humor made learning new concepts and motor skills a joy. I WILL be taking more classes from you in the future and will recommend you to anyone I know with a pistol. It was money well spent. On the other hand, I got to shoot several boxes of ammo and spend time with lots of other people with handguns - how can you NOT love that?

D.H. Broome County, NY

The best money that you can spend

I took DPS-101 yesterday from Dave Jenkins' Rochester Personal Defense school. The training took place over at the Genesee Conservation League facility in Rochester, NY. Let me tell you folks something... this is the best money that you can spend. Dave and his team of instructors did a terrific job.

You are getting top flight training with a very low student to instructor ratio assuring that every mistake in technique will be identified and addressed by someone who has professional training. That is worth its weight in gold. You simply can't know what you are doing wrong alone. You need outside help.

Another thing is you can't learn a motor skill from books or online. You have to actually DO IT. And the DPS-101 class has you DOING things that you may not even be able to do anywhere else.

They start you with normal in class learning about techniques, the law, and other interesting things. I won't give away all that they teach. You have to sign up to find out. They use a building block system and start from simple things getting more and more complex as you go along.

By the end of the day you will be, in a single sequence, identifying a threat, moving, barking loud verbal commands, drawing your gun, barking more verbal commands, aiming, firing, clearing malfunctions, moving, scanning, barking commands, firing, moving, scanning, doing tactical reload, barking commands, moving, firing, scanning, tactical reload, moving, scanning, reholstering. <---- I did exactly that in one fairly smooth set of events during one training exercise.

Now if you think you can DO that by reading about it you are a heck of a lot better than I am. I can't. I had to be trained step by step and go through dozens of mistakes with one of the 4 instructors jumping in and stopping me to tell me what I was doing wrong and how to fix it. These skills can only be learned through actual experience.

There are other excellent schools and instructors. But you won't find many better than these guys and gals. And you certainly won't find a better VALUE for your training dollar. If there other courses are like this one, folks in the Rochester area have an INVALUABLE resource. Don't hesitate to take advantage of it... or maybe one day it won't be there. I can guarantee you that I will take advantage of it. I only wish we had something like this in Buffalo. But for now this is at least 150 mile training. Because I will travel over 150 miles to get more!!

PS... This message was not compensated or in any way solicited by Dave or his team. It is my personal opinion and my praise is offered because it was earned.

Breanne Corbett, Buffalo, NY

Invaluable and enjoyable

I just completed your DPS101/CCW Upgrade Classes and must thank you again. The instruction was invaluable and the 3 instructors very enjoyable to learn from. Your teaching abilities and sense of humor made learning new concepts and motor skills a joy. I WILL be taking more classes from you in the future and will recommend you to anyone I know with a pistol. It was money well spent. On the other hand, I got to shoot several boxes of ammo and spend time with lots of other people with handguns - how can you NOT love that?

Robert Hynes III, Binghamton, NY

About the Shooting Skills 101 class and Permit CC Upgrade Lecture:

For over 40 years I owned and used long guns: 12 + 20 gauge; .22 saddle; .22 Hornet; 30-06. Until a year go, I never had a desire to own a pistol.  Prior to receiving my pistol permit, I took RPD’s Pre-Licensing Pistol Permit class in February 2008, where Dave covered all of the applicable penal laws, answering any and all questions. 

After receiving my permit, I was fitted to--and purchased--a pistol.  I went to the range once, but found I was a little intimidated: by not knowing how to care/maintain the pistol; by the fact I didn’t know all of the safety rules; and by the firearm, itself. Let’s face it…. firearms can be very dangerous if not handled properly! I signed up for the May 2008 NRA Basic Pistol course with Dave in Owego, NY. Though the class was intense, Dave made everything OK by being clear; concise; witty, at times; and very, very patient. The most intense portion of the class was being on the firing line. But again, Dave was right there to talk me through what I had to do and give me assistance when I needed it. 

After practicing and some dry-firing, I attended the Shooting Skills 101 class and Permit CC Upgrade Lecture in June 2008. The lecture was a refresher of the class from February, but it bore repeating. The Shooting Skills 101 class was again conducted in a clear, concise, sometimes witty, and very patient manner. One of the best parts of all of Dave’s classes is that he backs up what he says with true facts, true accounts, and real demonstrations. Classes are never, ever dull! Dave always provides an answer for every question and will keep patiently going over it until every one has an understanding. The range work was wonderful, though tiring under the hot sun. Even so, I could have done more--I WANTED to do more.  Each trip to the firing line on the range is truly a learning experience.  As always, Dave is right there to assist and advise. I will take more of RPD’s classes as they become available. You always feel comfortable, and his tutelage is fantastic. They are the BEST!!

A million thanks, Dave!!! 

- Mother Pearl, Vestal, NY

About the Defensive Firearms Shooting Skills 101 class:

Dave is a patient instructor who works through each part of the course -with care and attention to both detail and safety.

This class is worth every cent it costs and the time one invests. I never thought I could fire nearly 300 rounds of ammo in an afternoon with safety at the forefront of every event.

This experience gave me both a great sense of comfort with and respect for my firearm. Dave and his assistant instructors watch you like a hawk. Make a mistake and they catch and correct it.

Dave Jenkins is a born teacher. I know, I’ve been teaching for 32 years as a university professor. Dave loves his work and it shows.

- Doug R. Honeoye, NY

Highly Professional

I recently took Dave's Defensive Firearms Skills 1 and 2 class and have to commend Dave, and his staff, on a highly professional, yet easy going and fun training session.

Dave and his team presented the information in a clear, easy to understand manner with the intensity needed to make all crucial skill sets known. Defensive firearms skills are not a subject to take light hearted or as a game, and Dave made that point clear. What is unique about Dave is that he can present very serious information in a manner that nails the important points across yet keeps you laughing all day and doesn't make you uncomfortable. For me, a 26 year old female, I was shy at first, and I was hesitant to take the class because I didn't want to be bombarded by people trying to convince me that I should carry my firearm. It has been something I've been considering and this class definitely helped me feel more confident in myself to where, if I would decide to carry, I would know how to properly use my firearm and make it a tool of protection and not harm.

Dave makes you comfortable and dose not enforce his views on you, he is there to help you learn what you need to to make the right decision for you and you alone. You can tell he truly cares!

I highly recommend this class for anyone person who carries, is considering carrying or is just interested in getting into shooting.

Thanks again Dave, this class helped build my self confidence and my shooting skills!

Stacy, East Rochester

Very Helpful

I just wanted to Thank You once again for the great class on self-defense yesterday. It was very helpful for myself, but also made my teenager Diana more aware of her surroundings, which is what I had hoped for. Thank You for pointing out the "date rape" drug; and the numerous ways to break out of the common holds. I appreciate your directness & seriousness about the various subjects that teens tend to "laugh" about when their parents try to explain it to them. It helps coming from another adult / parent who has actually seen these things really take place.

I would like to continue taking classes with Diana. I'll give her time to spread the news to her friends; we know that they "talk"; maybe they may want to try it themselves! I also have a soon-to-be-13 yr old daughter who will also need to learn these skills. I will keep your website marked for future dates.

I will be sure to drop your name to groups of friends or others who may be looking for self-defense for themselves. Thanks again, not only for the techniques, but for the manner that you present them. You know the information that we want & need, and how to deliver it! It was great!

Sincerely,

Gaylene

More than I expected

"I found Dave through his website when I was looking for a class in self defense. I'm a senior in highschool and want to be able to look after myself when I go to college. After talking to him, I attended his Basic Self Defense class and was, well, surprised at myself. What he talked about made me think (I guess that's the idea) and made me realize how easy it was to not pay attention to stuff going on around you. I was actually worried about the skills as I had never done anything like this before.

When it came time to use my skills on Dave (in his HUGE padded suit!!) I was so nervous I felt I was shaking. After three tries, I got it right and nailed him right where I needed to!! Once I got it, I could not stop, I wanted another turn, and another, and... well, I had to stop soon. I think now my Dad wants to take a class after seeing what it did for me! All I can say is that I got more than I expected, and want to keep going. Thanks Dave!"

- A.M. Fairport, NY

Great Self Esteem

"Where do I begin? When I met Dave, I was extremely fragile. I had no self esteem, being a victim of "Domestic Violence". His teachings are informational and they do WORK. I personally have some issues with specific instances and Dave has helped me overcome them slowly at my own pace. His techniques work. I practice consistantly and have actually used a couple in different situations. As a woman, I was tired of being mentally and physically challenged and afraid. I found myself weak. In working with Dave for almost a year, I can hold my head high and be confident that I will not be a victim anymore.

The techniques are simple and get the job done. I have been to many of Dave's classes. He is always willing to approach different situations. Every person has different issues and Dave takes each one as if it were the most difficult situation.

I have brought this training to the attention of my family and co-workers. Many of them have attended his classes. The lecture part of his classes are so informational. I found myself going out and buying books to read, walking differently and becoming more alert in my surroundings. The demonstational classes are a lot of fun and seem real. Dave takes situations and applies them to everyday life.

I recommend women, children and men take Dave's training classes. I am a much stronger individual physically and mentally for taking that initial step and calling Dave! Besides, who does not like having their own personal trainer?

Thank you Dave!!!!"

- D.H. Chili, NY

Very professional, informative and fun class!

"As a woman, it is tough to find someone you trust to teach you the important, sensitive, and personal stuff that you really need to know. Well, I found someone! I attended one of Dave's classes a little while ago as I was worried about getting attacked, mostly where I work. The parking lot is usually empty or dark, and I don't live in the safest of areas either. A friend of mine had attended some classes that Dave had and told me about them. After a lot of pushing from her, I finally went. There were 13 people in the class and 8 of them were women! I thought I was the only one worried about stuff like this.

Walking into the classroom was actually the toughest part. Right from the start, Dave and his assistants made me feel comfortable (and not all girly!). There was a lecture part that really opened my eyes and then we all got up and started doing some great movements. I found everything to be easy and I could see where the skills I was learning would really do something. He even had this padded suit that made him look HUGE that I really could just hit hard! He would grab me or get me to do something and I could just wail on him. That was the first time I acutally hit something and felt good about it!

I left there feeling a lot better about myself and a lot less worried about going to and from my car, or anywhere else, like shopping or whatever. I have since told all of my friends about Dave and what he teaches. I plan on bringing a couple of my closest friends to his next one and then bugging him to tell me when I can take the next level. Don't think you can pass this up. I was scared and did not know where to go to learn self defense at all. I did not want to learn karate or whatever, I just wanted to know how to take care of myself. I learned it from Dave! He has this saying: "Everyone has the right to defend themselves, what are YOU doing about it?" He means is and he teaches it."

A.W. Webster, NY

Extremely Effective Training

"Dave provides excellent skill training in self-defense. His strong experience and background is just what the doctor ordered. I had an accuiracy problem that he corrected with a minor change in grip that quickly solved the problem. There is never a session that I don't learn valuable skills. Thanks Dave!!!"

- Steve, Chili, NY

A Great Confidence Boost

"I've attended two of Dave's classes so far, and I highly recommend them to anyone interested in learning to protect themselves. The classes are really fun, never boring or too serious. I feel much more confident and aware of my surroundings."

- Jen, Canandaigua, NY