johnallen

John Allen

Instructor

John is certified to teach Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, Home Firearm Safety and is a Chief Range Safety Officer.  While teaching shooting classes since 2017 John has had hundreds of students both youth and adults. He is the former shooting sports director for the local Boy Scout Camp and the Scout council shooting sports committee chairman.  With a firm belief of Safety-first and foremost, John works with each student individually to develop their knowledge of firearm safety and use.
George Valentine - Instructor

George Valentine

Instructor

George is a certified NRA Pistol instructor who has extensive experience in competitive pistol shooting and is active in local IDPA and USPSA matches. He has been a member of a local church's Safety Team for the last eight years. George has spent his professional life working for a major energy supply company as an Engineering Technical Consultant for the last 36 years.
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Michael Brame

Instructor

Michael Brame brings nearly a decade of experience in the private security sector, with expertise in private investigations and personal protection services. From 2016 onward, he has built a reputation for professionalism and discretion. As the founder of a security firm specializing in bodyguard services for Virginia politicians, Michael successfully operated his company for three years, delivering high-level protection to public officials. He has held a Concealed Handgun Permit since 2001 and has been a certified NRA Pistol Instructor since 2021, reflecting his ongoing commitment to safety, training, and excellence in the field.
Todd Long - Instructor

Todd Long

Instructor

Todd is an NRA Range Safety Officer, NRA Pistol Instructor, and has had Crisis Intervention Team training. Todd currently serves as a full-time Professional Firefighter EMT and instructs at the fire academy as well as teaching fire and life safety education for ages five to adult. He earned his Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and continues to enhance his credentials by furthering his training with many recognized leaders in firearms instruction.

John Kochensparger

John Kochensparger

Education Director

John Kochensparger has spent his entire career in law enforcement and security since 1973 with more than 21 contiguous years as a school director and trainer in private security services (VA DCJS 88-1190). The other highlights include, in chronological order: 

  • U. S. Army Military Police, 
  • Sergeant, 
  • Investigator and Physical Security Inspector; 
  • Armed security officer as a college student; 
  • Police Officer, City of Alexandria, VA; 
  • National trainer; 
  • Corporate security director Washington, DC; 
  • Electronic security; 
  • Administrator at the VA Department of Criminal Justice Services.

                    PC Hecker - Instructor

                    Philip C. Hecker

                    Director

                    Phillip C Hecker has 20 plus years’ experience in the government and security arena. He is certified as a Pistol, Rifle and Shotgun expert. Is a NRA Certified Instructor, he brings safety to the table while educating you on all levels of defense and situational awareness. As one of the leaders in Situational Awareness development, he brings a level of skill to the table that is rarely experienced in the Self- Protection and Defense arena.
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                    (804) 486-5100
                    (804) 486-5100
                    Concealed Carry Classes, branded image of a handgun and bullets advertising for concealed carry class

                    Concealed Carry Classes

                    HPi Certified Training Academy offers fun, interactive one of a kind Virginia Resident Concealed Carry Classes! These classes are also known as concealed weapons carry classes, concealed handgun carry permits classes, CHP, CCW or concealed carry weapons. We also offer the Virginia/Utah Non-resident Concealed Carry Class.


                    Taught by one of our NRA-certified instructors, this Concealed Carry Class meets and exceeds the requirements to apply for a Virginia Resident Concealed Handgun Permit.  This permit is currently recognized in 35 states. (Please Note: You must be 21 or older to apply for a permit. Minors 12 and over may participate in this class for gun safety/hunting purposes.) This course is also the Gun Safety Class which fulfills the requirements of the courts. We provide all course materials to include course book, the only thing you will need to bring is your photo I.D. Course cost is $79.95.


                    This NRA-approved class will cover the following;

                     

                    -Firearms Safety

                    -Understanding pistol parts and operation

                    -Shooting Fundamentals

                    -Choosing the best firearm for you

                    -Laws surrounding concealed carry, where you can and cannot carry your firearm

                    -Virginia laws on self-defense and the use of deadly force

                    -Continued opportunities for skill development. (Check out our other classes in the course catalog!)


                    Our goal is for you to emerge confident and ready to take on the responsibility of gun ownership following this class. Our instructors highly recommend the Beginner Handgun Class or a Private Lesson for some hands on training, especially if you have never handled a firearm before.  


                    IMPORTANT: At the end of the course, you will receive a certificate to present at the courthouse to apply for your Concealed Carry permit. please use your full legal name as it appears on your driver's license when registering for this class. No live ammunition is permitted in the classroom. 


                    We serve the greater Richmond and Central Virginia Region to include but not limited to; Chesterfield, Richmond, Henrico, Amelia, Powhatan, Hanover, Mechanicsville, Midlothian, Chester, Hopewell, Colonial Heights, Petersburg, Goochland, Short Pump, Glen Allen, Sandston, Prince George and Dinwiddie.


                    There must be a minimum of 5 students registered for a class in order to hold the class as scheduled. If not, any registered students will automatically be rescheduled to the next available class and notified via text and email.


                    Virginia/Utah non-resident concealed carry Class

                    If you are interested in the Virginia and Utah non-resident concealed carry permit for expanded reciprocity we recommend taking the VA/Utah non-resident concealed carry class. To learn more about why a Utah non-resident permit is essential for Virginia residents in 2026 please visit our blog.


                    Return to the Course Catalog

                    Register for a Class Here.

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                    Education

                    The Concealed Carry/Gun Safety Course is designed to help you understand the laws surrounding the proper use of firearms.

                    Comfortability

                    Our NRA-certified instructors work one-on-one with each student, ensuring you learn the  fundamentals of how to comfortably use a firearm before you apply for your Concealed Carry permit.

                    Marksmanship

                    All of our firearms courses, including Concealed Carry and Beginner through Advanced, will help you develop skills to handle your firearm with more confidence and accuracy.

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