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.
Michael Brame Headshot

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.

                    HPi Certified Training Academy Blog

                    “Don’t Be a Victim: The Power of Self-Defense and Presence”



                    “Don’t Be a Victim: The Power of Self-Defense and Presence”


                    "Self-defense is so important to know in today's society. It's not just that you might get mugged. It's more for confidence. It's the way you hold yourself when you walk into a room. Every step you take is more sure and you're much more aware of your surroundings. So, I think it's a really important thing — especially for women.” — Milla Jovovich

                     

                    In a world that often demands both vigilance and composure, self-defense is not simply a skill — it’s a mindset. Milla Jovovich’s words capture the deeper truth behind the practice: self-defense is less about preparing for violence and more about cultivating presence, confidence, and control. It’s about not being a victim — not because danger never comes your way, but because you meet life with awareness, strength, and purpose.


                    Beyond Fear: The Confidence Factor


                    When most people think of self-defense, they imagine confrontation — an attacker, a struggle, a moment of fear. But true self-defense begins long before any such encounter. It starts with the way you move through the world. Those who train in self-defense often describe a subtle transformation: shoulders straighten, eyes lift, and a quiet awareness replaces anxiety. The body learns to move with intention, and the mind follows. This confidence is both visible and magnetic — predators often look for uncertainty, distraction, or fear. Confidence, on the other hand, repels it.

                     

                    Awareness as Armor


                    To defend yourself effectively, you must first see the world clearly. Awareness is the first and most important layer of protection. It’s not paranoia; it’s perception. Training in self-defense sharpens your senses — you start noticing exits in buildings, unusual movements on the street, or shifts in tone and distance during conversation. You learn to trust intuition — that subtle inner warning that something isn’t right. Awareness is empowerment. It gives you choices before danger narrows them.


                    In practical terms, awareness often comes down to small habits. Avoid looking at your phone while walking in public and keep earbuds out of your ears. These simple distractions can isolate you from your surroundings, making it easier for potential threats to go unnoticed. Instead, keep your head up, scan the environment, and listen. When your senses are fully engaged, you not only detect risk sooner, you also project confidence — the most effective deterrent of all.


                    Empowerment Through Preparedness


                    Preparedness does not mean living in fear. It means knowing that if something happens, you are not helpless. Whether that preparedness comes through martial arts, pepper spray training, or concealed carry, the goal is the same: reclaiming your agency. For many women, especially, this practice is liberating. It turns vulnerability into confidence and fear into capability. It teaches that strength is not just physical — it’s psychological. The simple knowledge that you can protect yourself changes the way you live.

                     

                    The Responsibility and Empowerment of Concealed Carry


                    Carrying a concealed firearm is one of the most serious forms of self-defense — not born of fear, but of responsibility. Concealed carry represents both a right and a discipline: the right to defend one’s life, and the discipline to do so safely, lawfully, and with clarity of mind. For those who choose this path, training is not optional — it is essential. It’s not enough to simply carry a firearm; one must also carry knowledge, respect, and restraint. The firearm is not a symbol of aggression, but of preparedness — the quiet assurance that if danger comes, you are not defenseless. For many, that confidence alone changes how they walk, think, and live.

                     

                    The Everyday Application of Self-Defense


                    Self-defense doesn’t only apply in dark alleys or late-night parking lots. It applies in conversations, relationships, workplaces, and digital spaces. It’s about setting boundaries — saying no with clarity and standing by that no. It’s about refusing to shrink to make others comfortable. It’s about recognizing your worth and defending it in every setting. In that sense, self-defense is the practice of self-respect in motion.

                     

                    A Call to Strength


                    To learn self-defense is to reject the idea of being a victim. It’s to decide that your life and safety are worth the effort to protect. It’s to walk into a room not with arrogance, but with self-assurance — the kind that says, “I am here, and I am not easy prey.” Every step taken in training, every repetition of a defensive move, every mindful glance over your shoulder builds more than skill. It builds character, courage, and confidence — the invisible armor that makes the visible world a little less threatening. Self-defense, ultimately, is not just about surviving a threat. It’s about living fully and fearlessly.

                     

                    By: Michael Brame, NRA Instructor


                    IF you have any questions or input, please email us at:

                     

                    [email protected]

                     

                     

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                    Jillian Garcia profile picture
                    Jillian Garcia
                    September 6, 2026
                    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
                    Best class and instructor
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                    Hope McMillan profile picture
                    Hope Mcmillan
                    August 23, 2026
                    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
                    The instructor was patient, knowledgeable, and friendly. This was my second class with HPI and I highly recommend.
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                    D'Angelo Mims profile picture
                    D'angelo Mims
                    August 19, 2026
                    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
                    P.C Heck is a great instructor. 10/10 would highly recommend. Patient, understanding and willing to take his time to help you and make you understand his instructions
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                    Valmore Barnes profile picture
                    Valmore Barnes
                    August 18, 2026
                    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
                    My Training experience was great at HPi - Have recommended them to family and friends
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                    paul kenny profile picture
                    Paul Kenny
                    August 14, 2026
                    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
                    Excellent facility and instructors. I cannot recommend enough!
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                    Jessica Mank profile picture
                    Jessica Mank
                    August 2, 2026
                    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
                    Love the Carry concealed class. The instructor was very knowledgeable and made it very interesting. Everything seemed to be very professionally done.
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                    GT H profile picture
                    Gt H
                    July 30, 2026
                    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
                    By far the most professional firearms course I’ve taken. The instructor went beyond the basics to ensure all students were properly trained.
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                    Tanya profile picture
                    Tanya
                    July 17, 2026
                    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
                    This class was amazing. Not only informative but fun!! From knowing how to properly use, store and clean your guns, to your rights and responsibilities as a permit holder and gun owner. The class is designed to teach all aspects so if you are new to gun protection or gun laws or experienced you will follow along and gain the confidence and competency to carry safely. Bonuses that you get here and not other conceal carry courses: US LawShield speaks to you and gives real life situations as to why it’s a great tool and resource to have with your permit. Traveling?- They will give information and resources to help in the states you will be traveling to and through. Other courses that will build off each course and training so you are educated and diverse in all aspects to protect yourself and loved ones.
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                    Brooke O'Gara profile picture
                    Brooke O'gara
                    June 28, 2026
                    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
                    The trainer was very knowledgeable and gave critiques very well. I definitely feel more knowledgeable and like I have a good base to continue learning and practicing. This was a great class for a beginner like myself.
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                    jeremiah chambers profile picture
                    Jeremiah Chambers
                    June 11, 2026
                    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
                    I absolutely loved this class! I left more informed than ever I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND taking ANY class with hpi!

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