From Trauma to Tactical Games: How Brianna Built a Life Around Self-Defense and Training

Welcome back to Good Moral Tactical! Today’s feature is a deep dive into the powerful journey of Brianna—self-defense instructor, competitive shooter, and mom of three. She’s proof that no matter where you come from or what you’ve been through, it’s possible to reclaim control and build something strong.

We covered her start in firearms, concealed carry recommendations,

how she trains students, and what the Tactical Games mean to her—both on the range and in the community.

A Survivor’s Start: Learning to Fight Back

Brianna’s self-defense journey began with a traumatic experience. After a domestic violence incident in 2020, she made a move to Texas and committed to never feeling helpless again. That decision brought her into the firearms world for the first time.

“I had never even touched a gun. But I knew I had to learn. I found a trainer who specialized in personal security, and that’s where it all began.”

She trained three times a week for two years—even through pregnancy. And when she couldn’t shoot live rounds due to lead exposure risks, she trained through dry fire in her bedroom, with cardboard targets taped to the wall.

Empowering Women Through Firearms Education

Brianna now teaches students—especially women—how to take control of their personal safety. But her message comes with a dose of realism.

“Carrying a gun is not a fashion statement. It’s a commitment. You need to ask: Am I mentally and physically prepared to use this tool under pressure?”

She recommends 9mm for concealed carry—especially for new shooters—and emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience over internet reviews.

Realistic Training = Real Preparedness

Brianna’s teaching style focuses on replicating real-world stress. She starts students with unloaded firearms and Mantis systems to build fundamentals before ever stepping foot on a live-fire range.

“The indoor range is loud, hot, cold, and distracting. That’s why I love it. Self-defense isn’t quiet and comfortable.”

She runs shot timer drills, simulates cover scenarios, and holds dry-fire seminars in gyms—teaching her students how to think clearly and move under pressure.

Joining the Tactical Games: “Just Go for It”

Despite initial doubts (“She’ll squish me!” Brianna joked about a taller competitor), she dove into the Tactical Games after volunteering at an event. One athlete camp later, she was hooked.

“I was fangirling over these women at first. But now? They’re my friends. And the Tactical Games community—it's like a family.”

Her gear setup? She runs:

• Javelin Concepts plate carrier with lightweight Jackrabbit plates

• G-Code belt

• Staccato P pistol

• A mix of 5150 and Saint rifles, depending on reliability

But her advice for beginners? Don’t worry about the gear. Show up and train.

Tactical Fitness: More Than Just Heavy Lifting

One of the biggest surprises in the Tactical Games for new competitors is how much fitness matters.

“Lifting a 150-pound sandbag once is one thing. Doing it for 12 minutes is something else entirely.”

To get ready, Brianna followed Hetner’s fitness program and Sal’s dry fire drills, squeezing training into life with three kids. Now she’s in top shape—but she reminds new athletes not to be intimidated.

“Don’t compare your training to someone’s Instagram highlight reel. Just start where you are.”

Final Words: Be Honest, Be Ready

Whether it’s concealed carry or competition, Brianna’s biggest message is this: be real with yourself.

✅ Are you prepared to carry loaded?✅ Can you shoot accurately under pressure?✅ Do you train regularly—dry fire, live fire, and mentally?

“You don’t have to carry. You don’t have to compete. But if you choose to, train like it matters—because it does.”

Your Turn: What’s Your Training Mindset?

We’d love to hear your story. How did you get into self-defense? Have you tried competing, or do you want to? What does “preparedness” mean to you?

Drop a comment below and join the conversation. This community is all about learning, leveling up, and living with purpose.

Until next time—train smart, carry well, and stay tactically honest.