Student Reviews
Word on the Street
Below is a sampling of some of the feedback our students have offered after training with CSA. We hope it gives you a better idea of what to expect when you take our classes. Maybe soon we can add your positive review to the list! To read more reviews or to add your own, please see our Google listing or visit our Facebook page.
Google Reviews
- Very informative and enjoyable class! Ryan was very Knowledgeable and had a lot to offer. Every piece of information he had to teach was always something interesting to learn! Abil Helped me with my trigger finger, which I very much appreciate! And Tiffy learning herself made the atmosphere very fun and comforting! Very positive vibes all around! Most definitely doing the other classes they have to offer.Show MoreShow LessAlucardxMoon5/19/2020If you are thinking about taking one of the classes offered by Citizens, stop thinking about it and register right away! I took the enhanced CCW class with Ryan and Tiff, and the knowledge and skills they taught me in just 8 hours are invaluable. You aren't going to learn how to shoot like Jason Bourne in 8 hours, but they will make sure you are good to go on the fundamentals with a strong focus on safety, legal considerations, and basic marksmanship. 10/10 will be back to take some of their more advanced classes.Show MoreShow LessTyler Belden5/12/2020
- Highly detailed and thorough class with all the information you need as a beginner.Aqil’s gun safety and steps for firing properly were very helpful and made it a great experience, especially at the gun range.Show MoreShow LessSean Tucker5/12/2021Aqil is incredibly knowledgeable. His wealth of experience lends itself to a pragmatic approach to instruction, balanced by a warm, welcoming personality.The Enhanced Carry Permit Course was delivered with invaluable emphasis on things like best practices during encounters with law enforcement, effective combinations of skill and caliber, and other niche topics that made it worth much more than the price tag.Show MoreShow LessJordan Ashley5/12/2021
- I had a very fun and productive day in both class and range. This class is very informational and Mr. Aqil is both an excellent instructor who is both patient and educated! Citizens Safety Academy provides an accommodating environment, welcoming people both near and far and both experienced or inexperienced in handguns to come in and learn. I encourage you to stop in for a class or two. I challenge you to challenge yourselves! Once you’ve learned all that you can and mastered it, get ready for a new challenge! Special thanks to the staff and family for their help and support! This was definitely an eye-opener for me! And I’m ready for more!Show MoreShow LessNicole Dubose10/19/2019I just finished a three day course at CitizensSafety Academy. Aqil and Tiffany are the best. I have taken many training classes with some of the best Firearms trainers in the industry over the years. This one one of the best classes that I have ever taken. I had several options closer to home but chose to drive 300 miles to train with Tiffany and Aqil- No regrets! The instruction, presentations and training was top notch. I would highly recommend Citizens Safety Academy to anyone regardless of skill level.Show MoreShow LessKeith Knight5/12/2021
- I began shooting about a year ago and did some research and found Aquil. I've taken several of his classes so far, and his teaching technique is one that I appreciate as a female and I always feel comfortable and supported in broadening my education in the 2A lifestyle. CSA offers different classes and I plan on attending as many as possible. He makes learning fun, easy and most importantly safe! In short I highly recommend attending CSA.Show MoreShow LessJeanette Smith9/14/2018Although I have met Tiffany Johnson and Aqil Qadir in the firearms community, this is the first class I have taken with them. What makes them so exceptional as instructors is not just the wealth of knowledge they wish to share but the manner that they share it with you. Organized, enthusiastic, engaging, and the strive for excellence are adjectives for their class. So if you have found Citizens Safety Academy through the NRA class search, I would encourage you to drive that extra 100 miles and attend their classes. You will leave with so much more that just your class you signed up for. I highly recommend them.Show MoreShow LessCindy Scott10/15/2019
- Aquil was such a great teacher! He's so patient and really loves what he teaches and it shows throughout his class! He spent his time and taught thoroughly the laws and the safety of guns. Everyone should check him out!!Show MoreShow LessJessica Aumack9/14/2018I was not looking forward to taking an 8 hour class on a Saturday. However, I was pleasantly surprised by Mr. Qadir's presentation and teaching methods. He made the class very interesting. Citizen's Academy went beyond the basics to teach safety and I really appreciated how patient Mr. Qadir and Mr. Smartt was with a person like myself who hasn't touched a firearm in over a decade.Show MoreShow LessRonald Crozier9/14/2018
- I had the distinct pleasure of completing my NRA Pistol Instructor Certification with Aqil and Tiff. Both are gifted instructors, outstanding humans, and skilled marksman. I am already signed up for another class with them and look forward to the journey of learning more and more from them!! Thank you did what you do!Show MoreShow LessShe Shoots Training5/12/2021The women’s on target clinic at CSA was a fun and great experience! Tiff and Aqil are excellent, knowledgeable and very efficient instructors!Overcoming a traumatic experience with guns in the past, I have been very hesitant with handling a gun. The woman’s on target clinic was not only a comfortable, friendly, structured environment the all the instructors have an excellent knowledge base, professional, skillful, and supportive. They really care about the students success and learning. I felt safe and developed a sense of skill that helped me overcome some of my anxiety, gain confidence and to feel empowered about my safety. I’m looking forward to taking more classes. If your looking for a great experience and ready to learn a needed skill for you and your families safety, I highly recommend taking a class or classes at CSA.Show MoreShow LessRosita Qadir3/14/2019
- A superb experience. Loved how Aqil stressed the importance of gun safety and did it in a way that was thorough, interesting, and funny at times. This class gave me a new perspective on guns. I used to not be in the same room with one and now i want to become more familiar with them. I will definitely consider future classes and would recommend the Advanced Carry class to anyone.Show MoreShow LessCourtney Gray5/12/2021
- These guys are the real deal for firearms training. You won't get a more professional education with anyone else. I am humbled by the experience. Train with them and see for yourself!Show MoreShow LessJustin McNeill8/14/2019The Enhanced Carry Permit class here was amazing! It was super thorough & informative. Ryan & Tiffy are hilarious while at the same time great at conveying the SERIOUSNESS of being a RESPONSIBLE gun owner. If this is something you're interested in & you want to learn from ppl that really put the time in to take the courses & obtain the certifications to teach CORRECTLY so that you are set up for success, you can't go wrong with this placeShow MoreShow LessTamira Smith5/12/2021
- I absolutely had the beat time with these guys! They are not there just to teach, they are vested in what they do and truly wanna help people learn to be responsible gun owners and carriers! They spend time helping with what ever they see needs improving and are more then willing to offer continued help during the courses. I will happily refer people to them and will for sure be signing up for more classes with them as well!Show MoreShow LessShirell Robinson5/12/2021
Facebook Reviews
The staff is well versed in personal security and convey that knowledge to the students efficiently. They use the combination of books, training aids, and PDF presentations for their classes. Aqil Qadir, Tiffany Johnson, and Ryan McCann are very enthusiastic instructors. I like them both professionally and personally.
Read MoreShow LessGreg Knox9/09/2019My REVIEW is a BLOG I just wrote = 5 STARS!!! https://thecompletecombatant.wordpress.com/2018/10/18/in-a-nut-shell-refer-attend-tiffany-johnsons-nra-women-on-target-clinic/
Read MoreShow LessShelley Luehder Hill10/18/2018I cannot say enough for the team of fantastic instructors at Citizens Safety Academy. The level of comfort and encouragement that these men provided was exceptional. As a first time attendee and complete novice to gun safety, my fears have been eased and brain filled with knowledge and experience. I look forward to learning more for this great group of instructors and people. Thank you, Ryan, Jam, and Aqil.
Read MoreShow LessFerrol Thomas3/11/2019great instructors, training, culture and just all around good people to work with!
Read MoreShow LessDre Drennon10/03/2018Just went through the handgun safety course yesterday, far more comprehensive and professional than I might have expected. I highly recommend Aquil and staff for all the thorough information imparted during the class as well as at the range. Great job gentlemen. Folks this is the place to go
To have all your fears removed.Read MoreShow LessDonald Tanner6/17/2018My experience at CSA was outstanding. It was the best money spent on myself in a long time. I received top notch training from professionals and personal attention on things that needed correcting. The staff was very professional and yet approachable. By the time I left class, I learned the information I came for and gained confidence in my skill, even if I did have trifocals, and felt as if I had now access to people who would help me with questions if I needed them.
Read MoreShow LessAngela Lamb3/24/2019If you're looking for a fun and knowledgeable class to get your gun permit, this is the one to pick! My dad and I learned a lot and had a fun time while doing it. The 8 hours went by quick.
Read MoreShow LessHeather Adams6/19/2019I am someone that has been afraid of guns and gun culture for a while. I knew that if I was going to find a place to learn I wanted it to be a safe and supportive environment led by people that know their stuff and can meet students where they're at. I am so happy I decided to do my carry permit class at Citizens and I will definitely be back for more advanced classes. They took the time to make sure each student was comfortable and the instruction was top notch and professional.Read MoreShow LessMaria Bascetta6/24/2018- Aqueel is the best! Great instructor and all around great guy! I was able to pass my Requalification test for my employer to land a awesome job! I recommend him to anyone especially the ladies if your not good with shooting.Read MoreShow LessKrystal Montgomery1/15/2018
- Very knowledgeable and professional instructor! Highly recommended!
Joe Porter
Certified NRA Instructor & NRA Training Counselor ( Instructor's Instructor)Read MoreShow LessJoe Porter3/28/2017If you really want to learn carry a gun and defend yourself go to Citizens safety Academe aqil Qader h's a more than wonderful teacher and everyone who works with him really learned a lot This guy does not let you go before you understand everything honestly...
With thanks and appreciation.Read MoreShow LessHana Thayab3/05/2018 - If you are looking to learn to enhance the safety of yourself and your loved ones, CSA is THE place to go! Not only did Aqil teach me the skills I needed to save my job, he taught me a skill set that could potentially save a life. Is there a better set of skills to have? Go see him!Read MoreShow LessCrissy Rogers1/25/2018
Simply put, the staff at CSA are absolutely superb. Friendly, professional, and knowledgeable, they have the kind of high standards that will make you into a better (and safer) shooter. Whether you've never touched gun in your life, or you're trying to find room for your 2nd gun safe, the Citizens Safety Academy is the place for you. Many thanks to Tiffany, Aqil, Ryan, and Jam for the excellent service and professional instruction.
Read MoreShow LessJohn Charles Sartain4/01/2019Definitely worth your time regardless of being a newbie or someone who is familiar with firearms. Go see Aqil, Marv, and Tiff at CSA. They are all attentive and informative. You won’t regret it. I am a CCW permit holder from CO and needed the TN handgun safety course to apply for my CCW here in TN. Some of the textbook info was a refresher, but I also obtained some very constructive feedback that helped me tweak my grip and stance while shooting. I plan on taking more advanced courses in the future to put some of these techniques into practice. �Read MoreShow LessJason Winsett3/06/2018 - This is the class to take! Aqil makes you feel so comfortable and safe. He's amazing. His years of experience make him a great instructor. Looking forward to taking more classes from him.Read MoreShow LessKaren Stutzman Quant4/14/2018One of the most highly educated firearms instructors in the country, with a gift for teaching!!Read MoreShow LessRichard Smith3/28/2017
This is an extremely interesting and well run course. The teaching techniques are outstanding, I have been an NRA Certified Training Counselor for more than 40 years and found this course valuable in improving my techniques and learning newer ways of helping students to learn. Well worth the investment.
Read MoreShow LessBudd Schroeder8/27/2019