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
- Dude, i don’t even know where to begin. Supporting your local businesses are clutch! Tiffy, Ryan & Aqil, thank you for your hospitality and for a very much laid back class! I had so much fun, i will most def be back 👍🏽Show MoreShow LessMina Son5/12/2020I can’t say enough about the training I received at CSA. Aqil and Marv kept the information interesting and provided the class with the practical skills needed to feel comfortable with firearms. Safety training is required to get a concealed weapons permit in Tenn, but I would highly recommend this course to anyone who has a firearm in their home or is on the fence about getting a firearm to protect themselves and their family. Gun safety is a subject that deserves continued education and refreshers, I look forward to taking more courses and meeting the rest of the CSA team. Many thanks for your professionalism and knowledge.Show MoreShow LessKent Lindsey9/14/2018
- I was curious to see how they approached training for Concealed Carry. The classroom topics covered the basics of what you need and more - but believe me if you are looking into another class in the area that will get you your CC permit and that class is a shorter class (less than all-day) - YOU WILL BE SHORTING ONLY YOURSELF and your loved ones. Great instructors and content including legal aspects of protecting yourself and others with firearms. Looking forward to further and more advanced classes with this group!Show MoreShow Lessmartin kostuik5/26/2020
- Absolutely Phenomenal courses. I've attended one course with this awesome team, I will attend more.Show MoreShow LessOn Target9/14/2018Full disclosure: I currently teach for Citizens Safety Academy. But before that, I started out as a student, and I have taken several classes with and from the lead instructor, Aqil Qadir. I would never have joined his teaching cadre if I thought CSA was anything less than awesome. Every time I attend or help teach a class with Aqil and the CSA cadre, I am amazed at the professionalism, the patience, and the unwavering commitment to safety. They are not a handgun permit "paper mill." They do more than just push out students who barely pass the qualifications. Instead, they keep the class sizes small to ensure lots of individualized instruction. They not only give students important new information, but they also make sure students have a better idea of just how much more there is to learn (and that applies to beginners and experienced shooters alike). The other thing I like about CSA is they market to students of all different backgrounds, truly living by the mantra that self-defense is a universal right enjoyed by everyone. They focus solely on personal protection skills and mindset, without veering off into controversial politics. And they explain the context, the rationale, and the real-life application of every skill they teach. Bottom line: When you're learning how to safely and responsibly handle a deadly weapon (or learning ANY personal safety techniques, regardless of the tools involved), the last thing you want to do is settle for the cheapest or shortest or easiest class. CSA is about quality. Whether you're a lifelong gun enthusiast or you're trying to overcome a fear of guns, I strongly recommend their classes.Show MoreShow LessTiffany Johnson9/14/2018
- If you are a young woman like me you probably have considered carrying a gun for safety. If you have ever considered it and you are looking for a great instructor and comfortable class then do yourself a favor and come here! Aqil was a patient teacher, and an excellent advisor for everyone in the group. I felt safe with him in command at the range and feel like the whole class really trusted him. As a woman it can be hard to navigate things like this especially if you are going alone. Aqil was extra respectful to the women in the class and took us seriously. I learned a lot from him and I am glad I decided to take this class. This class helps you to feel empowered, while encouraging you to safely continue your gun journey.Show MoreShow LessLaBellaLeone9/14/2018
- Aquil did a great job providing a refresher on safety. I appreciated the personal attention and he was responsive to my specific concerns as a mom.Show MoreShow LessShavon Johnson9/14/2018Very 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 LessAlucardxMoon5/19/2020
- Willie Brunson5/12/2021Trainers and instructors can have a great influence on your acquiring anything or nothing but time wasted. From my experience with this team, these guys (if you do your part & want what they give) are on top of their game. Without fail , they will go above & beyond to make you a successful learner. They have Experience, Knowledge,Skills, & Attitude to make you want to succeed ,I highly recommend you check them out , you will not be disappointed , JRShow MoreShow LessJames Underhill5/12/2021
- I took the Pistol Instructor’s Certification Course this weekend and it was AMAZING!! Aqil and Tiffany are awesome instructors! The course had lots of information and valuable skills. There was such a positive energy from the duo. They were able to share their knowledge while keeping the class engaged. I look forward to more training from them both! Highly recommend!!!Show MoreShow LessRanae Knapp8/31/2020
- Their instructors are phenomenal. Regardless of the level of your knowledge and skills, you will learn and improve. But more importantly, their positive attitudes (always with a emphasis on safety) inspire their students to excel and instills in them a desire to train further so they will achieve the next level. I will be back.Show MoreShow LessTom Dowling5/12/2021
- I am new to guns and although this place was the furthest way, I'm so glad I chose citizens safety academy for my permit class. Whether your new or experienced this place has something for everyone.Mr. Aqil THANK YOU for taking the time to help me out and for being patient with me. I am so thankful that you got tired of shoveling snow out of the driveway 😃... You have laid a solid foundation for me in this process of becoming a better gun owner. Many thanks to your family as well, it was truly a pleasure!If you want to learn and be a more responsible gun owner this is the place for YOU! The training and information provided by CSA is invaluable and I look forward to an opportunity to come back for more!Show MoreShow LessJenny Neves5/12/2021I've known Tiffany for over six years, and Aqil for four, and always thought very highly of them. I'd attended short classes and lectures from them at the Rangemaster Tactical Conference, and A Girl and A Gun conference, and was very impressed with their teaching. However, I recently had a chance to take their 3-day NRA CCW Instructor Course, and WOW! I've had 700+ hours of instruction, and that counts among the absolute BEST course content, delivery, and organization I have ever experienced. I strongly believe you can not get better quality instruction anywhere, from anyone. These two pour their heart and soul into teaching, and it shows in every facet. Do not miss a chance to train with them. Tim Reedy.Show MoreShow LessTim Reedy -TDR Training4/23/2020
- I was so nervous going into the Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit course, mainly because I was very aware of my lack of knowledge and experience overall. But Aqil was an amazing instructor, literally guided us step by step through the entire process and gave us everything in great detail. I can honestly say I left there more satisfied than I could have imagined with the knowledge acquired. I will definitely be back for more courses and am most certainly recommending it to friends and family.Show MoreShow Lessjessica reyes5/12/2021
Facebook Reviews
I had a good time and learned alot, all of the instructors were great, go there! you won't be dissatisfied
Read MoreShow LessClint Page10/28/2018One of the most highly educated firearms instructors in the country, with a gift for teaching!!Read MoreShow LessRichard Smith3/28/2017This 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- If 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 - Just 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 Tanner6/17/2018If 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 Adams6/19/2019Simply 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 Sartain4/01/2019 Each lesson empowers me to continue to master myself in all areas, not just safety.
Read MoreShow LessDayna Jaye8/29/2018I 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 Thomas3/11/2019If 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 Rogers1/25/2018Took my TN Handgun Carry permit class today. What a great class and the instructors are top notch. They took time to answer any questions we had in the class and on the range. I will be taking more classes with CSA! So happy I picked CSA to take my class.
Read MoreShow LessWade Jones-Ray3/11/2019Fantastic instructors, hilarious, with the know-how to back it up. Both are Rangemaster grads, and still pitch in with Tom Givens’ events. Go find a class. You won’t regret it!
Read MoreShow LessMemphis Beech8/16/2019My 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 Hill10/18/2018The 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 Knox9/09/2019- Very knowledgeable and professional instructor! Highly recommended!
Joe Porter
Certified NRA Instructor & NRA Training Counselor ( Instructor's Instructor)Read MoreShow LessJoe Porter3/28/2017Aqueel 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 Montgomery1/15/2018I 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 - 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 Quant4/14/2018Definitely 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
My 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 Lamb3/24/2019