A great instructor! Very patient and knowledgeable in the classroom and at the range.

Ryan and Aqil were amazing and full of information! I look forward to coming back for more training!

Top notch instruction and real life lessons. Aqil's practical common sense approach to everyday situations is invaluable information that you can't put a price tag on.

Fantastic 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!

Full 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,... Show MoreFull 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 Less

Just finished my handgun carry permit class with Ryan and have only wonderful things to say about the class and the instructor(s). This was my first time using anything more than a BB gun and all of the instructors there went out of their way to make all of us feel safe and comfortable firing a handgun safely. This is just the first of many classes I plan on taking with Citizens as I increase my knowledge and comfort level.

I traveled 3 hours for this class, I was very nervous and anxious. I expected to pull into a very large facility. Instead it is a very quaint store front in a nice neighborhood. I was greeted at the door with a welcoming smile and directed to come in. It was a very small class of about 7 including myself. I immediately felt less nervous and anxious. Citizens Safety Academy was very accommodating and clean. The class was excellent with a vast amount of information that was given in a manner that was easy... Show MoreI traveled 3 hours for this class, I was very nervous and anxious. I expected to pull into a very large facility. Instead it is a very quaint store front in a nice neighborhood. I was greeted at the door with a welcoming smile and directed to come in. It was a very small class of about 7 including myself. I immediately felt less nervous and anxious. Citizens Safety Academy was very accommodating and clean. The class was excellent with a vast amount of information that was given in a manner that was easy to retain. Overall Citizens Safety Academy was a class of Excellence. If you have a chance to take one of their classed DO IT! Thank you so much Citizens Safety Academy. Michelle Tackett - Rocky Top TN Show Less

I just experienced​ 3 days​ of instructions from Mr. Qadir and Ms. Johnson, and I couldn't say anything bad about the training even if I lied. I recommend them for anybody on any level. Great training, great and helpful instructions, these guys really know their stuff. I carry for a living and their basic pistol course was very enlightening for me. I had a GREAT weekend experience.

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.

Highly recommend to anyone. If you’re a beginner or just want more knowledge. Have a variety of classes to offer. Make you comfortable and PUT SAFETY FIRST!!! I took the enhance concealed carry class, and it was money well spent🤗🤗

I took the NRA Basic Pistol Instructor classes from CSA this weekend and these guys train at a level that is far above and beyond the level of most training programs, shooting related or otherwise. Not only do they know their stuff, but also they know how to teach it.Aqil Qadir is accomplished, experienced, educated, and wise and Tiffany Johnson is an educator's educator and has the credentials and industry clout to back it up. Ryan McCann is like an encyclopedia of hardware specific knowledge and brings real world experience to his classes.This is elite college level content,... Show MoreI took the NRA Basic Pistol Instructor classes from CSA this weekend and these guys train at a level that is far above and beyond the level of most training programs, shooting related or otherwise. Not only do they know their stuff, but also they know how to teach it.Aqil Qadir is accomplished, experienced, educated, and wise and Tiffany Johnson is an educator's educator and has the credentials and industry clout to back it up. Ryan McCann is like an encyclopedia of hardware specific knowledge and brings real world experience to his classes.This is elite college level content, elite college level delivery, and comes with professional level results. If you're not training at Citizens Training Academy, you're missing out. Show Less

A++++ The teaching methods used by instructors - amazing! Course content was covered in great detail. Folks, this is the real deal if you are looking for a great positive learning experience.

This was an amazing, informative class. I had no idea of how much wrong info I had, by listening to friends about guns and gun safety. All the employees were professional, organized and very knowledgeable. The training never got bored, the interaction was great. Even though my wife and I came in with different experiences and expectations, we left there more knowledgeable and excited about future classes.

Thank you Aquil, Tiffany W., Tiffany, and Ryan for your patience, knowledge and ability to share your expertise with little old me. I recommend Citizen Safety Academy classes and their staff to everyone who want instructors who are serious about equipping people. Thank you for providing a safe environment for me to grow in knowledge and skill. 🙏🏿❤️

The class was very good! Both instructors made me feel comfortable- never once felt intimidated or had fear! As a student my voice was heard! If I felt nervous or had a question at any time- the instructors immediately stopped and changed all that! I would definitely take classes with citizens safety academy and would highly recommend it!

Today was my very first time shooting any type of weapon, but with the help from Aqil and Marv I was able to accomplish this goal. Thank you guys class was awesome and I hope too see you both soon. Thank you

Excellent instructors. Highly recommended! Their instructions are very clear and if you have complications, the instructors and assistants are there to help you through them. I was very impressed with their professionalism. Thanks for a great experience!

I had the opportunity to experience an awesome training by Aqil Kadir last month (Refuse to Become A Victim). The training was specifically given to a large group of senior citizens. It was extremely educational, very well presented and left me and all others with invaluable tips! This was my first such training and I definitely would sign up for any future trainings given by Aqil Kadir's Citizens Safety Academy. Awesome!

Aqil and team (Tiffany, Ryan and Tiffy) are awesome. They emphasize safety at all times. They teach with enthusiasm and purpose. Their skills, knowledge and attitude are contagious - but in a good way.

I am an Air Force vet, turned paralegal and I must say Aquil and Tiffany are very knowledgeable, personable and serious about training you right. Best training I’ve had since being in the service. They serve the information with no fluff, no meaningless bravado and still manage to make the whole experience fun. If you want to feel good and have confidence in handling a weapon, choose Citizens Safety Academy.

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.

 Fantastic 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!

 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.

This was the best time spent on handgun safety to earn a permit to carry! I plan on using the services much more in the future. The instructor earned my trust immediately. I have no reason to look any further for firearm training or advice.

Very knowledgeable and professional instructor! Highly recommended!

Joe Porter
Certified NRA Instructor & NRA Training Counselor ( Instructor's Instructor)

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!

Definitely 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... Read MoreDefinitely 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. � Show Less

 My 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/

 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... Read MoreMy 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. Show Less

 Each lesson empowers me to continue to master myself in all areas, not just safety.

I 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... Read MoreI 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. Show Less

 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.

 Took 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.

Instructor is very knowledgeable and made the class enjoyable. I plan on attending more of his classes.

 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.

 great instructors, training, culture and just all around good people to work with!

 I 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.

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.

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.

 I had a good time and learned alot, all of the instructors were great, go there! you won't be dissatisfied

I worked and trained with Aqil. He is an awesome guy and Amazing trainer. People that take his class are well informed and well trained. Best of luck in the future!!

One of the most highly educated firearms instructors in the country, with a gift for teaching!!

 If 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.

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.