James: First, thank you for deciding to put the GZTac methods online. I know this has been a topic of discussion for a couple years now, and I have been a big proponent of that concept. To start, would you describe the genesis of the GZTac pistol methodology?
Chief Kirk: Well, I started shooting pistols in my 20s and have enjoyed shooting since that time. I enjoyed shooting enough that I took several lessons with prominent shooters and trainers in the Houston area. That led to my attending several shooting schools, and those experiences left me with some substantial questions. So I set upon a course to better understand pistol shooting in the context of my interest area – combat or real world shooting – by utilizing the principles of Krav Maga to better explore, assess and understand the dynamics of shooting. That’s how this all started.
James: That makes sense. What questions were you trying to answer when you started developing the GZTac methodology?
Chief Kirk: To start, I was really dissatisfied with several of foundational premises that were being offered in classes had attended. Specifically around some of the common sense realities that human’s face when shooting a pistol during violent, high stress events. For instance, I know that the human eye can only focus on one plane or object at a time, and I further understand the overwhelming instinct to look directly at a threat. So, how can one ask a trainee or student to focus on front and back sight alignment – as opposed to the threat – in the face of these realities?
James: So, how did you work that issue out?
Chief Kirk: If you think about Krav Maga, this would become the first principle – addressing the danger or problem of quickly moving a pistol in alignment with the threat. In this case, I needed to find a mechanism to solve the issues between two conflicting ideas: (1) that a shooter must use the front and back sight to align the barrel with the target to ensure accuracy, and (2) that the human, instinctive response is to look directly at the threat. These statements are in conflict as it pertains to two objectives of great importance – high performance in the areas of accuracy and repeatability. In short, I call this the need for “repeatable performance.”
James: What did you conclude?
Chief Kirk: I concluded that attempting to alter an instinctive response would require more training and practice than 99.99% of shooters would ever complete for a variety of reasons. I then turned my attention to the issue of muzzle alignment with the target. I began researching similar terms and came across an article about the surprising precision of human finger pointing. I began to think about the biological need to point accurately as a baby, because babies cannot speak. It hit me. We’ve been pointing our entire lives, and we started as babies to communicate what wanted and needed. From there, I began to explore how to grip a pistol to leverage our collective ability to point our index finger accurately. In the end, the GZTac No Look 5 and 10 Round Course of Fire was the proving ground for the GZTac method.
James: I’ve had the opportunity to attend the GZTac courses, and I’ve acted as a Range Safety Officer for several more courses, so I know the answer to my next question, but…what should students expect from the GZTac experience?
Chief Kirk: In short, repeatable performance. Students can also expect information that makes sense, is grounded in scientific and physiological principles, and can be absorbed and applied at the range in a manner that substantially improves shooting accuracy and speed.
James: Ok. What can students learn online with GZTac?
Chief Kirk: I’ve decided to take the GZTac methodology and break it down into easily understood online modules for two reasons, (1) to allow students to prepare for the GZTac live fire coursework, and (2) to share this information with people who would otherwise never be exposed to it. I want people to be safe, to have a method of training that works and complies with the reality of stress and the resulting human instinctive response. With this in mind, I cover everything from safety & cleaning to concealment to presenting the pistol to engage multiple targets.
James: That’s great. Finally, you developed the GZTac methodology, tested it, and have taught it for years now. And, you have a guarantee. What is it exactly?
Chief Kirk: That’s true. My guarantee is simple. If a student completes the online training or live fire coursework as prescribed, and his or her shooting doesn’t improve, I’ll refund the money. Period.
James: That’s super solid. I can’t wait for the online modules to be available. I’d call this a game changer for lots of people out there. Thanks for your time Chief!
Chief Kirk: Thank you. It’s my pleasure.
–If you want more information about the GZTac online modules, email James at [email protected] today for your founder’s package and list of bonus extras!
