Why I Teach: From Survivor to Instructor
by Adam Johnson – A-Team Firearms Instruction
Most people assume that firearms instructors grew up around guns. Maybe they were military or law enforcement. Maybe they were raised in a family that hunted or shot recreationally.
That wasn’t my story.
In fact, I grew up in a household where firearms were strictly off-limits. Toy guns? Banned. Water guns? Not a chance. When I was just three years old, my mother took me to an anti-gun rally. Her intentions were pure — like any parent, she wanted to keep her child safe. I was raised with the belief that guns only caused harm and had no place in everyday life.
For much of my youth, I believed that too.
That all changed at 19.
One afternoon, I was riding in a car with my 17-year-old cousin and two close friends. It was just another drive — until it wasn’t. In a completely unprovoked attack, we became targets. Three gunshots rang out. One round pierced the car door, struck my friend in the arm, and then hit my cousin in the neck. By what I can only describe as a miracle, everyone survived.
But in that moment, something fundamental in me shifted.
We were unarmed. Unprepared. And vulnerable.
That night, I made a personal decision: I would never again leave my safety — or the safety of those around me — up to luck.
From that day forward, I committed myself to learning everything I could about self-defense, firearms safety, and responsible ownership. My journey started in 1997 and has continued ever since.
It wasn’t just about shooting. It was about training with purpose, understanding the legal and ethical responsibility that comes with carrying a firearm, and developing a mindset of protection and preparedness.
Over time, that drive evolved. It wasn’t enough to protect just myself — I wanted to help others do the same.
Today, as a certified firearms instructor, I teach not just because I love firearms — I teach because I’ve lived through the nightmare that so many train to avoid.
I’ve worked with hundreds of students: first-time gun owners trying to overcome fear, professionals applying for a CCW, parents looking to protect their families, and survivors, like me, seeking strength after trauma.
And what I’ve learned is this: Training changes people. It builds confidence. It replaces fear with control. It transforms “I could never do that” into “I’m ready if I have to.”
I don’t teach to create tactical superheroes. I teach to create safe, competent, and confident individuals who understand the responsibility of carrying a firearm — and the importance of doing so with purpose, discipline, and respect.
If you're on the fence about firearms, or if fear has kept you from learning, I understand. I’ve been there. And I want you to know this: You are not alone.
Training with the right instructor in the right environment can change everything. It doesn’t have to be intimidating. It doesn’t have to be political. It just has to be honest, safe, and real.
That’s what we provide at A-Team Firearms Instruction.
Train Smart. Stay Safe. Be Ready.
— Adam Johnson