Practical Arms was created with the intent of educating its students in the principles of firearm safety and defensive firearm skills including but not limited to North Carolina Concealed Carry Handgun Training.  We believe that every citizen should have the proper education and training to safely protect themselves and families effectively.  We offer classes that are professionally prepared and expertly taught.  Our Concealed Carry training covers subject matter well beyond the requirements of the state because we insist that our students be prepared should they ever need to defend themselves.

Practical Arms Training Institute’s Founder and Director Mark Williams is committed to bringing quality and affordable self-defense training to the US citizen. The material taught by our staff is designed to enable a person to protect themselves and their loved ones in the most effective manner possible should they face a crisis situation.

Mark has been an avid shooter spanning over 25 years and strives to expand his existing skills by seeking ongoing training. Mark has attended multiple firearms training including pistol, rifle and shotgun courses taught by a variety of instructors and organizations from around the world. The skills he has acquired coupled with the training gathered from the NRA, the North Carolina Justice Academy and other reputable training centers offers the student the most effective instruction possible.

He is a former Firearms Instructor for a nationally recognized firm and has trained numerous members and families of Law Enforcement personnel, SWAT, FBI, ATF, EMS, Forensics Specialist, Military personnel, State and Federal employees, school teachers, church staff and every day civilians who are looking to protect themselves and their loved ones.

In addition to Mark’s vast hands-on experience with firearms his credentials include but are not limited to the following:

• NC Concealed Handgun Instructor Certified by the NC Justice Academy
• Private Protective Services Board – Armed/Unarmed Guard Trainer
• Tactical Firearm Training Certified by “Blackwater”
• NC Wildlife Hunter Safety Instructor
• NRA First Steps Instructor
• NRA Home Firearm Safety Instructor
• NRA Certified Pistol Instructor
• NRA Certified Rifle Instructor
• NRA Certified Shotgun Instructor
• NRA Personal Protection (Inside the Home)
• NRA Personal Protection (Outside the Home)
• NRA Metallic Cartridge Reloading Certified
• NRA Shotgun Shell Reloading Certified
• Certified Chief Range Safety Officer
• Certified Glock Armorer
• Certified NRA Refuse to be a Victim Instructor
• Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) Citizens Academy graduate
• Advanced Handgun Combative Certified
• Advanced Carbine Tactical Certification
• Certified CMP Master Instructor

Professional Associations Include:

• National Rifle Association (NRA) – Life Member/Endowment Member
• United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) – Life Member
• Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) Association
• Glock Sport Shooting Foundation (GSSF)

The customer demand has prompted us to look at continually adding new classes. We constantly refine our programs through review and self examination, continuing education and welcome ongoing feedback from our clients.