WOMEN'S ONLY
HANDGUN PROGRAMS

Drawing on years of practical and teaching experience, The Firearms Academy of Seattle, Inc. is pleased to offer handgun programs designed just for women and taught by Gila Hayes. Attuned to the concerns of women, we have developed a safe, comfortable environment in which to pass along self-defense handgun skills to women who are concerned about their safety and want to study armed self-defense methods.

GET STARTED RIGHT!

In 2007 we were pleased with the response to three additional, beginning-level handgun courses set aside especially for women. These programs -- the Handgun Safety Seminar, Fundamentals of Home Defense and Concealed Carry 101 -- joined our Women's Only Defensive Handgun, which we've taught for years. In 2008, we hope for an even more enthusiastic response to this great way for women to get started shooting with the new Handgun Safety Seminar program now making it possible for citizens who do not own guns to participate. Please click on the links to learn more about these classes, now specially scheduled just for women who want to learn to shoot in a safe, supportive environment.

INCREASING SKILLS

For more advanced training, women may wish to consider the women's only Defensive Handgun class. Once a year, we offer this training for women only, teaching the same skills and topics as offered in our co-ed Defensive Handgun courses. We have found, however, that not only are some of our women students more comfortable in an all-female class, they appreciate greater attention to detail, plus more in-depth description and definitions that are hallmarks of female communication styles.

WOMEN'S STUDY GROUP

Another popular program has been the Women's Study Group, inaugurated in 2003, and led by Gila Hayes, Kathy Jackson, Brady Gunns and Diane Walls. F.A.S. women graduates of the Handgun Safety Seminar (or higher level classes) are encouraged to participate in this women's only program. Using a format that starts with an hour or two of study, discussion or instruction followed by three or four hours of supervised shooting on the range, the women's group considered topics including concealed carry methods, personal safety concerns and decision making under stress, competitive shooting, escapes from grabs, and defenses against an armed assailant during the inaugural season. The program continued to grow through 2004, 2005 and 2006, with programs including panel discussions on a variety of women's defense issues, guest lecturers, sessions on shooting moving targets, shooting in low light conditions, obscured vision, couples' defenses, fun shooting matches, field trips and more.

Cost is $20 per session and no advance registration is required. One need not attend all Study Group sessions: F.A.S. women alumni are encouraged to come to any sessions their schedules allow. Bring your handgun, belt holster, magazines or speedloaders, eye and ear protection and a brimmed cap. For details like 2008 Women's Study Group dates and the session's round count, please e-mail Gila Hayes with your name and classes you've taken at F.A.S., along with any questions you may have.

F.A.S. WOMEN'S INTERNET FORUM

In addition, we have an active F.A.S. women graduate's Internet forum on which our students discuss self-defense, guns, training and other concerns particular to the armed woman. The group is closely moderated by Gila Hayes, and women who have participated in a class at F.A.S. are invited to join the forum by e-mailing a request to Gila, including your name and classes you've taken at F.A.S.

WOMEN'S-ONLY COURSE DATES

HANDGUN SAFETY SEMINAR ...TUITION... $35.00
Saturday, May 17, 2008 (F.A.S. Range, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Saturday, Aug. 2, 2008 (F.A.S. Range, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Additional Handgun Safety Seminars offered in co-ed format. See Safety Seminar for additional dates.

FUNDAMENTALS OF HOME DEFENSE ...TUITION... $125.00
Sunday, May 18, 2008 (F.A.S. Range, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
Additional Fundamentals of Home Defensive offered in co-ed format. See Home Defense for additional dates.

CONCEALED CARRY 101 ...TUITION... $125.00
Sunday, Aug. 3, 2008 (F.A.S. Range, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
Additional Concealed Carry 101 classes offered in co-ed format. See Concealed Carry 101 for additional dates.

DEFENSIVE HANDGUN ...TUITION... $275.00
Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 13 & 14, 2008 (F.A.S. Range, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
Additional Defensive Handgun classes offered in co-ed format. See Defensive Handgun for additional dates.

Want to learn more?
Call us at 360-978-6100 or e-mail us at The Firearms Academy of Seattle, Inc. with your questions or click on the links at the left.

Women coaching women is often more comfortable for the beginner.