Training Expectations

At St. Michael’s Academy, our training environment is built around professionalism, safety, and practical application. Whether you are attending a classroom seminar, defensive tactics session, or live-fire course, the following expectations establish the standard for all participants.

Professional Conduct & Mindset

Students are expected to arrive with a learning-oriented mindset and conduct themselves in a disciplined, respectful manner. This includes:

• Respect for instructors, staff, and fellow students

• Willingness to receive coaching and apply feedback

• Maintaining composure, especially under stress-based or scenario-driven training

• Avoiding disruptive, unsafe, or negligent behavior at all times

Training may challenge your existing beliefs or habits. That is intentional. Growth requires adaptability.

Safety Standards (All Training Environments)

Safety is non-negotiable and is the foundation of every course.

• All instructions from staff must be followed immediately and without hesitation

• Unsafe behavior—intentional or negligent—may result in removal from training without refund

• Students are responsible for maintaining awareness of their surroundings and actions

• Medical concerns or limitations must be communicated prior to training

For courses involving firearms or other tools, strict adherence to established safety principles and handling procedures is required at all times.

Classroom Expectations

Classroom portions are designed to build the intellectual and legal foundation for responsible self-defense. Students should expect:

• Active participation and engagement in discussion

• Note-taking and retention of key concepts (legal standards, decision-making frameworks, etc.)

• Professional communication—questions are encouraged, but side conversations should be limited

• Phones silenced or used only when appropriate for course purposes

Topics may include legal use of force, situational awareness, conflict avoidance, and post-incident considerations.

Practical / Hands-On Training Expectations

For defensive tactics, scenario work, or other physical training:

• Follow all safety and control instructions precisely

• Train at an intensity appropriate to your skill level and physical capability

• Maintain control of your body and any training equipment at all times

• Immediately report any injury or equipment issue

This training is designed to be realistic, but never reckless.

Range Expectations (When Applicable)

For live-fire training environments, additional structure and discipline are required:

• Follow all range commands immediately and without deviation

• Maintain proper handling and control of all firearms at all times

• Keep attention directed downrange unless otherwise instructed

• Only handle firearms when explicitly directed to do so

• Use required safety equipment (eye and ear protection) at all times

Students will be coached through proper technique, but safety compliance is the individual’s responsibility.

Equipment & Preparation

Students are expected to arrive prepared for their course:

• Bring all required equipment listed in the course description

• Wear appropriate clothing for the environment (weather, movement, range conditions, etc.)

• Ensure personal gear is in safe, functional condition

• Hydrate and fuel appropriately prior to training

If equipment is provided, students are expected to handle it responsibly and return it in proper condition.

Legal & Ethical Responsibility

All training is conducted within the framework of lawful self-defense. Students should understand:

• Training is for defensive purposes only

• The use of force carries significant legal, moral, and personal consequences

• You are accountable for your actions both during and after training

Our goal is not just to build capability—but to ensure that capability is exercised responsibly.

Final Standard

Every student contributes to the training environment. The expectation is simple:
Be safe, be professional, and be accountable.

Failure to meet these standards may result in removal from training to protect the safety and integrity of the group.