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BUSINESS
Tri-State Academy to offer firearms training, defense instruction
Zach Adkins is the owner of Tri-State Academy located at 3324 U.S. 60, in Huntington.
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HUNTINGTON -- One local business prepares not only to teach the community how to protect themselves in dangerous situations, but use firearms properly. Zach and Jeff Adkins will be opening Tristate Academy in January 2010.
"There's really no one in this area offering this service. With what's happening with crime in our area, we believe it's well needed," said Zach Adkins.
There are several categories of classes that Zach and Jeff Adkins are instructing. First are the self-defense and safety awareness classes, such as "Refuse to be a Victim," and "Women's Awareness." These classes focus on avoiding dangerous situations and protecting yourself if you fall into them.
The "Women's Awareness" class is among the safety awareness classes and is a free course taught weekly. Pre-registration is necessary for this class, yet it is otherwise free. The Women's Defense class focuses on self-defense and is taught by a Martial Arts instructor.
"We just want to teach women how to be smart about the situations they put themselves in," said Zach Adkins.
The next level of classes offered at Tri-State Academy is Taser and pepper spray instruction. These classes instruct people on how to properly use the Taser (electronic device that issue a small shock) and pepper spray as defense mechanisms. The classes also help students prevent hurting themselves while using these items.
"Firearms are not for everyone. We want you to have what's right for you and know how to use it," said Zach Adkins.
Finally, there are the classes meant for teaching how to use and carry firearms. The classes do not use any actual firearms or ammunition. The training focuses on how to own a firearm both for in home and carrying a concealed weapon.
"There are a lot of people who have firearms that do not know how to use it properly and these classes teach you how to use it in a defensive situation," said Zach Adkins.
Perhaps one of the most exciting project Tristate Academy is working on is the laser simulator program. This program makes it possible to put students in real-life scenarios using a life-size projector and laser gun. Adkins said that the local authorities will even find this took helpful.
The laser simulator is a safe way to learn how to use a firearm and the program will allow students to change the situation, which will teach them to make smarter decisions in the real world.
Both Zach and Jeff Adkins are National Rifle Association certified. They had to travel to Ohio to receive their training due to the lack of classes in West Virginia. The curriculum used comes from the NRA and Refuse to be a Victim.
When classes begin they will run in the evenings through the week and on the weekend. Classes can also be scheduled specifically for those who have difficult schedules.
"We're going to keep the classes smaller so that questions and troubles can be better addressed," said Zach Adkins
If you are interested in taking classes at the Tristate Academy you can find information about them at www.tristateccw.com. Their phone is 304-389-5598. You can also find their location at 3324 U.S. 60.
