Welcome to the August Edition of Chasing Steel: “Training Is Optional… Until It’s Not”

You know what’s cheaper than a lawsuit, faster than regret, and sexier than a court summons? Training.

Sure, it’s not always convenient. It costs time. It takes effort. Sometimes it even involves crawling on gravel or sweating through your shirt while a grizzled instructor reminds you that bad guys don’t play fair. But you know what else is inconvenient? Sitting across from a prosecutor or internal affairs investigator, explaining why your team (or you) were issued tools nobody knew how to use under pressure.

That’s not just a bad look — that’s called vicarious liability. And if you’re in a leadership role, it’s the legal version of being kicked while you’re down.

Let’s break that down for the non-lawyers in the room:

Vicarious liability means if someone under your supervision makes a bad call with a weapon they weren’t trained to use properly, you might be on the hook, and failure to train? That’s the smoking gun. Prosecutors, plaintiffs, and internal reviewers love those three words. Why? Because they’re easy to prove, and they scream negligence.

But here’s the thing: this isn’t just about avoiding the courtroom. It’s about surviving the street. If you carry a tool for defense — be it a pistol, shotgun, or blade — you owe it to yourself, your family, your community, and your team to train with it like your life depends on it. Because one day, it might.

That’s where the Hoffner Training Academy steps in. Our courses aren’t just check-the-box certifications. They’re reality-based, stress-tested, and designed for the real world — whether you’re an armed citizen, a seasoned LEO, or a warfighter heading downrange.

Available Courses Include:

• Defensive Folding Knife: Learn how to deploy and use your folding knife effectively, under stress, with intent, not guesswork.
• Tactical Pistol: From draw to engagement, movement to malfunction drills — this course builds confidence and competence.
• Tactical Rifle: This course is designed to enhance precision, control, and confidence in high-stress environments.
• Tactical Shotgun: Maximize the most misunderstood tool in your arsenal. You’ll learn to run it with speed, precision, and authority.
• CQB Pistol & Knife Combo: Because threats don’t wait for you to pick up your weapon. Train to transition, fight inside the bubble, and win close.

These courses aren’t theoretical. They’re built on decades of field experience, real-world application, and battlefield-tested principles, led by Brian Hoffner, a name synonymous with tactical excellence.

No fluff. No ego. Just real training for real threats.

So, who’s this for?

• Civilians who carry concealed? This is for you. You’re your own first responder.
• Law enforcement officers? If your tool goes bang, slices, or swings, you need to master it before the suspect does.
• Military personnel? You train to fight enemies. Make sure your gear isn’t your weak link.

Upcoming Training Dates:

Bottom line?

Carrying a weapon without training is like jumping out of a plane with a parachute you’ve never opened. Might work. Might not. That’s a bad day either way. So, this August, don’t just carry. Train. Sharpen your edge, tighten your skills, and walk with the confidence that only competence brings.

Skill beats luck. And training beats explaining.

BIG NEWS:

Brian Hoffner is offering his Defensive Folding Knife class to groups of four or more in Houston for only $100.00

This is a fantastic opportunity for families, friends, and co-workers to receive the world’s best defensive knife training at a super minimum cost, at their home, their venue, or at the Hoffner office in Willis, TX. For Brian, it’s a great opportunity for him to add more sheepdogs to the list.

Coming in September: “Dressed to Disappear”

Think training is important? So is how you look while trained. Because let’s face it — tactical skills lose value if your gear screams “operator” louder than your actions. Next month, we’ll dive into the art of blending in while staying battle-ready. From covert carry solutions to apparel that hides function beneath fashion, we’re talking everyday armor for the modern warrior. Because the element of surprise belongs to the prepared… and the unnoticed.

Stay Sharp— and stay tuned.