The Journey Academy is a training path. Think of it like school: you do not start with algebra on day one. You start with basics, then build.
Firearms Manipulation: This class teaches you how to run your handgun safely and smoothly, focusing on the skills that keep the gun working when it matters: applying the safety rules during real handling, understanding the basic cycle of operation and controls, safely loading and unloading with proper visual and physical “clear” checks, using ready positions and presenting the firearm under control, building a proper grip, solid stance, correct sight alignment and sight picture, and clean trigger control for accurate hits, plus learning both emergency and tactical reloads so you can keep the gun running without losing muzzle discipline; students also learn how to quickly identify and fix common malfunctions like failure to fire, failure to feed, stovepipes, and double feeds using a simple, repeatable process, with optional one-handed manipulation concepts and a short dry-practice plan to build consistency, confidence, and safe habits outside the range.
Firearms Maintenance: This class teaches you how to keep your handgun clean, reliable, and safe by learning how the firearm functions, how to safely clear it every time, and how to properly field strip, inspect, clean, lubricate, and reassemble it using the right tools and products without over-oiling or missing key wear points; students learn what “normal” wear looks like versus what’s unsafe, how to check critical parts (barrel, extractor, firing pin area, springs, magazines, optics mounts if applicable), how to prevent common problems like rust, carbon buildup, and feed issues, and how to store and transport firearms correctly to protect performance; the class is built around repetition and efficiency, with a clear performance goal: by the end, each student should be able to fully disassemble and reassemble their weapon confidently and safely in 30 seconds or better, followed by a function check to confirm the firearm is back together correctly and ready for use.
Basic Pistol: is the final range day of the course, where students take everything they learned in the earlier classes and merge it into real shooting, focusing on safe, confident gun handling under supervision from start to finish: applying range commands and safety rules in real time, building a proper grip and stance, using correct sight alignment and sight picture, pressing the trigger smoothly for accurate hits, and managing recoil so the gun tracks consistently and returns to target; students practice controlled loading and unloading, ready positions, presenting to the target, follow-through, and steady shot placement at practical distances, then add simple performance drills that reinforce consistency (not speed) while instructors coach recoil control, flinch reduction, and shot accountability, with the goal of leaving able to safely run the pistol on the range, keep rounds on target, and continue practicing with a clear plan for what to work on next Virginia Tactical Shooting Academy
THE GOAL
The goal of the Journey Academy is to take a student from “I’m not sure what I’m doing” to “I can safely run my firearm with confidence” by building skills in the right order and then proving them on the range. We start by teaching safe, repeatable gun handling (how to load, unload, reload, and fix malfunctions without panic), then we lock in responsibility and reliability through proper maintenance (cleaning, inspection, lubrication, and fast, correct reassembly with a clear standard), and we finish by bringing it all together in live fire—where students apply grip, sight alignment, trigger control, and recoil control to make accurate hits under real range conditions. The end state is simple: safe habits, strong fundamentals, and a clear practice path you can follow after graduation.