ABOUT US
At Northwest Defense Academy, we’re dedicated to making Southern Oregon a safer place through firearm safety education and defensive skills training.
With the help of our experienced instructors, we’ve built a state-of-the-art curriculum different from any in the region. We’re focused on inclusivity, community, and safety. Together, we’re working to create a world where firearms are respected, understood, and used safely and responsibly by all.
WHAT SETS NORTHWEST DEFENSE ACADEMY APART?
Dedicated
We pride ourselves on being teachers before gunfighters. Our instructors provide a comprehensive and innovative training experience, personalized attention and expert guidance, prioritization of safety and ethical behavior, and commitment to the firearms community in Oregon.
Unparalleled
We strive to foster a positive and supportive learning environment that inspires a passion for firearms and promotes responsible gun ownership. To do this, we’ve recruited the best, and we’re making sure that we treat our instructors well, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages instructors to always find new and elevated ways to engage with end-users.
Ethical
As active participants in Southern Oregon's firearms community, we strive to ensure each of our end-users develops an understanding of the importance of safety, responsible use, and adherence to laws and regulations governing the possession and use of firearms.
TRAIN WITH NORTHWEST DEFENSE ACADEMY
We only work with instructors skilled in both real-world and classroom defense scenarios. All of our instructors hold certifications from the NRA, Oregon DPSST, Washington CJCT, or the US Armed Forces.
With over 30 years combined experience in public safety, education, and military experience, you can be confident knowing you’re learning only from the best Southern Oregon has to offer.
OPERATING AREAS:
Southern Oregon:
Jackson, Douglas, and Josephine Counties
Ashland
Talent
Phoenix
Medford
Central Point
Eagle Point
White City
Shady Cove
Rogue River
Rogue Valley
Roseburg
Grants Pass
We also offer services outside of these areas. Please don't hesitate to contact us for more information here.
OUR INSTRUCTORS
At Northwest Defense Academy, we are teachers first and gun fighters second. We pride ourselves on working with only the most experienced instructors within the defense industry. Each brings a unique and advanced skillset in tactical defense, active shooter response, firearm safety, personal defense, and more.
Certifications:
National Rifle Association Instructor (Handgun and Rifle)
Oregon DPSST Law Enforcement Instructor
Washington CJTC Law Enforcement Instructor
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OWNER + OPERATOR, LEAD INSTRUCTOR, NWDA
Meet Todd Kirkendol, the owner and lead instructor of Northwest Defense Academy. Originally from Tennessee, Todd has resided in Oregon for over a decade, holding a graduate degree and boasting a diverse professional background, including experience with The National Football League. Besides running NWDA, he is also the executive manager of Northwest Defense Contracting, LLC, a premier private security firm in Oregon. Todd is a certified law enforcement firearms instructor through the National Rifle Association, as well as the Oregon and Washington State police academies. His expertise extends to training officers in the patrol rifle weapon platform, and he plays a vital role in various NWDA courses, from handguns to medical training. With substantial experience in the security industry, particularly in safeguarding VIP clients and providing executive protection services, Todd is committed to empowering individuals with the skills and knowledge needed for self-rescue in emergencies. Regularly enhancing his own combative training and collaborating with other qualified instructors, NWDA ensures the highest quality training available in the Rogue Valley.
Certifications:
USMC Combat Marksmanship Coach
National Rifle Association Instructor (Handgun and Rifle)
Oregon DPSST Armed/Unarmed Security Professional
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INSTRUCTOR, NWDA
Instructor Cole brings extensive training and experience from the United States Marine Corps and holds NRA instructor certification for pistol and rifle courses. Serving as a Security Forces Marine at Kings Bay in Georgia, Cole graduated with honors from Weapons and Field Training Battalion on Parris Island, becoming a certified Combat Marksmanship Coach. He led teams in daily security operations, collaborated with Close Quarter Battle Teams, and gained further expertise at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, including Intelligence and Communications training. Cole's service included humanitarian missions, securing patient transportation, and providing security for US Naval vessels and installations. With a tailored teaching style, Cole leverages his experience to enhance students' combat techniques, shooting accuracy, and situational awareness, refining skills and strengthening weaknesses.
Certifications:
Coming soon
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INSTRUCTOR, NWDA
Certifications:
B.S. Nursing + Psychology
National Rifle Association Instructor (Handgun)
AVERT Active Shooter Civilian Training
Certified Oregon DPSST Unarmed Security Professional
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INSTRUCTOR, NWDA; CEO, GIRL OF ALL TRADES
Tiffany was born in Southern Oregon and enjoys everything the area has to offer. She obtained her bachelors of nursing with a minor in psychology in 2012. Tiffany has a passion for empowering others and believes that everyone has the duty and the ability to rescue themselves with proper training. She is a certified AVERT (active violence response training) instructor through HSI and is a certified NRA instructor passionate about teaching women’s handgun classes.
Certifications:
Certified Oregon DPSST Armed + Unarmed Security Professional
AVERT Active Shooter Civilian Training
HSI Certified First Aid/CPR/AED and Wilderness First Aid Instructor
STOP THE BLEED® Instructor
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INSTRUCTOR, NWDA
Susan joins the roster of NWDA instructors bringing with her extensive medical and teaching experience. After earning a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry she went on to obtain a master’s degree in acupuncture and East Asian medicine and doctorate degree in naturopathic medicine. Susan brings to the team over a decade of teaching experience in addition to her medical training. Becoming an instructor with NWDA to improve access to first aid, CPR and AED training in her local community was a priority and when offered the opportunity to become certified in AVERT to help the community improve their response to the violence present in society today there was no hesitation.