Greenhorn Combatives
Shooting and Weapon handling, Tactical Training, Self-Defense and Home-Protection
in Colorado Springs, CO, USA
Proudly partnering with SHEEPDOG RESPONSE to bring you their premier Pistol 1, Tactical Rifle, and Tactical Shotgun Courses.
Greenhorn Combatives offers tactical training in Colorado Springs built from real-world military and law enforcement combatives systems. Originally developed by the U.S. Army, the Modern Army Combatives Program blends Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, wrestling, judo, and boxing into practical, scenario-based training for close-range encounters while armed and under stress.
At Greenhorn Combatives, we’ve adapted these proven methods into a self-defense and firearms-integrated training program for responsible, law-abiding civilians. Whether you carry daily or want to be prepared, our training is designed to help you protect yourself and others in real-world situations.
Our Combatives Training in Colorado Springs, CO is hands-on, high-intensity, and built around realistic scenarios. You’ll be guided step-by-step by experienced instructors through controlled, high-pressure environments that develop confidence, awareness, and decision-making under stress.
Unlike traditional martial arts focused on competition, our system prioritizes survival and real-world application. You’ll train in Close-Quarters Combat (CQC), weapon retention, and threat response—learning how to stay calm, take control, and operate effectively in chaotic situations.
If you’re looking for realistic self-defense training in Colorado Springs, Greenhorn Combatives will prepare you for what actually happens, not just what works in the gym.
Upcoming Courses
Date and Time: June 13, 2026; 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location: Pikes Peak Gun Club
Range Address: 450 S Franceville Coal Mine Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80929
Sheepdog Response’s Tactical Rifle Course (formerly known as Carbine 1) is a introduction to the use of the carbine rifle (compact, semi-automatic rifle with a changeable magazine). The Tactical Rifle course is open to anyone who wants to learn how to employ this incredibly effective weapon system for self-defense. We cover the selection of accessory equipment and set up for carbine operations to include loading, firing, correcting malfunctions, and rapid reloading of a carbine. You’ll learn the fundamentals of rifle marksmanship and zeroing techniques that will help you achieve its full potential for self-defense. See what it takes to successfully shoot, move, utilize cover, and accurately engage with a carbine rifle from various positions and situations. The Tactical Rifle course is fast-paced, fun, and informative.
Types of carbine rifles include (but aren’t limited to): AR-15s, AK-47s, M-14s, Mini-14s, Steyr AUG, H&K G3, and semiautomatic pistol caliber rifles (PCRs)
Course Intensity Level
Easy-moderate
Topics Covered
Carbine function and maintenance
Loading, firing, reducing malfunctions, and clearing procedures
Zeroing techniques and procedures
Rifle Marksmanship Fundamentals
Non-standard firing positions
Shooting utilizing cover and concealment technique
Packing List
Rifle
Sling (single or two-point)
3-4 Magazines
Magazine pouch (recommended two)
400 Rounds of ammunition
Dummy Rounds X 5
Electronic Hearing Protection (to receive instruction while on the firing line)
Eye Protection (sunglasses or eyeglasses)
Durable pants WITH BELT LOOPS and durable shirts (avoid tank tops or low cut collars)
Sturdy belt/pistol belt
Tourniquet
Food (Our lunch breaks will be short, so bring something that does not require any preparation)
Water and Sports-drink (you will need to be drinking water throughout the day to stay hydrated)
Recommended Items:
Individual First Aid Kit (we highly recommend getting one and learning how to use it)
Sunblock
Insect repellent
Snacks
Multi tool
Weapons cleaning and maintenance equipment
Extra batteries for hearing protection and optic
Rain Jacket, cold weather clothing- the event will go forward regardless of weather
Date and Time: May 23, 2026; 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location: Pikes Peak Gun Club
Range Address: 450 S Franceville Coal Mine Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80929
Sheepdog Response’s Pistol 1 Course is everything you need to know about safety fundamentals, marksmanship, and the skills and mindset necessary to defend yourself and others with a pistol.
This is SDR’s introductory course to live-fire handgun training. This course will build your confidence in safe weapon handling and employment if you ever find yourself in a self-defense situation.
This is your first real step towards confidently carrying, drawing, and employing your weapon. Learn from some of the best instructors in the world, with decades of experience in shooting!
Course Intensity Level
Easy-moderate
Topics Covered
Gun Safety
Fundamentals of Safety
Fundamentals of Marksmanship
Proper Loading/Unloading Procedures
Correcting Weapons Malfunctions
Non-standard firing positions
Shooting utilizing cover and concealment technique
Packing List
Pistol
Retention Holsters -inside or outside the waistband (your holster preferably will be made of Kydex which is form-fitted to your pistol. If you use nylon or leather holsters you will need to have a thumb break or some form of retention. If you show up without a proper holster you will have to do all drills off the table. No Blackhawk Serpa holsters allowed.)
3-4 Magazines
Magazine pouch (recommended two)
400 Rounds of ammunition
Dummy Rounds X 5
Electronic Hearing Protection (to receive instruction while on the firing line)
Eye Protection (sunglasses or eyeglasses)
Durable pants WITH BELT LOOPS and durable shirts (avoid tank tops or low cut collars)
Sturdy belt/pistol belt
Rain Jacket, cold weather clothing- the event will go forward regardless of weather
Tourniquet
Food (Our lunch breaks will be short, so bring something that does not require any preparation)
Water and Sports-drink (you will need to be drinking water throughout the day to stay hydrated)
Recommended Items:
Individual First Aid Kit (we highly recommend getting one and learning how to use it)
Sunblock
Insect repellent
Snacks
Multi tool
Weapons cleaning and maintenance equipment
Extra batteries for hearing protection and optic
NOTE: Completion of this course is a prerequisite to register for The Advanced Pistol Course. This course serves as a prerequisite for Home Defender and Vehicle Defender courses taught and hosted by SDR.
Date and Time: June 20, 2026; 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Renzo Gracie East
Gym Address: 4680 Edison Ave (Suite A), Colorado Springs, CO 80915
Most gunfights are rapid, violent, and close-range. If you carry a firearm for work or for self protection, this course is for you!
In this course, we focus on situational awareness to recognize precursors of would-be threats and to avoid becoming a target; students will train to draw their gun under pressure and in different situations; what to do when its not safe to draw a gun; how to keep the gun in retention — keeping your firearm and not becoming a victim against it; using aggressive, practical techniques and concepts to control an armed threat and weapon takeaways.
This training is scenario-based, stress-inoculating, situational, and intended to build the decision-making, timing, and physical skills that you will need to defend yourself and others; to survive that kind of violent, messy reality.
Course Intensity Level
Easy-moderate
Topics Covered
Situational Awareness
Recognizing and Identifying Threats
Drawing Your Gun Effectively Under Pressure
Weapon Retention and Weapon Takeaways
Reacting to Contact From Behind
Packing List
Durable pants or shorts with belt
Durable shirt (with rash guard or undershirt tucked into pants).
Flip flops (for easy access on and off the mats)
Water and Sports-drink (you need to be drinking water before and during the course to be and stay hydrated)
Recommended, but not needed Items:
Pistol belt, holster, blue training gun, training knife with sheath
eye protection
Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK) and tourniquet (we highly recommend getting one and learning how to use it)
Mouthguard and/or groin protection
Snacks
Extra Clothing to change into after training
Date and Time: July 3, 2026; 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location: Pikes Peak Gun Club
Range Address: 450 S Franceville Coal Mine Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80929
Sheepdog Response has developed the Tactical Shotgun curriculum to address the growing demand to learn the techniques that Special Operators, SWAT, and law enforcement officers use to employ shotguns in self defense. The course will not only cover how to effectively employ a shotgun but also the different types of shotguns and the different types of shotgun ammo. You can learn the skills that have been made popular in movies and in shooting competitions and learn how to use them in a real world self defense situation.
We face threats of violence every day, ranging from large-scale terrorism to one-on-one assaults. Most people are unprepared, unequipped, and untrained to respond effectively. Are you prepared to save your life … and the lives of others?
Course Intensity Level
Easy-moderate
Topics Covered
Pump, auto, and tactical shotguns
Shotgun operation and marksmanship
Shotgun gauges
Types and sizes of shotgun ammo
Shotgun chokes
Rapid reloading
Reacting to emergency situations
Non-standard firing positions
Shooting utilizing cover and concealment technique
Packing List
Shotgun
Weapons sling
Bandelier or shot shell holder
200 rounds of shotgun target ammunition
Electronic Hearing Protection (to receive instruction while on the firing line)
Eye Protection (sunglasses or eyeglasses)
Durable pants WITH BELT LOOPS and durable shirts (avoid tank tops or low cut collars)
Sturdy belt/pistol belt
Tourniquet
Food (Our lunch breaks will be short, so bring something that does not require any preparation)
Water and Sports-drink (you will need to be drinking water throughout the day to stay hydrated)
Recommended Items:
Individual First Aid Kit (we highly recommend getting one and learning how to use it)
Sunblock
Insect repellent
Snacks
Multi tool
Weapons cleaning and maintenance equipment
Extra batteries for hearing protection and optic
Rain Jacket, cold weather clothing- the event will go forward regardless of weather
Contact Us
Have a question or looking for private or small-group training? Let us know what you’re wanting and we’ll custom tailor a class that fits your goals, schedule, and experience. Give us your details and we’ll connect with you in no time. We’re eager to hear from you!