Stop Punching Paper: My Journey to Holistic Self-Defense with Massad Ayoob Group (Part 1 of 3)

Foreword

Dear Readers,

As I made the finishing touches on this blog series—detailing how my self-defense mindset evolved over years of training with the Massad Ayoob Group—I crossed paths with industry expert Karl Rehn, owner of KR Training. I suspect my immediate sense of connection with Karl has something to do with my being surrounded by three generations of electrical engineers—my father, husband, and son—because he, too, has an engineering background.

When I read Strategies and Standards for Defensive Handgun Training, a book co-authored by Karl Rehn and John Daub, I greatly appreciated Karl’s remarkable ability to distill decades of experience and observations into clear, actionable insights. Even more impressive, those observations resonated deeply with my own journey. In this book, he perfectly captures the very experience I describe throughout my article.

With that in mind, I have two calls to action for you:

1. Consider Massad Ayoob Group training for building holistic self-defense skills and knowledge
   Adding MAG training will provide the in-depth, transformative experience you need to build your self-defense preparedness holistically.
   
   
2. Read Karl Rehn & John Daub’s book Strategies and Standards for Defensive Handgun Training
   Their work offers insightful analysis on firearms training and guidance on how to prioritize your own development.

Thank you for joining me. I hope this series—and these recommendations—prove as impactful for you as they have been for me.

Stop Punching Paper: My Journey to Holistic Self-Defense with Massad Ayoob Group (Part 1 of 3)

I might seem an unlikely candidate to complete 120 hours of the rigorous, highly regarded armed civilian rules of engagement training by Massad Ayoob Group. No law enforcement or military background shaped my past; I am a military spouse who left her IT career to focus on family. Athletics seldom captured my interest, and I skipped team sports and martial arts in my youth. My first experience firing a pistol happened when I married my Navy Captain husband twenty-five years ago, who insisted I learn basic firearms safety. And, I didn’t practice with that pistol again until I reached my 40s.

Each time I took an introductory class, such as pistol basics or my state’s required training to obtain a license to carry, I became more acutely aware of areas I knew nothing about. I left class feeling less confident than when I entered.

“When will I be sufficiently prepared to defend myself and my loved ones?” I pondered this question since the beginning of my self-defense journey.

• Is a two-hour class on situational awareness enough?
• A one-day introductory combatives class?
• The required training for a state’s concealed carry permit?

All of that changed when I began training with the Massad Ayoob Group (MAG). After completing 120 hours of MAG training, my self-defense focus has shifted dramatically—from mere target practice, i.e. hole-punching paper targets, to embracing a truly holistic self-defense mindset.

In this three-part blog series, I’ll share how my mindset and skills evolved through the Massad Ayoob Group’s MAG training. Thanks to a season in life that allowed me to focus on this program, I completed 120 hours of MAG instruction in under three years, an aggressive schedule that would not have been possible when my children were young or my spouse traveled more frequently. However, taking only the initial “MAG20: Armed Citizens’ Rules of Engagement” classroom course provides tremendous benefits, especially for those who might lack a well-rounded approach to personal safety.

Whether you can devote yourself to intensive self-defense training or can only commit to smaller steps, I encourage you to grow a holistic self-defense strategy—one that equips you with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to protect yourself and your family.

MAG40: Build a Solid Foundation

Before I took my first MAG40 class, my self-defense background included basic marksmanship, attending my local ladies’ gun club, and a spark of interest in practical shooting competitions. MAG40, however, was my introduction to the Massad Ayoob Group’s emphasis on armed civilian rules of engagement. The course includes 20 hours of classroom instruction from Mas himself and 20 hours on the range, for a total of 40 hours—hence the name “MAG40.”

With decades of industry-defining publications about firearms and self-defense, I didn’t expect Mas to cover much more information beyond what he had already written. But oh, was I mistaken! Mas imparted much wisdom to his MAG students beyond what he already published.

My Classmates - MAG 20 Range March 2022 San Antonio, TX

My MAG40 took place in the scenic Texas Hill Country, hosted by Eric Lamberson of Sensible Self Defense. Most students came from central Texas, spanning everyone from college students to retirees. The course included friends I knew from local shooting matches and my ladies’ gun club.

Not wanting to be that student (yes, I’m referring to the one who holds up class due to malfunctions or incompetence), I diligently prepared for MAG40 weeks ahead of time. I practiced the MAG qualification at 1x speed, both live fire at my local range and dry fire at home. I read Mas’ books, including Deadly Force and Straight Talk on Armed Defense: What the Experts Want You to Know. To further solidify my foundation, I scheduled private lessons with Eric and attended his self-defense based short-range matches. Eric’s practical short-range matches provide excellent preparation for class because they include stages reflecting real life scenarios and drills incorporating concepts discussed by Mas in MAG curriculum.

I discovered David “Blaze” Blazek’s comprehensive “debriefs” on his Spice-Tac blog, where he posted videos of the qualifications at 1x, 2x, 3x, and 4x speeds. Watching these helped me appreciate the progression of skills required to advance through the MAG program. At my pre-MAG40 skill level, meeting the required par time for the first two strings’ one-handed shots proved particularly challenging. Thoughts of Wayne and Garth on their knees chanting “we’re not worthy” came to mind as I watched my instructors shoot the qualification fast and accurate at 2x, 3x and even 4x speeds. Thankfully, my preparation and hard work paid off. I scored a perfect 300 on the MAG40 qualifier at 1x speed, earning High Lady of our MAG40 class, and I received a crisp dollar bill signed by Mas himself which is a MAG class tradition!

Scored 300 on my MAG40 qualification & High Lady!
Pictured: Massad Ayoob and Nicole Early, MAG 20 Range March 2022 San Antonio, TX

MAG40 broadened my knowledge and made me think about aspects of self-defense situations that I didn’t want to think about. I took copious notes. I gained access to new resources and an entire community of knowledgeable experts through the MAG40 alumni channel.

After my successful completion of MAG40, I spent the next year improving my skills by volunteering as an instructor, building credentials, and entering the world of practical shooting sports competition. However, the more I explored topics presented in my MAG40 class, the deeper my appreciation grew in the nuances of self-defense skills, laws, and decision-making. This realization sent me further into the rhetorical question, “When will I be sufficiently prepared?”

Resources

Take a class! Massad Ayoob Group Upcoming Events

Read Karl Rehn & John Daub’s book Strategies and Standards for Defensive Handgun Training (2023 Update)

MAG training host Eric Lamberson of Sensible Self Defense Academy in San Antonio, TX

Check out Spicetac.com blog with comprehensive MAG class reviews—veteran-owned & MAG-grad backed

About the Author

Nicole Early is the founder and designer of Make Ready Range Wear, a brand reshaping what’s possible in women’s apparel for training, competition, and concealed carry. With industry-first designs and American manufacturing at its core, her line is built to remove the barriers women face when it comes to training—offering apparel that fits right, enhances efficiency, and boosts performance.

She’s an enthusiastic practical shooting sports competitor in IDPA and USPSA, holds multiple instructor certifications, and is a graduate of Massad Ayoob’s MAG 120 program. Nicole is also a military Veteran spouse, mother, and entrepreneur who understands the demands of real life. Her designs reflect that—created for women who want apparel that fits seamlessly into everyday life.