Hello, and welcome to Citizens Development Group. My name is John Larsen, the founder and lead trainer here at CDG.

With a passion deeply rooted in both competitive shooting and personal security, my journey has been shaped by a relentless pursuit of excellence in the realms of self-defense and protective training.

My path in this field began as a competitive shooter, where the discipline, precision, and mental fortitude required laid the foundation for my approach to training. This competitive edge has driven me to seek out and absorb knowledge from some of the most respected and skilled professionals in the field.

I’ve had the privilege of receiving training from a variety of elite instructors, including military special operations veterans, SWAT team officers, champion competition shooters, and renowned martial artists. Each of these experiences has contributed a unique perspective to my understanding of personal protection, tactical readiness, and self-improvement.

I am a Range Master certified instructor. I have received over 1500 hours of professional training in combatives, pistol, rifle, shotgun, long range, medical, team and solo CQB. Everything I teach has been pressure tested in Force on Force or competition to validate the techniques.

What sets me apart is my unique ability to bridge the gap between highly specialized training and the practical needs of everyday citizens. I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to protect and provide for themselves and their loved ones in any situation. To this end, I have dedicated myself to distilling and adapting these advanced techniques and strategies into accessible, effective training programs for individuals at all levels of experience.