Ignatius Piazza, Front Sight Firearms Training Institute Founder’s Message

Thank you for your interest in Front Sight Firearms Training Institute.

My name is Dr. Ignatius Piazza. You probably have not heard of me. I’m not a competitive shooter. I have not written any gun articles or published any books. I have not served in the military and I do not have any law enforcement experience. In fact, prior to 1988, I was just your average gun enthusiast. Then one evening, a group of anti-socials drove through my quiet neighborhood and blasted away at everything that represented the fruits of a decent work ethic.

During this random, drive-by shooting spree, I was struck by a sudden and frightening realization. Although I owned firearms and shot them regularly at the range, I was never taught the skills required to use a gun when it is needed most — to defend one’s life.

This revelation began my quest for training and ultimately placed me under the tutelage of firearms instructors, who at that time, were the industry’s most recognized experts. After thirteen week-long courses and thousands of hours of practice over a three year period, I held EXPERT certificates in Special Pistol, Shotgun, Carbine, and Rifle courses. As my expertise developed, I aspired to reach others and thus Front Sight Firearms Training Institute was conceived.

I then began a quest to expand my training and develop my vision for Front Sight. My journey led me to examine many teaching techniques and course formats inside and outside of the firearms training industry. As I continued to evolve my plans for the ultimate firearms training institute, I looked for special weapons training and found that for a private citizen such training was almost non-existent. I vowed to someday change that for all the law abiding private citizens who deserve to wield a submachine gun or M16 with confidence and ability that exceeds our military and SWAT community.

I started at the bottom and trained to the top with the best in the world. Now you can too, if you so desire. Front Sight will more than satisfy your expectations or I will pay for your training.You have my personal guarantee.

My continued search for more and more ultra-advanced level training uncovered the ultimate test of gunhandling, speed and marksmanship quietly published in 1981 and only talked about or attempted by those in the highest echelons of firearms training. I was intrigued by the challenge and scope of the test, so I began a six month, daily training regimen in an attempt to prevail over what many have failed and most won’t even attempt — The Four Weapons Combat Master Test.

My routine included dry practicing with the handgun, shotgun, rifle, and submachine gun for three-to-four hours each day, Monday through Friday and then renting a shooting range all day Saturday to practice live-fire drills. When I felt I was ready, I began testing for certification. I failed many times, often just by a few points right at the very end of the test. With each failed attempt, I improved and learned more about what it takes to really train someone to their highest level possible. In the end, perseverance was the key to success and I am proud to inform you that on August 28, 1993, I became the second man in the world to secure a Four Weapons Combat Master certificate.

Armed with the extensive knowledge and experience gained from all the schools I attended and all the world renowned instructors that I trained with, I opened Front Sight Firearms Training Institute with the mission to find and train the warrior in you.

I share this information with you to illuminate Front Sight’s lineage and from it, give evidence of Front Sight’s purpose and dedication. My experience as a student made me astutely aware of what makes a great teaching curriculum and even more important — what makes an exceptional instructor. As a result, Front Sight Firearms Training Institute teaches the most proven, real-world techniques, delivered in the most efficient manner, by the industry’s most select group of firearms trainers without a drill instructor mentality. Law enforcement and military instructors with real life and death tactical experience as well as instructors like myself who know what it is like to start at the bottom and train to the top with the best in the world. Now you can too, if you so desire.

Whether you just purchased your first firearm and need basic training or have handled guns for years and want to train up to the master level, Front Sight has the curriculum, facilities and instructors to bring out the most — and best — in you.

Regardless of what the unenlightened in the world may say, remember this my friend — you are the weapon and your firearm is just a tool. Upon graduation, you will fully understand why Front Sight’s motto is:

Any Gun Will Do — If You Will Do.

Dr. Ignatius Piazza
Front Sight Founder and Director
Four-Weapons Combat Master
Your host of Front Sight Challenge Reality TV Series

P.S. I started Front Sight in April of 1996, on leased facilities near Bakersfield, California, with ten students in a two day defensive handgun course. We now train more students each year than all the other shooting schools in the U.S. combined while we develop the world’s greatest facilities on 550 acres near Las Vegas, Nevada and expand the finest instructional staff in ANY industry. Our growth to date is a result of great word-of-mouth referrals and performing without fail even in the face an unending supply of obstacles and challenges — many of which would have killed a lesser organization — only to become bigger, stronger, and better in our ability to serve your needs with each passing year.

Our Sense of Duty to Serve and Exchange in Abundance business philosophies that rapidly drove us to the top of the firearms training industry and created an environment where all students receive much more than they expect remains the cornerstone of the Front Sight organization.

Whether you choose to start with firearms training; martial arts; rope, rappel, and climb; defensive driving; executive protection; youth achievement; or family safe forever courses you will learn more, learn faster, have more fun, and receive the greatest value at Front Sight Firearms Training Institute. You will return again and again while referring all your family and friends so they too can enjoy what our students fondly refer to as The Front Sight Experience.