Steve Johnson

Instructor Level III

• Firearms (Level III)

• Edge Weapon/Blunt Weapon (Level II)

• Empty Hand Combatives (Level II)

Region

• Virginia

Steve Johnson is a founding Lead Instructor with Intuitive Self Protection and also serves as it’s Chief Operations Officer. He is a Military Small Arms Expert with over a decade of Active Duty Military experience serving mainly in the Intelligence field. He has trained under top instructors in both the Martial Arts/Combatives and Firearms training industries and is an instructor with NLB Tactical.  He is an avid competitive shooter and is a certified M4/AR-15 Armorer. 

Steve teaches real-world proven fundamentals and tactics that will keep you alive.  He has coached countless ‘gun shy’ students on how to not only safely handle a firearm but how to be highly effective with it, all while helping them to get over their fear and enjoy the experience. His specialty is building confidence in new and inexperienced shooters, to advance past their perceived limitations, and enabling them to become truly empowered. 

Steve lives a life of growth, learning and exploration. He regularly steps outside of his comfort zone to become “comfortable being uncomfortable.” Steve will help you to transform from bystander to responder, by enabling you to act when the worst happens.  He will help you to understand that the items that you carry on your belt are merely tools; you are the weapon.

Dan Spagone

Instructor Level III

• Firearms (Level III)

• Edge Weapon/Blunt Weapon (Level III)

• Empty Hand Combatives (Level III)

Region

• North Carolina

Dan Spagone graduated from Salem High School in Virginia Beach, VA where he was actively involved with the NJROTC as well as two junior rifle teams, and a junior pistol team. Upon graduation, Dan attended Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont as a cadet in the Corps of Cadets while under contract with the United States Marine Corps.  While studying Mechanical Engineering, Dan was a shooter on the Division 1 small bore/air rifle team, and actively participated in small arms tactical team training, and a martial arts program.  He also attended the USMC Officer Candidate School graduating in 2006.  

Dan joined the NLB Tactical Team in 2015, quickly becoming a valued instructor that has worked on multiple contracts with civilians, law enforcement, and Special Operations Military Units.  More recently Dan has joined the ISP team bringing with him specialties in both firearms and combatives. He is a well rounded instructor capable of providing solid instruction to a variety of skill levels.

Jared Grant

Instructor Level III

• Firearms (Level III)

• Edge Weapon/Blunt Weapon (Level II)

• Empty Hand Combatives (Level II)

Region

• North Carolina

Jared has been serving on active duty for the past 11 years and is currently in Army Special Operations. His 6x combat deployments include Afghanistan, Iraq/Syria and AFRICOM. He is an avid hunter and competitive shooter, and has trained with the ISP/NLB team on multiple occasions to share his experiences and build his own skills for the everyday mindset.

Jared has an incredible bedside manner but is able to convey the realities of combat in a way that is palatable to the everyday person. He is a leader both on and off the battlefield and has the knowledge and experience to turn you into the protector you need to be.

Troy Vano

Instructor Level III

• Firearms (Level III)

• Edge Weapon/Blunt Weapon (Level I)

• Empty Hand Combatives (Level I)

Region

• Virginia

Troy Vanoostendorp is a Lead Instructor with Intuitive Self Protection. He is a full time SWAT operator for a local police department. He teaches a myriad of topics in Law Enforcement including; CQC (Close Quarters Combat), Precision Rifle, Active Shooter, Basic and Advanced firearms and TCCC (Tactical Casualty Combat Care) to name a few. He has served active duty military and currently serves in the Army National Guard with multiple combat deployments.

He is also an instructor with NLB Tactical. Troy is extremely passionate about teaching and finds a way to relate to all types of students. Troy loves his family and wants to protect them and teach others how to protect themselves and others. He teaches his students that their mind is their weapon and all training starts with a proper mindset.

David Reinah

Instructor Level I

• Firearms (Level 1)

• Edge Weapon/Blunt Weapon (Level III)

• Empty Hand Combatives (Level III)

Region

• New Rochelle, New York

Although the origin of the expression “'Speak softly and carry a big stick” has never been officially determined, David is a firm believer in the meaning behind the words – Apply the tactics of caution and non- aggression, backed up by the ability to carry out violent action if required. Never the aggressor, and a firm believer in diplomacy first, he handles himself in many ways similar to the fabled Clark Kent.

Crowd safety, staff safety, and facility safety are all important in managing these encounters. Working in teams is preferred in almost every situation, but second to that is the ability to communicate effectively when situations are less than ideal at any given moment.These non-violent skills are supplemented by his knowledge and continued training in several martial arts systems including Jeet Kun Do, Savate, Muy Thai and Wing Chun. David believes that continued learning is the key to advancing as a practitioner and instructor. 

Adding to his skills as a practitioner, David worked hard to advance to the role of instructor in the self defense system called Krav Maga. His experience includes tactical / scenario, workplace violence, anti-abduction and active shooter training. The culmination of all his efforts has most recently led David to become a certified edged weapons instructor for NLB Tactical. His experience with NLB made David realize that the rules involved in the gym or the ring are a far cry from what many experience at home or at work, driving or at places of worship whether alone or with friends and family.

Cheryl Molinet

Instructor Level I

• Firearms (Level I)

• Instructor Pipeline Couch

Region

• Virginia

Cheryl is a proud Veteran of the United States Navy. Her interest in weapons began during her 1st tour of duty. After being introduced to the M1 Carbine and a match grade .45 caliber pistol, she quickly realized that her calm demeanor and methodical style led to her success with precision when it comes to hitting the bullseye.

Three years ago, there was an awakening of the lioness within her when she stepped foot into the local gun range. Cheryl is now on a mission to hone her skills as a marksman and to pass on what she has learned. She has trained with some of the top firearms instructors in the industry and regularly practices in a variety of challenging settings to continue pushing her skillset.

Cheryl believes that a life worth living is filled with learning as much as possible about the things that spark passion. This same passion has led Cheryl to train, teach, and coach others about marksmanship. She is gifted when it comes to helping others advance their skills. Her experience with weapons has been empowering, and she wants others to have that opportunity if desired.

Duaine Zanini

Instructor Level I

• Edge Weapon/Blunt Weapon (Level III)

• Empty Hand Combatives (Level III)

Region

• Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania

Growing up in rough neighborhoods, Duaine had plenty of opportunities to see first hand the effects of crime and violence. As a means of self preservation, Duaine started his martial journey in 1986.

 Since then, he has studied the arts of Goju Ryu, Kali, MMA, Krav Maga, and various other forms of combatives. As an former bouncer and repo man, Duaine has had numerous occasions to utilize both hard skills, and de-escalation techniques to achieve positive outcomes.

 Duaine has had the opportunity to study from world class instructors such as Paul Vunak, Rory Miller, Marc MacYoung, Jeremy Horn, and Hank Hayes to name just a few.

Bryan Preston

Instructor Level I

• Edge Weapon/Blunt Weapon (Level II)

• Empty Hand Combatives (Level III)

Region

• Marlton, New Jersey

We are proud to have Bryan Preston on the ISP team in addition to being an area lead with Intuitive Self Protection. He is the Head Instructor/Owner of Martial Arts Fitness Center in Marlton, NJ. Martial Arts Fitness Center focuses on training and teaching martial arts, fitness and nutrition to children and adults of all ages since 2007. Prior to opening Martial Arts Fitness Center, Bryan was a Head Instruction at one of the largest martial arts schools in the country in Medford, NJ. 

With Over 25 years of martial arts training and teaching, Bryan holds a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. 

Bryan also has training in Krav Maga, Kali, modern boxing as well as other martial arts. Since 2016 Bryan has been the hand to hand tactics instructor for Ghost Ring Tactical in New Mexico. Bryan teaches hand to hand tactics to civilians, law enforcement, active duty and retired military. 

Bryan has worked directly with law enforcement personnel, instructing defensive tactics to help improve law enforcement tactics and personal defense systems. In 2012 Bryan received a Citizen Citation Award for working with law enforcement personnel. Bryan is also a Physical Therapist Assistant in Medford, NJ working with athletes, adults, children and the elderly with a wide range of orthopedic conditions. Bryan held numerous certifications in fitness, nutrition and more. 

Wayne Branch

Apprentice Instructor I

• Firearms (Apprentice I)

• Edge Weapon/Blunt Weapon (Apprentice I)

• Empty Hand Combatives (Apprentice I)

Region

• Virginia

Wayne Branch is a retired Deputy Fire Chief with DC Fire & EMS Department. Additionally Wayne is Black Belt in Tang Soo Do and was the Head Instructor for Eagle Claw Karate and Self Defense. Wayne has over thirty years of martial arts experience. 

In 2018 after bi-lateral knee replacement Wayne became an avid firearms enthusiast. 

Wayne loves teaching and helping others grow and build confidence.

Geoff Cielo

Apprentice Instructor I

• Firearms (Apprentice I)

• Edge Weapon/Blunt Weapon (Level II)

• Empty Hand Combatives (Level II)

Region

• Virginia

My name is Geoffrey A. Cielo and I am qualified as an Apprentice Level Instructor with the Headquarters of Intuitive Self Protection in Virginia Beach, VA. I served in the U.S. Navy after graduating the U.S. Naval Academy where I trained in firearms handling and tested out of the Academy’s martial arts’ program. In the Navy I qualified as a Shipboard Self Defense Officer (glorified point man) and Assault Landing Craft Officer (guy that gets shot at after the Marines are dropped off).  After serving, I decided to pursue my passion of teaching martial arts professionally (28 years). Competitive shooting stoked yet another passion … firearms handling. To expand my knowledge with weapons handling and tactics, I have decided to become a STUDENT and learn under the BEST. Hank and the team at ISP.

After taking ISP’s Level 1 online course and live course I was hooked. I’ve taken several classes (I even had my conceal carry license and a member of the USCCA), but none of them covered the material in the depth and breath that their course covers. They take a beginner from being scared of the weapon to confidently clearing weapon malfunctions and learning to draw the weapon from the holster. 

So what better way to learn what I need than to teach it. I have always lived by the mantra, “If I can teach a concept to someone else in 24 to 48 hours from learning the material, I’ll truly know  it.” I have taught all levels (beginners to black belts) and ages (3-74) in martial arts (even taught at the college level). So, teaching firearms handling will be just another expression of communicating skills to a newcomer.  My hope is to impart the confidence with the weapon that the team has imparted on me and of course to meet some cool people along the way.

I’ve always heard this “slow is smooth and smooth is fast.” But, it never registered.  With the training at ISP it is all becoming clearer. Personally, when I grow up, I want to shoot as fast (and accurately) as these guys. As an instructor, I’d like to empower each student with the confidence that they have the correct attitude and skills to defend themselves and their family should they need to use deadly force.

Julius Hayes

Apprentice Instructor I

• Firearms (Apprentice I)

Region

• Virginia

Julius Hayes is a recent graduate from Kempsville High school and Tidewater community college. He is a Posse Scholar with a full-tuition scholarship to William and Mary and plans to study business analytics in the future. 

He is trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, and Boxing. By taking many Intuitive Self Protection courses with his father, Julius Hayes Sr., he is also trained in pistol, carbines, and edged weapons defense.

Julius believes that teaching makes perfect. He wants to improve his skills of communication and shooting by way of teaching others to protect themselves and the ones they love.

JR Jimenez

Apprentice Instructor I

• Firearms (Apprentice I)

Region

• Virginia

JR is originally from the inner cities of northern New Jersey. He grew up in a very rough and tough area, which in his opinion was an advantage because it taught him how to be hyper aware of his surroundings and how to properly identify threats. Growing up in a single parent home, his mother taught him at an early age not to be a victim and to never give up. His mother continues to be a source of inspiration in his life as she is herself a bad ass having completed 2 Half Iron Mans and enumerable mud races all in her retirement years.  

While growing up JR was exposed to firearms and often in a very unsafe manner. This exposure helped to build his curiosity, but he always knew he needed to respect the gun and learn its ways. This is what lead him to train in a variety of disciplines all around the Country. He has done everything from civilian SERE training out in Arkansas to Bush Craft out in the sticks in western New Jersey to SEAL BUD/s Prep training in Chesapeake, VA along with a laundry list of firearm training related to safety and marksmanship. He has even tried his hand in the competitive shooting arena.

All of this training and experience has lead JR to pursue his life goal of owning his own business in the firearm industry. He is the proud owner of iSHOOTFIREARMS, a thriving firearms and accessories retailer located in Virginia Beach, VA. JR brings a very diverse set of skills to the table and is a lifelong student of any endeavor he pursues.

Will Mason

Apprentice Instructor I

• Firearms (Apprentice I)

Region

• Virginia

Being introduced to martial arts at a young age, Will has developed a lifelong passion for self-defense. He trained in Shito-Ryu (Traditional Japanese Karate) for the better part of his childhood, all the while, aspiring to be the best ninja turtle he could be. Serving 8 years in the US Army, further fueled his devotion to firearms training and combat medicine. It is his firm belief that gunfighting and self-defense is a skill everyone who is capable, should learn.

As an Army Respiratory Therapist, working in a Combat Support Hospital, he learned tactical soldiering skills and advanced medical skills. He is certified in, and a provider of, Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and the Neonatal Resuscitation Program. Working in a Level 1 Trauma Center and Level 4 Neonatal/ Pediatric ICU has honed his ability to respond and critically think through life threatening scenarios. Over his career, he has worked at large Medical Teaching Hospitals, such as Brooke Army Medical Center and the Medical College of Virginia (VCU), where he discovered his love for teaching.

Will has a desire for educating and empowering others with lifesaving knowledge! Whether that be teaching a patient how to manage their chronic disease or teaching someone how to protect themselves and their families when seconds matter and lives are on the line.

Autumn Mason

Apprentice Instructor I

• Firearms (Apprentice I)

Region

• Virginia

Autumn’s passion for self-defense stems from the understanding that to protect her family, she is the first and final stand for their safety and security. Because she understands this so deeply, she has sought out the training needed to build her knowledge and amplify her skills and confidence to better protect herself and her family.

As a seasoned mother to three boys there comes an instinct of protection for your young.  She lives the true definition of a mama bear and strives to protect her children and herself at any cost! In addition to being a full-time mother, she has lived the life of an Army wife, aiding her husband and family while he performed his duties of service for our country. Saying she is acquainted with high stress level situations is an understatement.

Through her training, Autumn realized that strength comes from unity, and there is no better unit than family. Her love for knowledge and teaching shines through, especially when preparing and teaching lessons to her children as well as students. Her desire is to bring these skills to the training deck and hopes to expand your mindset, build your proficiency, and develop the confidence and skills to enable you to handle any situation life throws at you.

Hugo Correa

Apprentice Instructor I

• Firearms (Apprentice I)

Region

• Virginia

Hugo Correa was born in Mexico and raised in Puerto Rico. He is first generation military having served in the U.S. Coast Guard as a Spanish translator, Law Enforcement Boarding team member, and Non-compliant Vessel pursuit.

After attending Intuitive Self Protection training with his wife and realizing how life changing, empowering, confidence boosting, and powerful it is, he decided to join Team ISP. Striving for perfection and helping others achieve their true potential is part of his passion in life. Hugo wanted a piece of the action, thus enrolling in the Apprentice instructor program.

Hugo is bilingual in both English and Spanish.

Angel Santiago

Apprentice Instructor I

• Firearms (Apprentice I)

Region

• Virginia

Angel Santiago is a United States Air Force veteran where he served in the intelligence community conducting missions against Drug Trafficking Organizations (DTOs) and terrorist cells. He has spent his entire life as a grappler and is an avid Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner.

A problem-solver at heart, Angel has started multiple businesses ranging from consulting to launching a mentorship app but he felt something was missing after leaving the military. This is what led him to ISP. Finding a new craft to master has driven Angel to train relentlessly and find a new outlet. 

Angel has a passion for mastery. His goal is to be the best he can be at everything he does, adopting the phrase “drillers make killers” into his training philosophy. Carrying this into being an instructor, Angel is on a mission to help others hone their skills and become more confident in everything they do. 

Angel is bilingual in both English and Spanish.