ABOUT US
At Northwest Defense Academy, we’re dedicated to making Southern Oregon a safer place through firearm safety education and defensive skills training.
With the help of our experienced instructors, we’ve built a state-of-the-art curriculum different from any in the region. We’re focused on inclusivity, community, and safety. Together, we’re working to create a world where firearms are respected, understood, and used safely and responsibly by all.
WHAT SETS NORTHWEST DEFENSE ACADEMY APART?
DEDICATED
We pride ourselves on being teachers before gunfighters. Our instructors provide a comprehensive and innovative training experience, personalized attention and expert guidance, prioritization of safety and ethical behavior, and commitment to the firearms community in Oregon.
UNPARALLELED
We strive to foster a positive and supportive learning environment that inspires a passion for firearms and promotes responsible gun ownership. To do this, we’ve recruited the best, and we’re making sure that we treat our instructors well, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages instructors to always find new and elevated ways to engage with end-users.
ETHICAL
As active participants in Southern Oregon's firearms community, we strive to ensure each of our end-users develops an understanding of the importance of safety, responsible use, and adherence to laws and regulations governing the possession and use of firearms.
TRAIN WITH NORTHWEST DEFENSE ACADEMY
We only work with instructors skilled in both real-world and classroom defense scenarios. All of our instructors hold certifications from the NRA, Oregon DPSST, Washington CJCT, or the US Armed Forces.
With over 30 years combined experience in public safety, education, and military experience, you can be confident knowing you’re learning only from the best Southern Oregon has to offer.
OPERATING AREAS:
Southern Oregon:
Jackson, Douglas, and Josephine Counties
Ashland
Talent
Phoenix
Medford
Central Point
Eagle Point
White City
Shady Cove
Rogue River
Rogue Valley
Roseburg
Grants Pass
We also offer services outside of these areas. Please don't hesitate to contact us for more information here.
IF YOU’VE GOT QUESTIONS, WE’VE GOT ANSWERS.
OUR INSTRUCTORS
At Northwest Defense Academy, we are teachers first and gun fighters second. We pride ourselves on working with only the most experienced instructors within the defense industry. Each brings a unique and advanced skillset in tactical defense, active shooter response, firearm safety, personal defense, and more.
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OWNER + OPERATOR, LEAD INSTRUCTOR, NWDA
Meet Todd Kirkendol, the owner and lead instructor of Northwest Defense Academy. Originally from Tennessee, Todd has resided in Oregon for over a decade, holding a graduate degree and boasting a diverse professional background, including experience with The National Football League. Besides running NWDA, he is also the executive manager of Northwest Defense Contracting, LLC, a premier private security firm in Oregon. Todd is a certified law enforcement firearms instructor through the National Rifle Association, as well as the Oregon and Washington State police academies. His expertise extends to training officers in the patrol rifle weapon platform, and he plays a vital role in various NWDA courses, from handguns to medical training. With substantial experience in the security industry, particularly in safeguarding VIP clients and providing executive protection services, Todd is committed to empowering individuals with the skills and knowledge needed for self-rescue in emergencies. Regularly enhancing his own combative training and collaborating with other qualified instructors, NWDA ensures the highest quality training available in the Rogue Valley.
Certifications:
National Rifle Association Instructor (Handgun and Rifle)
Oregon DPSST Law Enforcement Instructor
Washington CJTC Law Enforcement Instructor
Sabre® OC Instructor
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INSTRUCTOR, NWDA; CEO, GIRL OF ALL TRADES
Tiffany was born in Southern Oregon and enjoys everything the area has to offer. She obtained her bachelors of nursing with a minor in psychology in 2012. Tiffany has a passion for empowering others and believes that everyone has the duty and the ability to rescue themselves with proper training. She is a certified AVERT (active violence response training) instructor through HSI and is a certified NRA instructor passionate about teaching women’s handgun classes.
Certifications:
B.S. Nursing + Psychology
National Rifle Association Instructor (Handgun)
Certified Oregon DPSST Armed + Unarmed Security Professional
AVIRT Active Shooter Civilian Training
Sabre® OC Instructor
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INSTRUCTOR, NWDA
Susan joins the roster of NWDA instructors bringing with her extensive medical and teaching experience. After earning a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry she went on to obtain a master’s degree in acupuncture and East Asian medicine and doctorate degree in naturopathic medicine. Susan brings to the team over a decade of teaching experience in addition to her medical training. Becoming an instructor with NWDA to improve access to first aid, CPR and AED training in her local community was a priority and when offered the opportunity to become certified in AVIRT to help the community improve their response to the violence present in society today there was no hesitation.
Certifications:
Certified Oregon DPSST Armed + Unarmed Security Professional
DPSST Unarmed Instructor
AVIRT Active Shooter Civilian Training
HSI Certified First Aid/CPR/AED and Wilderness First Aid Instructor
STOP THE BLEED® Instructor
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INSTRUCTOR, NWDA
Meet Zach. Though not born in Oregon, he was raised here and now resides in Southern Oregon with his wife and three children. Zach brings a broad range of real-world experience gained both domestically and abroad.
He spent eight years in the military as an Infantry Team Leader with the Oregon Army National Guard, including deployments to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Freedom Sentinel. During his service, Zach earned the Army Expert Marksmanship Badge for both rifle and pistol and was awarded the German Schutzenschnur Marksmanship Award (Gold), reflecting a high level of proficiency and discipline in weapons handling and marksmanship.
While serving, Zach began his career in the security industry, pursuing every opportunity to expand his skills and experience. His background includes private security, site security, executive protection for VIP clients and their assets, corporate security, and work as a federal security contractor supporting government agencies. Zach later transitioned into a career in law enforcement before accepting a position with NWDEFCON and, subsequently, an instructor role with its parent company, NWDA.
Throughout his career, Zach has continually expanded his professional “toolbelt,” training with certified instructors from across the country. He believes that if you have the capability to make holes, you must also have the ability to plug holes. For that reason, he maintains ongoing training in CPR, first aid, and trauma care.
Zach is committed to helping others become safer, more capable shooters and operators while continually improving his own skills so that at the end of the day, everyone makes it home.
Certifications:
Associate’s degree in Firearms Technology
National Rifle Association Instructor (Handgun)
Certified Oregon DPSST Armed + Unarmed Security Professional
Former Law Enforcement