American Defense Enterprises

(21 reviews)

0.8 mi

Ken and his team has never let me down. Relevant training and his crew is truly dedicated. Get…read morearmed and get trained!

What can I say, Forward Assist Training is fun with friendly staff. Thanks to Ken Takahashi for the…read moreevent and we're looking forward to the next training.

ARC group photo 03/15/2025

Chris G.

See all

Chris G.

LA Progressive Shooters

(12 reviews)

Tom is great. My partner and I were nervous about going. I'm trans and not exactly passing, and we…read moreboth have anxiety about guns. I admit that I went in "in stealth", not appearing trans because you never know what you're walking into but it was a good group and afterwards, I felt like I could have come as my authentic self and not had any problems. The training was good and easy to follow. The videos ahead of time were really helpful and they explained everything thoroughly.

I have taken two classes with Tom and his team…read more Whatever your reasons to pursue firearm training, their thoroughness should be applauded. Their patience with new shooters is much appreciated. Frank discussions of safety, breakdowns of weapons, ample firing opportunities with a wide variety of pistol choices, direct hands-on training and improvement. Even in group settings individual attention is generous. Yes it's a hike to get out to Azusa, but there is solid safety reasoning for that choice. Deal with it! I can see moving up to their more advanced training sessions soon.

See all

Defensive Shooting Academy California

(1 review)

Andrew Is a Great Teacher. His Work Book was great. Mary & I had a Great time. Trainers have been…read moreexcellent working with the Students. I like how they did excellent job running the Shooting Range. Very Safe and Professional.

From the owner: The goal of Defensive Shooting Academy California is to give you the knowledge, skills and attitude…read morefor owning and operating a firearm safely.We teach the Fundamentals of Marksmanship, Safety, and Team Building. We are all NRA Certified Instructors.

NRA Women On Target class

See all

Teaching Women On Target

The Academy of Saint Crispian

(62 reviews)

Stan is a great instructor, and I would whole heartedly recommend him to anyone who wants to learn…read morehow to use firearms in a more dynamic manner, whether for sport (e.g. ISPC / IDPA) or for defense. I took 4 days of private training (1-on-1) with Stan, and it was easily the most enjoyable course (of any type) that I've taken in recent years! Before this course, I had done a fair bit of target shooting both with pistols and rifles, but was getting bored of the repetitive nature of that static type of shooting. Since I was passing through LA and had a couple of days of downtime on my hands, I looked around for a tactical shooting course to learn how to use firearms in a more dynamic manner. I explored a fair few different options, but found many either too "commercial" (with large classes, and low instructor to student ratios), or too elite (i.e. too expensive, and also inflexible). Stan has been a pleasure to work with, both in terms of setting up and arranging the training, and also throughout the 4 days of training itself. Stan is able to clearly distill down the core fundamentals of tactical shooting, and communicated them in an easy to understand manner. Throughout the practical aspects of the course, Stan gave clear demonstrations of each of the drills, and then ran the drills with me until he was satisfied that I had fully absorbed the lesson before moving onto the next drill. Where I struggled with certain drills, he was also able to give me me timely and effective tips and tricks that resolved the challenges. Within 4 days (about 5-6 hours training per day), Stan helped me move from someone who could only really do slow fire target style shooting to being comfortable with manipulating both pistols and rifles in rapid (for me) fashion. On top of the excellent instruction, Stan is also a very friendly and patient instructor. I'll certainly be back - I can't wait!

Preface to my review, I am a liberal and I voted for Obama. Not just that, I actually donated quite…read morea bit to Obama and Feinstein (also Stephen Colbert but that was more for sh*ts and giggles). So when a lot of my more conservative friends found out I owned a gun, they become confused? Why do you need a gun? The answer I always give is that gun's serve a very specific tool, and only fools would go into this world not using every tool and leverage that was offered upon them. It would in my mind equate to going to a steak house and attempting to eat steak without a knife. That was a horrible analogy. I apologize. Regardless, a few years back someone broke through my front door into my home while I was in bed, in my boxers. Took the cops 15 minutes to arrive, and that day I realized I was without the correct tools. So I bought a gun. A gun is useless unless you practice with it so you know how to use it safely and accurately. Going to the gun range, I learned how to use my tools safely and accurately, or so I thought. I decided I need to take some real training, and that is when I found Stan, and The Academy of Saint Crispian. Stan is a certified NRA instructor, ex-cop, and ex-Marine. He is well qualified to teach, and his prices are good. At $75 dollars a class (discounts if you take more) it actually is quite affordable. The classes I have taken: - Pistol 101 - Rifle 101/202 - Shotgun 101/202 - Surefire Night Course I'm not going to give you a blow by blow on what he teaches, you can dig online and find plenty of postings on what occurs during these courses. What I will write are some observations and tips. Tips: 1. The 202 series are honestly over kill if you just want familiarity with your weapons and home defense. The 202 series covers a lot of more advanced techniques that really benefit if you have a partner, and a lot of the concepts are more on how to use the skills you learned in 101, rather than gaining the skills. While amazingly fun, if you don't plan on assaulting a force and laying down covering fire correctly, these classes may not be for you. 2. On the other hand if you really want to experience how to properly engage a target with a fire team (movement without fire is BAD) and want to have a BLAST then take 202. 3. 101 is suppose to be for beginners, but if you aren't 100% comfortable with your gun and gear then you may find the pace much too fast. My girlfriend was honestly floored by the pace of the classes. This was Pistol 101. 4. On the other hand, what I have begun to notice is not all of Stan's classes are always full. In fact if you call him sometimes you might be able to attend a class with just 1 or 2 people. That is basically one on one training. Killer deal. If you really want to improve this is the way to go (Sorry Stan if you read this). 5. If you don't have the correct gun or gear, that is fine. Stan has tons of guns and boy are they nice. He rents the equipment cheap. 6. Not all guns are the same. One of the most important thing I've learned taking Stan's classes are how important your gear really is. While you may PIMP your gun out, after firing 500 rounds through it will really show you what works, and what doesn't. How stupid (and dead) will you feel if you actually need to use your firearm and it doesn't work... 7. Want to learn target shooting? Want to be able to hit a bulls eye at 100 meters with your rifle! Wrong class! Try Appleseed. You won't be target shooting at any of these classes. While hitting your target is important, emphasis is more being effective on shot placement than accuracy. 8. Don't have a red dot? Shotgun isn't super fancy? Doesn't matter. Getting training from Stan will make you 100% better than all your friends that only go shoot at the range or on BLM land. After taking the course you will have literally done hundreds of mag changes, cleared untold amount of jams, and learn the in's and out's of your weapon to the point where you do feel comfortable and fluid. 9. Wear the right gear. Some gear is appropriate, not everything is necessary. I would say for the 101 series go light as possible. Whatever you feel comfortable going from standing to kneeling, and moving. You don't need a crazy vest to hold a billion magazines, and just realize that all that gear you wear will start to get heavier and heavier and heavier as the day goes by. 10. The night class is probably the one that really opened my eyes the most (funny cuz it was at night and I couldn't see crap). The skills I learned that night regarding light and how God forsaken scary when things go bump at the night really reinforced in my mind a lot of things.. I could keep writing these, but I know I probably lost 99% of the readers awhile back... so with that being said here is my take away: Before I took 101 I wasn't 100% sure about training, but after 101 my eyes have been opened, and I've gone back to take more.

Urban training @ Camp Pendleton 2011

The Saint Crispian Continuum Main Logo

See all

SULE Fall/Winter 2013: Close combat and me getting some hits on the students.

Defensive Situational Awareness

(9 reviews)

I successfully completed the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting Level 1 course with Tola Defensive…read moreSolutions' instructor Todd Larato. It was a pretty intense experience. My fellow classmates were an ex-sniper for SWAT and a gun enthusiast who takes 3 classes per month and has groupings that would fit within a silver dollar. I was overwhelmingly "outgunned," pun intended. I have no idea why these guys are taking a basic class, but I'm always up for a challenge! The upside is during the course of the day my confidence and skills markedly improved, in my mind in any case. For context, I've never shot using a pistol holster before, and my hallmark of marksmanship thus far was a Rifle Shooting Merit Badge from the Boy Scouts of America. Hot Shot Eagle Scout, swallow your pride once you completely miss the paper target! There was a steep learning curve with a myriad of skills including holstering, multiple targets, changing magazines to time, situational awareness, moving and shooting, I could go on and on. It was a packed day and a lesson in stamina too. I had issues with mashing the trigger, supposedly common with beginners. Todd was patient throughout, despite me holding the class back (repeat: ex-SWAT sniper!) Todd's instruction was thorough, precise and firm, which produced results. You don't want a laid back surfer dude "whatevering" you through life-and-death self-defense scenarios! Todd gave me insightful pointers and homework to review as I've taken my first step of a thousand mile journey. The course made me realize how little I knew about properly handling a pistol, in addition to the majority of civilians who own pistols. The class was priced reasonably to the point that it should be affordable for most people. All new gun owners should be required to undergo this course. Proper training is crucial for your own safety and the safety of others. Lasly, make sure to bring plenty of water, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, proper boots, and electronic earmuffs. You'll need approximately 300-350 rounds of ammo, which I purchased at Walmart.

Todd was a very knowledgeabale coach and was an awesome instructor. Had an awesome basic pistol…read morecourse this past weekend. I highly recommend him.

See all

5 Arrows Tactical Training

(22 reviews)

9.1 mi

I lost my cousin due to gun violence, so at very young age Guns had left a very negative…read moreimpression on me. In my adulthood, I respected them; but wasn't quite sure I ever wanted to touch one. Sadly, the reality is the world we live in now is a dog eat dog world. - I want to be able to protect myself sufficiently and confidently. Showing up to Gun class in the middle of no where with no prior gun experience with no cell service and alone, sounds like the perfect Saturday! Hahaha - And it was. Thankfully Darren and his two guys, were fabulous instructors! Good energy and lots of knowledge, not to mention super helpful and will lend a helping hand gladly to help build your confidence holding a gun... loading your gun or magazine. These guys give good instruction, than it's up to you to practice them right, inevitably; because Perfect practice makes for PERFECT. Thanks so much gentlemen, I will be returning to sharpen the skills I was shown today and break in my SIG P220 and Smith & Wesson Shield.

I took my first firearm training class with Darren at 5 Arrows.. ....prior to this I've had zero…read moreexperience with firearms....I am so pleased with the way Darren taught me everything from the safe handling and cleaning to actually firing a pistol accurately. I highly endorse 5 Arrows Tactical for your firearm training needs.

See all

London Fresh

10-4 Tactical

(24 reviews)

8.3 mi

Great service with great experience, very friendly to Amateur, Duke is very patient and…read moreprofessional.

Had to leave a review for this shooting school and my instructor! The coach was super thorough and…read morepatient--explained every step clearly, and you could really tell he knew his stuff. The best part was how he helped me connect with the firearm almost instantly, which took away a lot of the nervousness. I only took one lesson, but the progress was real. Went from knowing nothing to handling the basics with way more confidence. Highly recommend for beginners!

Target practice

Picture with coach Duke

See all

Burro Canyon Shooting Park

4.0

(595 reviews)

1.6 mi

Great gun range! Range Master is friendly if you are not…read moreendangering anyone. This place has family vibes at times :-)

It was okay. I would say I did notice some of the staff pretty rude with other customers…read more I was there for a training exercise so I'm glad I didn't really deal with their staff. I would say shoot somewhere else if possible.

Shooting M&P15 with vortex scope and bi-pod

See all

My Own Defender

(60 reviews)

10.3 mi

Fabio has a talent for breaking down complex skills into simple, effective steps that produce real…read moreresults. The following weekend I did a little indoor action and placed 2nd on 2 stages. Thanks #NJSharpshooters #weareNewJersey

I walked away with a blueprint to become a better shooter…read more This was my second class with Fabio, and I'll definitely be back for more in the future. Pistol Dominance 2-Day was an incredible experience -- really putting into practice the 9 things to becoming a better shooter. What truly sets Fabio apart from other instructors is his ability to teach. He explains concepts in a way that's clear, easy to understand, and then reinforces them with drills and immediate feedback so you can make corrections on the spot. Highly recommend MyOwnDefender to anyone serious about improving.

Just finished Defensive Handgun Skill Builder! MOD is the best!

Fabio critiquing the most recent set.

See all

El Encanto Trail Hike

4.8

(9 reviews)

6.0 mi

Definitely a 4.25 star trail. From a 5 mile to a 10 mile long trail - for walks, jogs runs bikes,…read moreskating- etc for individuals to groups ... and family outings... the scenic views are gorgeous...inspiring. from low to higher elevation, the trails are clean and encouraging. The river flows can be heard and seen. As the trail advances up north, less and less people and homes can be seen or heard...Just nature... as a runner, I was drawn to the beauty of the sounds and scenery. Along the way, wooden gateways lined the trails, rest stops along the way and up to the turn around point. Only thing missing is restrooms but I can see why. Have fun enjoy. Parking can be done at the wilderness point ...Last stop by north or park along the roadway , along the housing track.

Easy hike, lots of entry points to River. The family and I had a great time. I'd recommend wearing…read morebug spray and bringing water shoes if you plan to take a dip. It was quite dirty with people leaving trash everywhere (so sad)! A few of us plan to return and clean it (we didn't have the time or supplies to do a deep cleaning of the place yesterday). I will say that the only thing that was strange was toward the end of the day (approx 5pm), there were two elderly ladies walking. One of them had long curly gray/white hair with the most creepiest looking face (best described as a corpse with yellowish eyes). The family (and kids) who seen her all got very creeped out. It didn't look like they were going to film anything. Anyone else ever see her???

River swing

See all

Azusa River Wilderness Park

4.3

(29 reviews)

6.1 mi

This is the bottom of the trail, had a lot of fun hiking near "the bridge to nowhere"read more

Update this is for the west Azusa river not the east Azuza river. Attached is a photo of the east…read moreAzusa river

Peaceful scenery at the end of trail

See all

Fitness 19

4.3

(460 reviews)

10.5 mi

Certified professionals

Locally owned & operated

I have had a few trainers at Fitness 19 and currently have George Lopez and he's probably the best…read moretrainer I've had. Very patient in explaining the proper form. It takes me ever to catch on so he shows a lot of patients. Excellent personality also.

My friend brought me in as a guest this week, and unfortunately, my experience with the blonde…read morereceptionist at the front desk was very disappointing. From the moment we approached her, her attitude was rude, cold, and unwelcoming. As my friend and I were walking toward the equipment, my friend asked if I could take a tour of the gym, and she simply responded, "Okay," with no friendliness or customer service. Later, when my friend was trying to help me get a 30-day pass, she asked how I had gotten inside. Keep in mind, there was no one at the front desk when we entered, so there wasn't even an opportunity to check in. Throughout the entire interaction, her attitude remained snobby and dismissive, and there was absolutely no reason for it. What really stood out was watching her interact with men who walked into the gym afterward. Her demeanor completely changed--she smiled, greeted them warmly, and spoke to them in a much friendlier tone. It was obvious that the level of customer service she gave them was very different from how she treated me. She also had me waiting on the couch even though the manager wasn't helping anyone at the time. My friend and I asked the manager about her behavior, and he agreed there was no reason for it and said he would speak with her. No guest should be made to feel unwelcome the moment they walk through the door. A receptionist sets the tone for the entire gym experience, and everyone deserves to be treated with the same respect, professionalism, and courtesy.

See all

Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area

3.7

(246 reviews)

10.5 mi

It's a huge lake park located in Irwindale, and its facilities including picnic tables and bike…read moretrails, which offers affordable family activities and scenic mountain views. However, the park is often crowded, and lack of maintenance, for instance, restroom was in bad condition. They charge a vehicle entrance fee of $15 per car, and from my experience you'd better prepare with cash as the reception there is bad, and their mobile card readers are often slow or not working.

As of October 2025, the price of admission has increased to $15. At least it was for the weekend of…read morethe annual dragon boat festival. Many cars were lined up before the recreation area opened for the day, so it took a while to find parking. Many teams found their patch of grass to pitch up tents for the better half of the day, while it seems those who weren't part of the festival were partitioned off. From around 7am to 4pm, a lively environment of DJs and live music, jersey vendors, drumming competitions, costume contests, and even Zumba, a nice mix of distractions between all the waiting between heats. The park's maintenance team were on hand cleaning the restrooms, emptying trash cans, and driving to and from whenever they were needed. Some of the dragon boat teams and vendors also drove into the booth areas which made it kinda dangerous with so many people. There was even a close call of an infant almost getting run over. In terms of dragon boat, participating in 250m sprints was a positive experience. Much different sense of urgency compared to the usual 500m.

Heart shaped cactus on the trails in the flood control basin!

Beautiful migratory Lesser Scaups! I love the flash of deep purple on their heads! (February 2024)

See all

Cactus Wren - another lifer on my hike!!

Valleydale Park

4.1

(8 reviews)

9.7 mi

Great park overall for people of all ages. This park is one of the few parks where they have sand…read moreand 2 great playgrounds for toddlers and older kids (2-7). Also, they have a lot of fun activities in the evening hosted by the city, like Friday movie nights! If you want to get the kids out and enjoy themselves, this is the park to do it.

My favorite day to day park that I've been to. Great for people of all ages. 2 different…read moreplaygrounds for kids. Big field to play. Basketball court. And in the summer there is a water place in the park that sprays water that is so fun to play in. These are few of the reasons Valleydale Park is a great park

First glance

Water play area

See all

Camp Adventurewood

Locally owned & operated

My son attended his first season at Camp Adventurewood in 2023 - it was his first experience at a…read moresummer camp and he was a little nervous and shy but all his counselors made him feel so welcome and comfortable and after the first day he was hooked! He loved the variety of activities and made so many new friends. He came home with fun stories each day. I loved that they offered a variety of options from 2 days/week to 5 days. We returned last summer and an unexpected and sudden medical event threw our summer for a loop. They were beyond kind and accommodating. Michael, the owner, personally made sure we were taken care of at a very scary time and was just incredibly kind and communicative. I can't thank him and his staff enough for the support. I would recommend this camp for any family. Its like a classic, old-school summer day camp experience!

My son attended Adventurewood camp for the first time this week. For the most part he enjoyed…read morehimself -- particularly the characters they introduce throughout the week. However, we decided to pull him out for next week because of a very disturbing situation. He shared that a counselor had pushed him with both hands on his shoulders during a capture the flag activity. He had dropped his flag and was putting it back on when a counselor (he didn't know her name) pushed him back hard enough to make him lose his balance and fall. She also barked "you need to reset!" She didn't ask if he was ok or help him up. You'd think if this was an accidental push and he fell over she would say something like "sorry bud are you ok? Here let me help you up" but nope, not a word. A friend he's attending camp with witnessed the whole incident. Since I pick them both up in the afternoons they both recounted this situation to me and both of them noted how inappropriate her behavior was. I immediately reached out to Michael, the owner of the camp. He said he wanted to identify this counselor and get her side of the story. Understandable. My son felt uncomfortable going back the next day but I reassured him it would be handled and offered to drop him off in the morning and stick around to talk to Michael and the counselor. I wanted him to feel safe. Michael identified her (her name is Carson) and said he wanted to talk to her first, which he did a few feet away from me. I heard her say she didn't push him. They then walked over to me and she again denied everything. So we asked both kids to come over and recount what happened. They both did -- in front of her -- and reiterated she pushed him. She denied even touching him. So Michael suggests at this point that perhaps it was an accident and my son responds by saying "how do you push someone like that by accident?!" No response. So I ask her, are you saying these kids are lying? She again said she didn't touch him and at this point we send the kids away. I'm incensed because not only does she gaslight both of them to their face but tells this bold faced lie to her boss in front of the campers and me. I tell her I believe them and I think she's the one lying. At this point she gives me this dirty look - angry, irritated and almost rolls her eyes at me. I turn to Michael and say "and now she's giving ME an attitude?!" Unbelievable. In a follow up call, he tells me how good of a person she is and that this is shocking for him to hear but that she doesn't seem like someone who would do something like this...that she's getting her teacher credentials and he knows her really well. I am getting the vibe he doesn't actually believe any of this and he sounds very skeptical. I respond by telling him that it's almost always surprising when people exhibit bad behavior and that even teachers do bad things...that doesn't make her any more credible in my eyes. He acknowledged that. In fact, it's worse because I would be really concerned to have someone like that teaching a kid. Lack of empathy, accountability, and integrity. I mean, I think it's great he's trying to have her back but there are moments in life when you need to draw a line and act swiftly...these are one of those moments. Because ultimately, this impacts the reputation of your camp. I told him that it would be good to offer training to his staff in case this ever happens again in the future and honestly he sounded baffled and asked me to clarify...I said well maybe tell your staff not to give dirty looks to a mom who's clearly upset that her son just got pushed by a grown adult at summer camp?? I told him that the response to this situation could've resulted in a totally different outcome. Had she said something like "I really don't recall pushing you but if I inadvertently did and made you feel bad I'm sorry - I didn't mean to do that" - I would've went home that morning feeling fine about the situation. When I told him this he said that he's not going to police all her reactions, that she's still young, that she's still learning and made all kinds of excuses for her. Exhausting. Apparently she got a "warning" and will sit out of the flag activity (umm, ok...). He seems like a smart guy and wish him nothing but success in the future and I was earnestly trying to offer advice for how to handle a situation like this better but it fell on deaf ears. I really hope that some kind of learning comes out of this for both of them. Oh and to top it off, my son's friend told her mom that Carson was giving her looks several times throughout the day today and when she asked what kind she said "side eye" looks. NOT COOL. My son also said she was kind of mean to him but wondering why they were even in close proximity when Michael said they'd absolutely be separated and would not see each other? Validates we both made the right choice by pulling them both out. He offered a refund but I'm still pissed about the situation.

Campers row their canoes in search of battery-operated fish.

The campers erupt in cheers at Camp Adventurewood!

See all

Megan and Giovanni's Troop of campers arrive at the campsite.

James Slauson Community Pool

3.4

(14 reviews)

8.1 mi

We went for the first time. It's only 1$ per person to get in. Staff was so friendly and helpful,…read morethey answered all of our questions. Everything was so clean

Horrible. I took my 2 kids here I called no answer I showed up no one here to open up says it's…read moreclose but never said anything online . It literally pissed me off I drove a long way looked up hours just for it to be closed whoever is running their operation hours is not professional at all and I consider a new management .