If you are looking for top-notch defensive training, look no further. They have a wide variety of classes/courses for every ability. It's definitely worth your time! read more

I took my first class from Critical Defense Institute in 2017 after meeting Rob, the owner, on the range during a competition. The training I have received from Rob and his staff is amazing; their level of training an expertise is what everyone needs to be become proficient in the art of self-defense, both empty hand and firearms. Most recently, I took a rifle class, and it was nothing less than spectacular, even though it rained the entire day! read more

Took the full series of pistol defense courses last Spring (101 - 105) and found it to be extremely worth the investment. While it does require a time commitment to take all 5, they are flexible with shifting you to another date if conflicts arise. You can also book courses one at a time if you need more time flexibility. The curricula combines classroom with hands-on training in both a matted training room and shoot house simulation. The instructors were top-notch and were very patient with teaching students at all levels. If you are a serious "responsible" gun owner or new to owning a pistol and want to become more proficient in using your pistol, this is the place to go. Gun ownership assumes a big responsibility on knowing how to use it safely, and when to use it for self-defense. These courses focus on both the mechanics of being proficient in drawing and reloading your weapon as well as when it's lawful to use it. Rob and his team will give you your money's worth! read more

While I'm writing this completely exhausted from another 8 hours of training on Saturday after a 60 hr work week, I'm also glad to have found this place, and a great set of thoughtful and knowledgeable instructors. I came across CDI based on their online reviews for some basic self-defense training, but ended up taking and signing up for more classes than I would've imagined, some just for fun, others because these are some very practical skills to know, from Womens self defense to stop the bleed and tactical medicine training. CDI offers quite a few practical scenario simulation training opportunities (aka turning around and having to deal with whatever scenario is presented in front of you), lots of hands on application, real world knowledge, plus a good dose of humor and a furry dog mascot. For someone completely new to this, the whole crew of instructors really look out for you to make sure you're safe, having fun, and learning. While the class can get intense at times, it's intense without the anxiety, with some pretty cool tricks you can learn. I mean... hey, I might not be great with a tourniquet yet, but let me lift those 5lb weights some more and I'll get those muscles to stop the bleed if there were ever a situation! And for those looking turn up the intensity in their training... I can tell the longer term students, particularly those in the practical self defense courses, definitely get more of that. I wouldn't have thought I'd be saying these classes are fun, but here we are... taking more classes for fun. Highly recommend checking this place out if you're thinking about learning some practical self-defense, and yup, we'll be back... tomorrow. read more

This was by far. The best place to go to if you are new to any sinario based self defense training program... be it fear of safty or protect your loved ones. There is no sinario for being attacked by a paper target (this is not practice at the range) Understanding mindset of being able to react under severe stress of possible death or harm. I thought I was something competent until faced with just some of these scenarios... Must have skills for anyone and realistic for the average none military or dangerous line of duty citizens... The medical trauma cert is something that should be required for and LTC. I learned so much in DEFENSE 101-105 this was something that gave me the opportunity to understand my limits to any self defense sinario... Regardless of what weapon is within reach.. it's too late to get ready, when your not prepared for any time that SHTF... Rob is great! (BUT)!! this could not happen without the extremely well trained and experienced team at CDI . They made this training more than exceptional and full of surprising sinarios that kept me on my toes, and so friendly and willing to adjust to any ability or disability to create a real life custom setting for each person in our group. This is worth every dollar. I cannot recommend this team enough. Great transition in understanding self defense, legally and physically and emotionally.... Thank You team. Your all our next line of defense (preparedness) read more

I had never taken any kind of self defense course before, so I had no idea of what to expect or any idea of what I was getting into. My husband and I just completed Pistol defense 1-5. Let me tell you how amazing, intense and fabulous this course is. Rob and his entire team are highly trained and knowledgeable. If you want to learn how to properly defend yourself and keep yourself safe from criminals this course is for you. My husband is retired military, he says this course is way better than any military training he ever had. I also would like to add how much the kindness and patience Rob and his entire team had with me is much appreciated, it made all the difference in my confidence level and learning everything they had to teach me. Overall this was a great experience, one everyone should have. read more

These guys are the best! I am so happy I signed up for all their classes. You don't know what you don't know. This company keeps you in the know with real answers to all your safety and regulations questions. I am proud to be a member of this great organization. I'm three months in and have seen tremendous value. Keep up the great work Rob and Company!!! Steve Labbe :) Paradigm Plumbing, Heating & A/C Inc. read more

I took the Defensive Pistol Training 101-105. I'M not going to lie the thought of sitting in five 8 hour classes made me cringe. I was dreading it so bad, especially on a Saturday. Boy was I ever wrong. This class was fantastic and I was actually sad when it ended. We became such a little family. It was a bad ass class.!!! Rob the owner and teacher will definitely keep your attention. The knowledge this man has is incredible. He made the class fun, exciting and memorable with his one liners. He has such an astonishing staff. I can't say enough about them. They each bring something special to the table. The staff is so patient. I struggled with a few things and they didn't talk down to me once or made me feel like an idiot. Their positive motivation and the willingness to teach me was appreciative. This class teaches you everything and trust me you won't be bored. If you bought a gun just don't go to the range and shoot at a piece of paper. Take this class you won't be disappointed I promise. I loved it so much I'm looking now to take more classes. I can't get enough. To: Rob, Rich and the entire staff of CDI I thank you so much for the lessons, the laughs and the memories. You will definitely be seeing me again. J Sheri Washer read more

Critical Defense Institute in Manchester, NH is by far one of the best self defense training facilities I have ever had the pleasure of being involved with. I have been training with Rob, Rich, Dave, and the rest of the group there for many, many years and there's a good reason why I keep going back and why my wife and oldest son have also trained with them. And the reason is this: You won't find another training facility in this area anywhere that has the curriculum, the staff, and the tools that can give you the education and skills you need to be effective if or when a real-life encounter threatens your family, your friend's, or your own life. Anyone who carries a firearm sincerely hopes an encounter like that will never happen, but if it does you want to have the best training you can possibly have in order to ensure the safety of those you care about. At CDI, their reality-based and no-nonsense approach does just that. Owning a firearm doesn't make you armed any more than owning a piano makes you a musician. How I trained and thought about defending myself and my loved ones prior to my experiences with CDI honestly amounted to just a bunch of noise I thought sounded like music. And then CDI taught me how to play. read more

The classes I have taken here, have been excellent! The realistic scenarios you are run through are awesome and the staff is truly amazing. I've taken Defensive Pistol 1 - 4 and will be taking the 5th class this coming weekend. I recommend these classes to everyone regardless of their ability. read more

I took the Defensive Pistol Series and I think this class is more important that going to the range (I'm retired military, so I've been to range). Why do I say this? The rules on engagement for the military, law enforcement and civilians are totally different. First you learn in the classroom what is legal for a civilian and what is not. Then you're put in scenarios (without guns) with aggressive individuals (trainers) to see how you react...and then you learn what you did right, what you did wrong and a better way to handle these situations. The stakes are upped when you go into a "shoot house" using simunitions (paint balls on steroids) and engage aggressors (trainers) who are there to hurt you...badly. Shoot all you want on the range and nail targets at 25 yards....but, how accurately will you shoot and how good are your skills when an aggressor (trainer) is in your face, screaming, shouting and willing to hurt you badly? The training continues...they teach things like "weapons retention." What is weapons retention? It's holding on to your weapon while a bad guy is trying to take it away from you...and who will then likely use your own weapon against you. Traditional shooting schools (I've been to Sig a number of times) teach you how to shoot on the range at paper targets that never attack you, insult you or try to harm you. There are parts of this training that are very physical, but don't fear, the trainers have a good idea (watching you over a number of hours) what an individual is physically capable of--so when the really physical parts come, they tailor the training to the individual. Let's just say no matter what your age, sex, size or physical capability, everyone felt challenged. This class is here to help you prepare for the real world which includes dealing with bad guys (or girls)...and if you're 18 or older and want to carry a pistol, the Defensive Pistol Series is a must. read more

I have taken many Firearms classes in the past, the classes at CDI are by far the best i have ever taken. I have only taken Defensive Pistol 100 and 200. I plan on taking many more. Thank you CDI for opening my eyes. read more

I've taken their Basic Pistol, a couple of Women's Self Defense, and now their two-day Active Shooter Classes. A little background on me... I don't own a gun, and may or may not purchase one in the future. What I really like about what I've seen so far is the education and subsequent practice of techniques that Rob and his staff teach. I'm no expert but I have a good hunch that shooting at the range is totally different and a heck of a lot easier than trying to defend yourself in an attack. I just completed the Active Shooter class today and can't recommend it enough. Given the increasing number of shootings these days, I feel I need to learn best practices for escape, barricading, and countering if necessary. I have found that here at CDI. Rob teaches the ALICE method plus a more in-depth session on taking attackers down and out. It was a great course and I've already registered for other classes there in the near future. read more