WHY YOUR INSTRUCTOR MATTERS

Meet Your Instructor

Real-world experience. Straightforward instruction.
Michigan-focused CPL training.

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  • ★★★★★2,100+ five-star reviews
  • USCCACertified instruction
  • One daySame-day certificate
Karl D. Kessler, Owner and Lead Instructor

Karl D. Kessler

Owner & Lead Instructor

  • USCCA Certified
  • Michigan CPL Instructor
  • Owner Since 2020

I’m an everyday American with a love for firearms and a passion for the Second Amendment. Like many of our students, I once found myself searching for a CPL class and chose one of the least expensive options I could find. That turned out to be a mistake.

My instructors were knowledgeable police officers, but the course was limited by the curriculum they were required to follow. I left class with more questions than answers and spent the next several months researching those answers for myself.

Not long after, I recognized the importance of CPL/CCW insurance and became a member of the USCCA. When the USCCA later began offering its own firearms training program, I decided to become an instructor. Their curriculum gave me the flexibility to teach the material the way I believed students truly needed to learn it.

My goal is simple: I never want a student to leave my class confused about Michigan law or unsure of what happens if they ever have to use or display a firearm in self-defense.

Our CPL classes are not “tacti-cool.” You won’t learn how to kick down doors or clear rooms. What I will teach you is situational awareness, conflict avoidance, safe handgun fundamentals, and most importantly, how to make smart decisions and stay out of legal trouble if you ever have to display or use your firearm in self-defense.

At Michigan CPL Training Academy, my goal is to prepare students for more than simply passing a class. I emphasize safe firearm handling, Michigan law, sound judgment, and the importance of having some form of legal protection in place before it is ever needed. The provider or plan you choose is a personal decision, but I strongly believe every responsible concealed carrier should understand their options and consider the protection that makes the most sense for them.

What Karl Wants Every Student to Leave With

CONFIDENCE

Feel comfortable handling your firearm safely and responsibly.

KNOWLEDGE

Understand the Michigan laws that apply to concealed carry and self-defense.

AWARENESS

Learn situational awareness and conflict avoidance before a situation escalates.

REAL-WORLD PREPARATION

Understand what happens after a defensive incident, including the importance of concealed carry insurance.

Not a tacti-cool class

Not a “Tacti-Cool” Class

You don’t need to be a gun expert to belong here.

Whether you’ve owned firearms for years or are nervous just picking one up, Karl’s approach is straightforward, patient and practical. The goal isn’t to impress you with tactical jargon. It’s to make sure you understand what you’re doing, why you’re doing it, and what Michigan law expects from you.

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Michigan CPL Training Academy classes are held in Livonia, Michigan, convenient to Westland, Canton, Farmington Hills and surrounding communities.

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