Experienced tutor in Martial arts in Denver, Tom offers private lessons tailored to your needs.

The Teacher Active Killer training was really a good experience - until you try something you don't know if you can do it. I "enjoyed" practicing on other teachers and feeling more competent about doing the punches and take downs. I feel that I might be able to do some of the skills since I now have them in my brain. (I hope that makes sense). I think the training was great for a staff of varying levels of fear and ability. I will definitely recommend the class to other schools. I have already told a couple of principals that they needed to call you! Thank you for empowering us to feel more comfortable with such a hard subject.

Thanks Tom for my Carry Conceal! It was an awesome class that I would recommend to everyone and I won’t be shy and say I’m a pretty good shot thanks to you!

I have attended Tom Johnson's school for the past 4 years. Tom has showed me, as he shows all of his students, a truly effective self defense approach that is practical, tested, and that can be applied by almost anyone. After nearly 100 class sessions I can say that I've always left class knowing more than when I came in. Tom’s teaching is constantly evolving because Tom keeps up with what others in the field are doing and continually develops his own innovations that he passes along to others. Pinnacle Tactics is not hide-bound by tradition. The confidence and awareness I've gained towards my personal safety and that of my family has meant I that I’m able to avoid potentially dangerous situations both domestically and internationally. It is amazing how bullies will quickly back down when they are faced with a confident defender regardless of the culture in which they live. In addition to teaching hand-to-hand self defense Tom teaches students defense against weapons anyone may encounter in today's world including hand guns, knives, and baseball bats. For students who wish to go there, Tom also teaches tactics for using guns, knives and sticks in a defensive mode. I've been licensed to carry a concealed handgun for many years and have taken many good classes on the subject. But I've learned more from Tom on practical self defense with a gun than from any other instructor. Finally, no description of Tom's classes would be complete without mentioning that Tom is a great instructor and is inclusive of all levels of students - men, women and kids. He teaches with humor and humility and without a hint of macho BS that permeates so many self defense schools.

Re: Don’t Jump the Gun training
The nice thing about this training is its dynamic, and so you learn by doing rather than just having it demonstrated or explained. Lots of reps! It makes you think about the fact that you have to get to a position where you can get to your gun and retain it, instead of risking drawing it only to have it taken from you. There’s more movement than is associated with practicing shooting at the range - even if you can draw and shoot - it’s much more dynamic. Because it’s live action, and just a mad scramble, you run into scenarios that evolve naturally and are unanticipated. Then you learn more things to drill. You have another person trying their hardest to get to the gun. And you’re trying your hardest to retain it and only use it when absolutely necessary.

First, I would say I love taking this class with my kids for so many reasons:
These are practical, applicable, life-saving skills learning in a fun setting and we get a great workout as a family. Working with my kids allows me to challenge them to the degree that we are all comfortable with and leaves us all with a sense of confidence, awareness, and empowerment.
Second, I enjoy sparring with them and they enjoy it as well. I like that I can provide resistance and challenge while they are learning how to escape a choke hold, etc. I also like that I can encourage them to hit me as hard as they can, and give them a good bop in return. I also think that most of the time it would be an adult trying to kidnap the kids or whatnot, so training with me gives them a better sense of the force required to execute the moves. So we…are so grateful we have been allowed to take this class together. Just putting it out there that parents working with kids instead of kids vs kids and adults vs adults holds a ton of incentive, enjoyment, and satisfaction for us as a family...We look forward to class on Saturday, and thank you both immensely for providing this class. To find something we all look forward to doing together has been great!

My son's confidence has grown immensely since he started training with Tom Johnson last year . Tom is amazing with kids, helping them learn invaluable skills should they ever have to fight -- skills that involve their heads and hearts in addition to their muscles. My boy has come so far from the timid kid he was, and despite being peaceful by nature, he looks forward to his class time every week. I hope my son never has to use the physical skills he's learning, but should he ever need to, we're confident he'll fare far better in a fight with Tom's wisdom guiding him.”

“This is the hands down best class around. Tom is not only a great instructor...he is literally the best teacher I have ever had in my entire life. He takes the time to show you the exercise from multiple angles & floats around the class offering helpful advice. My favorite part is if you ask him WHY the move is done in such and such of a way, he not only shows you why but he has the knowledge to explain why you should do it that way. His monthly seminars are fantastic (which include line-of-fire, 3rd party protection, knife fighting, stick fighting, ground survival and lots more). Not only does Tom teach Krav, but he also teaches Muay Thai, cardio kickboxing, ground survival and a kids class. You can't go wrong here folks. Take one class with Tom Johnson...just one...I guarantee you that you will be hooked.”

A woman & mother’s perspective:
“I would like to share with you the experience I have gained from training with Tom Johnson of Pinnacle Tactics. He is extremely dedicated, an amazing instructor, and an expert in every facet of self defense.
I have known Tom for 16 years, 10 of which included attending Pinnacle Tactics classes. As an average-sized woman, I am now confident and knowledgeable enough to not just defend myself in many situations, but to proactively protect myself, property, and even others. Using Pinnacle Tactics I’ve conditioned myself to prepare for weapons attacks, have developed reflexive counter attacks to various types of assault situations, and most-importantly have the mind-set needed for my own personal safety.
It is empowering knowing I can protect myself rather than simply defending against violence. This way of thinking has really changed my life, and that alone makes it worthwhile for anyone, especially women, to learn what Tom Johnson has to offer. It’s a peace of mind that I think everyone can benefit from. Not only are the classes exhilarating, but the wisdom you gain in just one hour is amazing. Tom is a person of good moral character who strives to educate his clients in living safer, which is especially important in this crazy world we live in.With all the bombings and shootings going on today, you owe it to yourself and your family not to be a statistic. Give it a try. You’ll gain so much in so many ways, and truly, your life may depend on it. "