Empowering Self-Defense: Why Firearms Training Is More Critical Than Ever

As concerns about personal safety continue to rise across the country, institutions like the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) have stepped up to address the need for self-protection. UTA’s Relationship Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention (RVSP) program recently hosted a self-defense class to provide students with basic hand-to-hand tactics for escaping danger. While their efforts are commendable and show a growing awareness of the importance of personal protection, it’s hard to ignore the elephant in the room.

While programs like UTA’s teach basic physical defense in controlled environments, lawmakers at the federal and state level continue to drive legislation that would restrict the most effective form of self-defense: the right to bear arms.

The Need for Effective Self-Defense Training

Physical self-defense classes are a good start—but let’s be honest. For many people in life-threatening situations, especially women, hand-to-hand combat techniques may not be sufficient. That’s where Firearms Training from Fortress Firearms Training comes in. We offer high-quality, legal, and safe firearm instruction that equips individuals to protect themselves and their loved ones when seconds count and law enforcement is minutes away.

The reality is simple: firearms level the playing field. A 110-pound woman should not have to go up against a 220-pound assailant with nothing more than her fists and some defensive moves she learned in a half-hour class. That’s not empowerment—that’s political theater designed to appease voters who don’t believe in gun ownership.

Learning to Fight Shouldn’t Be Politicized

The fact that UTA promotes basic self-defense classes while Texas and federal lawmakers chip away at the Second Amendment is more than just hypocritical—it’s dangerous. You can’t claim to empower people on one hand while removing their means of defense on the other.

Let’s look at what actual empowerment through training means:

• Understanding Your Rights: Students at Fortress Firearms Training learn the laws surrounding self-defense and firearm use, so they’re smarter and safer gun owners.
• Situational Awareness: We teach how to assess scenarios and respond appropriately—most of which don’t even involve firing a weapon.
• Confidence-Building: Training with qualified instructors gives people the confidence and competence to respond effectively in high-stress situations.
• Continual Practice: Unlike a one-off self-defense seminar, firearms training is an ongoing process that sharpens skill over time.

UTA’s Self-Defense Class: A Step in the Right Direction, But Not Enough

In the recent UTA-sponsored program, police officers taught basic moves like how to break free from a grab. Sure, it’s helpful knowledge, but let’s not pretend it’s comprehensive. When forced to choose between a wrist-lock and a legally carried firearm, we know what most attackers would fear.

Programs like RVSP at UTA do acknowledge a growing concern that women and vulnerable groups don’t always feel safe, especially on college campuses. The call for real protection is there. But what’s being done to answer it?

Here’s how Fortress Firearms Training meets that need head-on:

• Basic Firearms Safety Courses: For those new to firearms and self-defense.
• Concealed Carry Permit Classes: We provide the knowledge and documentation you need to carry in Texas and many other states.
• Tactical Defense Scenarios: Real-world training conditions so you’re not guessing when it counts most.
• Women’s-Only Classes: Taught by instructors who understand the unique concerns many women face.

The Second Amendment: A Right, Not a Privilege

Unfortunately, while programs like UTA’s try to equip students for danger, they rarely talk about defending the very rights that make real protection possible. Lawmakers exploit every tragedy to push forward new gun control legislation under the guise of “safety.” But safety doesn’t come from disarming the public—it comes from preparing and empowering responsible citizens.

We must ask: Why are universities and politicians so quick to support martial arts workshops but go silent when the conversation turns to the Second Amendment? It’s not about safety—it’s about control.

It becomes clear: UTA teaches self-defense while lawmakers undermine your right to fight. That contradiction puts lives at risk, particularly those who cannot physically match their attackers. Firearms aren’t about aggression; they’re about defense. They are tools for the preservation of life and freedom.

Defend Yourself, Defend Your Rights

If universities and governments truly cared about individual empowerment and safety, they would not only permit but promote comprehensive firearms training as a legitimate and necessary form of self-defense. Instead of restricting gun rights, we should be investing in gun education.

At Fortress Firearms Training, we believe:

• Every law-abiding American has the right to defend themselves.
• Responsible firearm ownership saves lives.
• Education, not regulation, is the path to safety.

While we commend programs like UTA’s self-defense class for starting the conversation, we know the real solution runs deeper. Hand-to-hand techniques may stop a fight, but a firearm can end a threat. And make no mistake—every time a politician weakens gun laws, they weaken your ability to protect yourself.

Take Action Now

Don’t wait for lawmakers to protect you or for universities to offer another low-impact workshop. Take your safety into your own hands. Get trained. Get informed. Get empowered.

Because while UTA teaches self-defense, lawmakers are working overtime to undermine your right to fight. Stand up for your rights with Fortress Firearms Training.