OUR INSTRUCTORS

Mike Lazarus

Mike holds over 30 years’ experience as law enforcement officer. 19 years SWAT including sniper, assaulter, team sergeant. FBI certified firearm instructor. MP5 and Sub Machine gun instructor. Defensive tactics instructor. Police Academy instructor. 13 years US Army with multiple overseas deployments. Airborne, SOTIC, PSD, SRT, small arms armorer, various other military schools. Faculty member, California State University, Northridge. Faculty member, Ventura College. Hobbies include outdoor sports, hunting, competitive shooting.

Tony Mizrahi

Tony Mizrahi is a seasoned Chief Range Safety Officer and Instructor with extensive experience in tactical training and firearm instruction. Dedicated to ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience for all customers, including veterans, Tony blends his expertise in safety protocols with his tactical training background. His commitment extends to delivering personalized instruction that caters to both seasoned shooters and newcomers, fostering an environment where every participant can confidently advance their skills while having fun. Tony’s goal is to create a welcoming and professional atmosphere that supports the growth and safety of every shooter.

Victor Lopez, Sierra Element

A 20-year USMC Scout Sniper veteran with extensive military and law enforcement experience. He served as a scout sniper team leader in Iraq and as a precision rifle instructor in Afghanistan. Victor has also trained allied militaries in Southeast Asia and competed in the US Army International Sniper Competition, finishing 9th worldwide. In addition to his military service, he's been a Los Angeles Police Department officer since 1999, specializing in firearm instruction.

Tom Trevor, Burbank Muzzle Loaders

Tom Trevor is the President of the Burbank Muzzleloaders, where he passionately promotes the art and tradition of muzzleloading. With years of experience in shooting sports and historical reenactments, Tom is dedicated to educating enthusiasts about safe and responsible firearm practices. Under his leadership, the Burbank Muzzleloaders foster a vibrant community, hosting events and workshops that celebrate marksmanship and history. His commitment to preserving these traditions inspires both newcomers and seasoned shooters alike.

Jennifer Porter, MFI

Jennifer Porter, a seasoned SoCal firearms instructor with over two decades of experience, offers comprehensive training in handgun, rifle, and shotgun disciplines for students of all ages and skill levels. As a certified DOJ CCW Instructor, VCSD Concealed Weapons Instructor, and certified instructor for various shooting disciplines, she provides expert guidance and a safe, supportive learning environment. Recognizing the unique needs and learning styles of women, Jennifer offers specialized women's shooting classes designed to empower and encourage participation. She also works with the Disabled Shooting Services Program, the NRA "Woman on Target" program, and provides essential self-defense and safety skills for non-shooters. With a proven track record of success and a commitment to ongoing education, Jennifer ensures her students receive the highest quality instruction. Her dedication to staying informed about legal aspects of the sport fosters a safe and ethical learning environment.

Yoni Farber, ITAC Security

Yoni has over 18 years of experience in security. He started his career serving as Commander & Sergeant in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for the paratrooper unit where he commanded dozens of soldiers. After completing his service, he served as a security officer for the Israel Ministry of Defense providing security and executive protection for high-ranking officers, and government officials, and delegations. At the Israel Ministry of Defense, Yonatan was recruited to an honorable special undercover combat unit for the Israeli Police where he performed combat and intelligence operations. In this unit, he performed a few leadership roles in instruction, combat, and strategy.

Brian Fitzpatrick

Retired in 2012 after a thirty-four year police career in Los Angeles County, California. He holds an MA degree in History from the California State University, Northridge and a BS degree in Public Safety Administration from William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ. Brian has worked patrol (officer, field training officer and sergeant), K-9 unit, major crimes surveillance, US Customs Service task-force, street-level and major narcotics, special problems unit, and detective bureau (investigator and supervisor). Brian is the department’s only two-time Medal of Valor recipient.

Marc Alabanza, Banzai Operations

Marc Alabanza has over 14 years of experience training thousands in the fitness and wellness industry, creating award-winning programs at renowned retreats like The Ashram in Calabasas, The Ranch at Live Oak Malibu, and GroundSea Fitness in the Berkshires. His expertise also includes firearm safety courses, pistol training courses, and CCW training.

Dennis Haggard

Formerly Law Enforcement Officer with California Highway Patrol. Specialties in Physical Methods of Arrest/ Defensive Tactics, Force Options Training, Field Training Officer, Drug Recognition Expert, Advanced Highway Drug Interdiction, CPR Instructor, certified EMT, additional advanced training relating to gangs and auto theft investigation.

Ron Clayton

Ron has 30 years’ experience with a local Southern California Sheriff’s department with a wide variety of assignments to include Custody, Patrol, SWAT, Detectives and Academy instructor. While assigned as an instructor at the academy, he taught firearms, tactics, use of force and arrest and control to both academy trainees and in-service personnel and continues to instruct firearms as a collateral assignment. He is a California POST certified instructor in Handgun, Rifle, Less Lethal Munitions, Red Dot Optics and Impact weapons and an FBI certified Firearms Instructor.

Robert Vogel

Robert is a Professional Shooter who has won 3 World and 24 USA National Championships in three disciplines of practical shooting and holds numerous records in such events. He has also been a Police Officer in Ohio for over 20 years with 8 1/2 years as a full time officer…..during which time he was a SWAT team member and department firearms instructor.

Lorem Ipsum

Quick Bio