CWP classes and firearms training from a proven leader specializing in a comfortable, nonaggressive approach. We’re really all about helping you become equipped to defend yourself and stay safe.
We thank you for coming by and encourage you to look around. Please never hesitate to contact us. We’re actually quite easy to talk to!


Our Services
Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP Classes)
Comprehensive instruction that goes beyond the SLED requirements for obtaining a SC CWP delivered with an enjoyable, non-aggressive teaching approach.
Firearms Training
From pistol to rifle, we offer small group, basic and advanced instruction that takes the student through all aspects of the discipline resulting in confidence with a firearm. Personal training is also available.
Speaking Engagements
Safe Family Defense is always honored to speak at events, conferences, Real Estate and team meetings about prevention from becoming a victim, personal safety, and firearms safety.

Helping good people develop the skills to avoid becoming a victim and acquire the permit to carry the tools in case they do.
My dad always taught me you get what you pay for. There are a number of instructors out there offering CWP classes. Some of which share the same goal of getting you in and out as fast a possible at the lowest price. We call them rubber stamp instructors. Carrying a gun comes with a level of responsibility you’ve never had before. One bad decision can land you behind bars for life. With stakes that high, do you think choosing the fastest, cheapest class is the best way to go?
We think not.
Take your CWP class from an academy with a track record of teaching as much about the lifestyle as the law. One that teaches as much about conflict avoidance as with shooting fundamentals. Before you enroll in that $50, rubber stamp CWP class, ask yourself if maybe spending a little bit more might actually be a better investment. After all, it really is only about as much as a large pizza.
Comprehensive Instruction
Joe Shahoud has been a handgun enthusiast and an advocate of personal defense his entire adult life. He believes no one should ever be a victim and strives to make a difference one student at a time.
Joe’s an NRA Certified Firearms Instructor with certifications in NRA Basic Pistol Shooting and NRA Home Firearms Safety, he’s an NRA Certified Range Safety Officer, holds the required certification by SLED to teach and administer South Carolina Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) classes, and is the exclusive ConcealedCarry.com Network instructor for South Carolina.
Joe is a proud member of the NRA, The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, The Second Amendment Foundation, The Freedom Faith Coalition, Minnesota Gun Rights, The Idaho 2nd Amendment Alliance, and is featured on the Lessons.com list of Best Teachers of 2020 in Columbia, SC.

How We’re Different
For decades we have witnessed and heard disturbing testimony from CWP/CCW holders about how lacking their concealed weapons permit classes were that gave them the “credentials” to carry a concealed firearm.
We’ve made it our mission to change that.
We provide a safe and encouraging learning environment for women and men regardless of their current skillset. It is our mission to ensure that each and every student that walks through our doors be equipped with the ability to:
– Truly know the law.
– Understand firearms safety.
– Make proper decisions in a self defense situation.
– Fully understand the concealed carry lifestyle and what it really entails.

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