From Dead Last to Grandmaster: My Competitive Shooting Journey
I’ve owned guns my entire adult life. Like a lot of people, I’d occasionally head to the local indoor range, fire off a few rounds, and tell myself, Yeah, I’m ready. I can defend my family if I ever need to.
Boy, was I wrong.
In 2017, I discovered competitive shooting and decided to test my skills in a USPSA match. I showed up with a shiny new Hudson H9 and a mountain of confidence, thinking, This is going to be my moment. These guys are about to see what’s up!
Spoiler alert: they didn’t. I finished dead last. Not just last—I mean so far behind that some of the older guys with physical disabilities ran circles around me.
It was a humbling, face-in-the-dirt kind of experience. I could’ve gone home, made up excuses, and called it a day. But that’s not who I am. I decided right then and there: I’m going to “Get Good.”
Back then, learning how to improve in shooting wasn’t easy. Information was scattered, and a lot of what I found online was… let’s just say… less than helpful. I had to filter through the noise, but I was determined. I started taking classes from some of the best shooters in the world— Ben Stoeger, JJ Racaza, Steve Anderson, Sal Luna, Tom Castro, Tyler Meisenheimer, Mason Lane, and many more.
I soaked up everything I could. Each trainer had their own unique approach, and I worked hard to piece it all together into something that worked for me. My first classification in USPSA was C-Class in 2018. And let me tell you, climbing that ladder was no joke. It took me six years of blood, sweat, and probably more ammo than I care to admit, but I finally earned my Grandmaster classification.
The journey was tough, but it taught me patience, discipline, and how to truly enjoy the process of getting better. Now, I get to share everything I’ve learned with others. I take the best concepts from all those incredible trainers and deliver them in a way that’s personal, practical, and affordable. My classes are small because I believe in giving students the individualized attention they need to grow.
With the right mindset, some solid knowledge, and hard work, I can help you become the kind of shooter that earns respect on the range. Ready to start? Sign up today, and LET’S GET TO WORK!
Sean Pham
