Stop Punching Paper: My Journey to Holistic Self-Defense with Massad Ayoob Group (Part 2 of 3)
MAG80: Refining Essential Skills
Uplifted by my performance on the MAG40 qualifier, I approached my Navy Captain husband about my desire to attend Mas’s next course in the program, MAG80. With a hint of reluctance, the Captain advised that I needed to seriously build my strength for the tactical shotgun work and retention and disarming techniques required for this class. In that disciplined military manner, he became my personal health coach guiding me through a fitness program tailored for me. The workouts felt like plebe training, intense and demanding. Yet, as an average, over-40-year-old woman—certainly an unlikely candidate for advanced MAG training—I soon found my stamina, muscle mass, and overall health dramatically improving.
Preparations for MAG80 also included refining my shotgun and pistol skills. I followed up with MAG40 host, Eric Lamberson of Sensible Self Defense, and took his introduction to home defense shotgun class—twice, since I didn’t have many opportunities to practice with my defensive shotgun. I also participated in Eric’s special short-range shotgun matches.
MAG80 demands more advanced pistol skills, including shooting the MAG qualification twice as fast (2x speed). Par times were cut in half from MAG40. To keep up, I scheduled extra range time, arranged private lessons with various instructors, and attended advanced action pistol classes.
MAG80 in Action
This time I would not be attending class with friends from my local shooting sports clubs. Herman Gunter hosted the five-day MAG80 course in Live Oak, Florida. I packed up my gear and drove 14 hours to attend this class. Hurricane season left a substantial aftermath in Live Oak, requiring much effort on the host to tidy up the property in time for our class. Herman did not disappoint us! Arriving at a pristine range, you would have never guessed that the eye of a major hurricane had recently passed through. Herman gave me a tour of the old mine now serving as the range, and I was inspired by the tremendous amount of work required of the host, instructors, and staff involved to organize our class.
On the first day of class, I felt like a fish out of water. I found myself an unlikely candidate surrounded by seasoned and knowledgeable peers. Yet, something very special happened in MAG80 as we trained together on these heavy topics. Not only did I advance my defensive shooting skills and knowledge, but my classmates became like extended family. Additionally, through the MAG80 staff, I gained access to a network of highly talented mentors whose support continues to inspire and guide me forward.
Introduced to firearm disarming and retention techniques for the first time, I found myself woefully unprepared. I lacked a foundation in martial arts to help me grasp the techniques, whereas my classmates effectively picked up the techniques. I resolved to work on my retention and disarming techniques before I attempted the next class.
Pictured: Nicole Early at MAG 80, Live Oak, Florida December 2023
Another unforgettable moment came during the shotgun component of the class. I had never fired slugs before, yet we needed 100 slugs for this class. I took up Herman’s offer to order our shotgun ammo for the class, especially since the COVID aftermath caused difficulties acquiring ammo. He ordered my slugs, but with the purpose of the exercise to teach us recoil mitigation techniques, I ended up with the strongest recoiling ammo in the class. That was certainly a memorable lesson in recoil management! This blond learned the hard way that selecting ammo, equipment, and gear must include conducting your own research.
With the Captain’s fitness coaching, much determination, and camaraderie of my classmates and coaches, I successfully completed the week-long training and passed the advanced pistol and shotgun qualifications. My self-defense knowledge, skills, and tool set broadened, and I graduated MAG80 with a great sense of accomplishment seeking to take more responsibility for me and my family’s personal safety.
Still, as I packed up to head home, I couldn’t help but ask myself again: “When will I be prepared?” Each new skill revealed more to learn, reminding me that holistic self-defense is an ongoing journey of growth. Looking ahead to MAG120, I knew I would be pushed even further, but I also felt ready to take that next step toward a more complete self-defense mastery.
Resources
Take a class! Massad Ayoob Group Upcoming Events
Read Karl Rehn & John Daub’s book Strategies and Standards for Defensive Handgun Training (2023 Update)
MAG training host Eric Lamberson of Sensible Self Defense Academy in San Antonio, TX
Check out Spicetac.com blog with comprehensive MAG class reviews—veteran-owned & MAG-grad backed
Online training by neurology-based firearms instructor Mike “Ox” Ochsner available at https://VisionTraining.com
Fusing firearms training & traditional martial arts - Instructors Brian and Gigi Simmons of Urban Defense Academy in Liberty Hill, Texas
Read Now Part 3 of Stop Punching Paper: My Journey to Holistic Self-Defense with Massad Ayoob Group
(Part 1)
(Part 2)
(Part 3)
About the Author
Nicole Early is the founder and designer behind Make Ready Range Wear, a brand reshaping what’s possible in women’s apparel for training, competition, and concealed carry. With industry-first designs and American manufacturing at its core, her line is built to remove the barriers women face when it comes to training—offering apparel that fits right, enhances efficiency, and boosts performance.
She’s an enthusiastic practical shooting sports competitor in IDPA and USPSA, holds multiple instructor certifications, and is a graduate of Massad Ayoob’s MAG 120 program. Nicole is also a military Veteran spouse, mother, and entrepreneur who understands the demands of real life. Her designs reflect that—created for women who want apparel that fits seamlessly into everyday life.
