What is the main goal of defensive shooting exercises?

The main goal of defensive shooting exercises is to teach effective and safe responses in self-defense situations. These exercises are designed to prepare individuals to handle potentially dangerous encounters by developing skills that may be necessary in real-life defensive scenarios. The emphasis is on practical application and situational awareness, ensuring that students understand how to respond appropriately under stress while maintaining safety for themselves and others. This type of training prioritizes a defensive mindset and conflict de-escalation where possible, along with the ability to make quick, informed decisions in high-pressure situations.

Enhancing marksmanship skills and increasing speed might be important in other contexts, such as competitive shooting or casual target practice, but they do not capture the core intent behind defensive shooting training, which is to equip individuals with the skills needed to defend themselves effectively. Similarly, while promoting non-lethal methods of defense is valuable, the primary focus of defensive shooting exercises is on immediate and decisive responses to threats rather than solely on non-lethal tactics.