Bret Pawlowski - Riverside CCW Training

There's nothing like having a super geek on staff when it comes to creating the best Online CCW Course around. Bret Pawlowski serves as the Director of Online Training for Riverside CCW Training, where he oversees the development, implementation, and continued expansion of the organization's online and blended learning programs for California Concealed Carry applicants. Working alongside me, Bret and his wife/boss Lea, have helped build one of the nation's most comprehensive training platforms designed specifically to guide both California residents and qualified non-residents through the California / Riverside County CCW permit process.

As an NRA Certified Firearms Instructor and Utah BCI Certified Concealed Firearm Permit Instructor, Bret has helped educate thousands of students nationwide. His expertise extends beyond firearms instruction into curriculum development, learning management systems, student engagement, and integrating technology to improve access to high-quality firearms education.

Bret's passion for personal protection stems from firsthand experience. Having survived two separate armed robberies, he understands the life-changing importance of preparation, situational awareness, and responsible self-defense. That perspective influences every training program he helps develop, emphasizing conflict avoidance, sound judgment, legal responsibility, and the ethical use of force.

At Riverside CCW Training, Bret leads the continued expansion of the Riverside CCW Online platform, developing educational resources, student support systems, nationwide live-fire qualification partnerships, and concierge services that make obtaining a California CCW permit more accessible for qualified applicants across the United States. His mission is to ensure every student receives not only exceptional training but also the guidance and confidence needed to responsibly exercise their Second Amendment rights. Bret and Lea are the reason our Online CCW Course shines brighter than any other, and we're honored to have them at the helm of such a laborious undertaking.

Advanced Classes

Ok, so you've completed a Basic Pistol Course, maybe a CCW Prep or Dynamic Course, and your CCW Course. Do you stop there thinking you've got all the skills you need to defend yourself and your loved ones? Hardly! As I say in class all the time. "This is no longer a hobby, it's a life style."

Furthering your education so that you may be ready for any self-defense issue that you may encounter is absolutely necessary. Just because you have the card in your pocket and a gun on your hip does not make you "prepared". Certainly having a Red Dot Sight installed and weapon mounted light attached without knowing how to properly use them, doesn't make you John Wick either.

You have the basics. Now build on them. Continue working on the foundation and expanding from there. We have some advanced classes that will continue to build your skills. These classes are advanced in terms of what you know so far. They'll test you and push you to become better. Scroll to ADVANCED COURSES and check out our POST Level Red Dot Sight Course and our Night/Low Light Course.

Soon we'll be adding a class with 4X World IDPA Champion and our instructor, Petros Millionis.