About — Family Defender Institute

How FDI is Different

FDI offers classes designed for all shooters that are based on decades of real world experiences and the most current law
FDI specializes in individual and small group education
FDI ensures confidentiality
FDI understands the hectic schedules on families today. We come to you when it is convenient for you
With decades of training, experience with new shooters, with women, and with disabled shooters, we can take the time needed to ensure our students have the confidence to protect themselves and their families

Firearms Instructor/Co-Founder

Marvin (Doc) Bennett

Marvin “Doc” Bennett joined the military in 1984 as a Combat Medic. After completing Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training, he was assigned to a Mechanized Infantry Battalion, where he was selected as Battalion Soldier of the Year. During that assignment, he was invited to attend the North Carolina Counter Drug Task Force Special Reconnaissance Operations (SRO) Team selection process. After being selected, Doc served as the senior team medic and was later entrusted with leading missions and serving as a Law Enforcement Liaison. In that role, he advised local, state, and federal law enforcement on surveillance techniques, handgun selection, illegal drug eradication, and other specialty operations.

While on active duty, Doc attended Basic Law Enforcement Training, earning the highest academic average and highest final exam grade on the state exam. After serving two years as a local police officer, he returned to active duty.

During his first combat deployment, Doc served as his battalion’s pistol instructor and as the senior non-commissioned officer in charge of training for the Iraqi Military. Over his military career, he received multiple promotions and awards, including the Combat Medical Badge, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with three awards, Army Achievement Medal with five awards, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and the Adjutant General’s Meritorious Service Ribbon. He also graduated from the U.S. Army First Sergeant Course as an Honor Graduate.

Doc graduated cum laude from Liberty University with a degree in Multidisciplinary Studies, with an emphasis in Business Management and Health Care Management.

After 28 years of service, multiple combat deployments, and attaining the rank of First Sergeant, Doc retired from the military. He then worked five years for the federal government before retiring from federal service. Following that, he and his wife spent three years traveling the country, during which Doc pursued advanced firearms and protective training from some of the most respected instructors and organizations in the nation.

Doc holds multiple nationally recognized instructor certifications, including pistol instructor certifications through Sig Sauer Academy, US LawShield, USCCA, the North Carolina Department of Justice, and the NRA. He also holds a Church Security Team Instructor certification through Palisade Training Group.

His continued professional development includes training with Massad Ayoob, Frank Proctor, Palisade Training Group, Sheepdog Church Security, Sig Sauer Academy, and US LawShield. In addition, Doc has earned multiple professional certifications through Executive Security International, one of the nation’s leading executive protection and corporate security training institutions through in-residence programs.

His ESI certifications include Corporate Security Threat Management, Surveillance Detection, Special Operations for Estate Security, Covert Protection Operations, and Executive Protection. These programs focused on real-world application in areas such as threat assessment, protective intelligence, advance planning, surveillance detection, and the integration of layered security measures into everyday environments. The training emphasized identifying threats early, avoiding problems whenever possible, and responding effectively when avoidance is no longer an option.

Doc remains committed to ongoing professional development and continues to seek out the most current, relevant, and effective training available so he can bring that knowledge back to his students.

Legal Advisor/Co-Founder

Chief R.D. Bennett

Chief R.D. Bennett, a third-generation law enforcement officer, began his formal education by earning an Associate of Arts degree in Social Science from Brevard College. He later graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. While attending UNC Charlotte, he worked as a Loss Prevention Specialist with several of the largest retail organizations in the Southeast, gaining early experience in investigations and asset protection.

After completing college and Basic Law Enforcement Training, Bennett began his law enforcement career as a patrol officer with the Statesville Police Department. During his tenure there, he demonstrated consistent leadership and professional growth, earning a series of promotions and expanding responsibilities. He advanced from Patrol Officer to Field Training Officer, Patrol Sergeant, Detective Sergeant, and ultimately Lieutenant. While serving with the department, he also furthered his professional development by earning the North Carolina Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate.

Following his success in these roles, Bennett was selected to serve as Chief of Police in Tryon, North Carolina. After four years leading that department, he was appointed Chief of Police in Spencer, North Carolina, where he continued to build on his leadership experience and organizational development.

Over the course of more than 30 years in law enforcement, Chief Bennett maintained an annual expert-level firearms qualification and responded to thousands of incidents involving firearms across a wide range of real-world scenarios. His experience spans both operational and investigative roles, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of North Carolina firearms and self-defense law. From street-level enforcement to courtroom testimony in both district and superior court, his background reflects a depth of practical and legal knowledge that is rarely found in the civilian firearms training industry.

Since retiring from law enforcement, Chief Bennett has continued to contribute to the profession by advising police departments and dedicating significant time to volunteer efforts. In recent years, he has remained actively engaged in emerging issues such as school safety, mass violence response, and modern law enforcement strategies. His forward-looking approach to training and the integration of technology has helped smaller departments enhance their capabilities to a level more commonly associated with larger agencies.

In firearms training, one of the most overlooked and complex factors is the law itself. With a background that combines operational firearms experience, investigative expertise, and a deep understanding of North Carolina firearms law, Chief Bennett brings a well-rounded and practical perspective to instruction. As a certified NRA Range Safety Officer, he emphasizes not only marksmanship, but also the legal and decision-making components that are critical to responsible firearm ownership

Michael Gardner

Gunsmith/Instructor

Michael has an Associates of Science degree from the Gunsmithing Department at Montgomery Community College in Troy, NC. He interned with Innovative Technology Partnerships where he worked as an armorer for the Department of Energy's Office of Secured Transportation. He has worked as a gunsmith for several gun stores before being asked to return to Montgomery Community College as an instructor. Currently he is the Program Facilitator of Short-Term Gunsmithing Courses there at the college. The program that Michael facilitates is the only NRA approved gunsmithing school on the east-coast. He continues to be a gunsmith while sharing his expertise with the students who attend the school. In addition he holds an Associates Degree from Jefferson Community College in Watertown, NY and a Bachelor's Degree from Heritage Bible College in Dunn, NC.

Mike specializes in AR15 & AR10 accurizing, custom 1911 builds, revolver action work, scope mounting, pistol sight installation, shotgun specialty work, action work (Any Firearm), AK & AR build, diagnostics and repair as well as finishes to include Bluing and Cerakote.

Mike most requested work is his one-on-one cleaning and maintaining course. Contact us today for more info at FDIofNC.Gunsmith@gmail.com

Matt Beauchamp

One-on-One/Competition Firearms Instructor

Matt began his firearms experience and education at a very young age…. not as a casual shooter but as a shooter taking challenges to improve his abilities. Growing up in an environment with numerous firearm types enabled Matt to become well rounded while gaining a respect for the differences available to him. Moving into a career in electronics engineering Matt has used his learning technique for this difficult occupation to improve his shooting skills.

Matt began his professional education with firearms early on and found it was more than a hobby. He was driven to pursue numerous courses and schools of thought on the use of firearms. As a well-rounded student, Matt continued to search out and attend courses of study related to different firearms. His early experiences set him up for success in these courses.

Matt has been able to take the positive parts from many different instructors and build his own one-on-one courses. He has become a strong instructor specializing in assisting individual students in personal improvement. At FDI Matt is the primary instructor for our Review, Improve and Challenge Course and one-on-one courses. He is a very valuable asset. We take advantage of his experience during our other courses to ensure our students get the assistance they need.

Matt has attended and excelled at numerous national shooting sport events and placed in many categories. Matt’s experience in competitions has uniquely positioned him to provide FDI students insight into one of the fastest growing aspects of the shooting sports. Merging defensive shooting and competition skills can only greatly enhance our courses and the safety of our students.

While excelling at one-on-one training, Matt is also a certified USCCA Range Safety Officer and a graduate the FDI Red Dot Instructor Certification Course. His most recent national level training is from The Complete Combatant with Brian Hill in the Deliberate Coaching Instructor Certification. Matt is masterful at ensuring all of our range time is fun, educational and most of all safe.

Ward Bell

Instructor

Ward Bell first joined the military in 1985 as a Cavalry Scout. After completing the U.S. Army Airborne School at Fort Benning, GA he was assigned as a rifleman in A Company of 3/504th Parachute Infantry Regiment (82nd Airborne Division). He was later selected to serve in the Battalion Reconnaissance Platoon. While with the Reconnaissance Platoon he served as a scout, platoon radio operator, sniper, and squad leader. While serving in the 82nd Airborne Division, Ward was selected as the Separate Battalions Jumpmaster of the Year.

While serving in the U.S. Army, Ward held every leadership position from team leader through operations Sergeant Major (SGM). He deployed to Kuwait and Iraq in support of the Global War on Terrorism. He also served in other overseas assignments. Ward was selected and graduated from the US Military Inter-Service Range Safety Course.

His awards include the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Master Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Overseas Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and the Robert E. Manning Medal for exceptional Human Resources Service. Ward is also a graduate of the U.S Army Sergeants Major Course.

Ward earned his Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Mitchell Community College and his Bachelor of Science Degree in the Homeland Security from the American Military University.

Ward retired after a total of 32 years military service. Since retirement Ward has worked as a Human Resources Manager and currently works in the Health Care field. Ward has a passion for everything firearms and uses his knowledge and experience to help others learn about safe gun handling. He is a graduate of the USCCA Instructor Course, US LawShield Concealed Carry Instructor Credential Certificate, National Rifle Association Range Safety Officer Course, the Sheepdog Church Security Course as well as the FDI Red Dot Instructor Certification.

Robbie Calhoun

Instructor/Chief Range Safety Officer
Robbie Calhoun brings a lifelong foundation of firearms experience to the Family Defender Institute, rooted in his upbringing in West Virginia where he developed a passion for hunting, shooting, and the outdoors alongside family and friends. That early foundation has evolved into a continued commitment to professional-level training, with Robbie actively seeking out and attending high-level firearms courses to further refine his knowledge and skillset.
Robbie serves as a critical part of the FDI instructional team and holds multiple nationally recognized certifications, including NRA Chief Range Safety Officer, NRA Pistol Instructor, NRA Rifle Instructor, US LawShield Concealed Carry Instructor, and USCCA Certified Range Safety Officer. His ongoing dedication to continued education ensures that FDI students receive current, relevant, and experience-backed instruction grounded in real-world application.
Robbie has also sought out and attended some of the top pistol training programs in the nation, including courses through SIG Sauer Academy and RB Training Consultants, further strengthening the depth and quality of instruction he brings to FDI students.
His background includes both formal training and personal life experiences involving self-defense, giving him a practical perspective that resonates with everyday individuals seeking to protect themselves and their families. Robbie has a natural ability to communicate complex concepts in a clear and approachable way, making him especially effective with students of all experience levels.
In addition to instruction, Robbie provides valuable insight into the firearms industry, including current market conditions, equipment selection, and pricing trends. This allows FDI students to make informed decisions when selecting firearms and gear, ensuring they are properly equipped without unnecessary expense or confusion.
For many students, Robbie is the first instructor they encounter. He delivers FDI’s range safety brief with clarity, authority, and purpose—ensuring every student understands not just the rules, but why they exist and how they contribute to a safe and controlled training environment. His focus on safety, consistency, and professionalism sets the tone for every course and reinforces FDI’s standard from the very beginning.
Robbie Calhoun is a trusted instructor whose commitment to safety, continued development, and student success makes him a valuable asset to the Family Defender Institute team.
Juan (Zulu) Zuluaga

Instructor
Juan is a native from Medellin, Colombia. He moved to the United States with his family at a very young age and grew up in South Florida. He moved to NC with the Army and loved it so much he stayed to attend University here. He graduated from UNC-Greensboro with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance with a minor in Economics magna cum laude in 1999. He worked in the finance industry for a year before attending law school at UNC-Chapel Hill and graduating in 2003. He went on to work for Tripp Scott, LLC. in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida in the corporate litigation department before transitioning back to NC in 2005. He began practicing Criminal Law when he moved back and has been doing so with the Guilford County Public Defender’s Office for the last eleven years. Juan has over 100 criminal trials under his belt including serious felonies and misdemeanors. He is well versed in the laws applicable to the use of self-defense because of his criminal practice experience.
Juan is a 29-year Veteran of the US Army and Army National Guard with seventeen of those served as an enlisted Infantryman and the balance as an Armor and JAG Officer. He served with units like the 3rd Infantry Division, the 82nd Airborne Division, the 1St Infantry Division, the 54th Infantry Brigade, 1/124th Infantry Regiment Scout Platoon (FLARNG), and the 30th Combined Arms Battalion, 1/120th Infantry Regiment (NCARNG).
Juan deployed numerous times during his time in the military to include two combat deployments to Iraq. He served as an Infantry Team Leader during his first deployment to Iraq. He was responsible for his team while conducting kinetic operations against enemy forces such as raids, ambushes, and high value target interdiction missions. Juan also served as a JAG Liaison for his Battalion being the only licensed attorney at the Battalion level. Juan earned the coveted Combat Infantryman’s Badge and an Army Commendation Medal for his service during his first deployment. Juan’s second deployment was as an Armor Platoon Leader after attending Officer Candidate School. Juan led a platoon of twenty-seven Soldiers during full spectrum combat operations during this deployment. Juan was awarded the Bronze Star and Combat Action Badge for his service during this deployment.
Juan’s passion for shooting sports began well before his military service and carries on through to today. He consistently shot expert with his rifle and sidearm during his time in the military. Juan received countless hours of training in firearms handling and safety, self-defense, and small unit tactics during his 29 years of service. It is training that he has followed up with in his civilian life by taking numerous shooting courses to include the NRA Basic Pistol and Basic Rifle Instructor courses, the North Carolina Justice Academy Concealed Handgun Instructor Course, and by shooting in local IDPA shooting matches.