Our Instructors
Meet the Team
Certified, experienced, and passionate about keeping DFW communities safe. Every instructor on our team brings real-world expertise and a commitment to student success.
What We Do
Firearms Training Built for Real Life
Gideon Training Solutions is a Dallas-Fort Worth firearms training academy that delivers NRA and USCCA certified instruction across the full spectrum of personal protection and community safety. Our courses include Texas License to Carry (LTC) certification, home defense training, concealed carry fundamentals, basic pistol and firearm safety, church security team training, Stop the Bleed trauma response, ladies self-defense, non-lethal defense, and private one-on-one coaching.
Every course is taught with small group sizes so every student receives individual attention. Instruction covers not just the mechanics of safe firearm handling but the legal framework, decision-making under stress, and practical application that responsible gun ownership requires. GTS also delivers security services in partnership with Corsair Tactical Solutions — including armed security officers, executive protection, church security, and corporate security across DFW.
All classes are available seven days a week across Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, Arlington, Mansfield, Frisco, Grand Prairie, DeSoto, Duncanville, Mesquite, Irving, Little Elm, Hurst, Euless, Bedford, and all surrounding DFW and North Texas cities.
Who We Serve
Training for Every Background and Goal
Gideon Training Solutions serves a wide range of students across DFW and North Texas — from first-time gun owners who have never touched a firearm to experienced shooters building advanced defensive skills. Our instructors are specifically trained to meet students where they are and build from there.
- Families & first-time gun owners: Building foundational safety skills and confidence from day one.
- Women & survivors: Dr. Maxwell and Shannon Gulley specialize in empowering women through self-defense and personal safety training.
- Texas LTC applicants: State-approved certification combining classroom instruction and live-fire qualification.
- Church security teams: Texas-compliant volunteer security team training for houses of worship.
- Professionals & healthcare workers: Practical personal protection training for people who carry responsibility for others.
- Community organizations: Group training, Stop the Bleed courses, and community safety education programs.
Owner & Lead Instructor
Hilton Jackson
Hilton Jackson is the founder and owner of Gideon Training Solutions and Co-Chair of The Alliance Training Team. A certified USCCA and NRA instructor with a Texas DPS LTC license, Hilton brings a comprehensive background in personal protection, church security, and community safety education — including his partnership with Cook Children's Aim for Safety program. TWIC approved and licensed for security operations delivered in partnership with Corsair Tactical Solutions. His mission is to equip every student with the knowledge and confidence to protect themselves and their families.
Senior Instructor & Owner, Corsair Tactical Solutions
Steve Hopwood
Steve Hopwood is a military veteran, owner of Corsair Tactical Solutions, and Training Director for the NTAA North Texas chapter. A certified USCCA and NRA instructor, Steve specializes in basic handgun fundamentals, Texas LTC qualification, church security, and first shots beginner training. His disciplined, methodical teaching style ensures every student builds a solid foundation from day one.
214-335-6652
Instructor & Owner, LowKey Defense
Dr. Casilda Maxwell
Dr. Casilda Maxwell is a Clinical Psychologist (PhD), MMPI provider, and owner of LowKey Defense. She brings a uniquely powerful combination of mental health expertise and tactical training to her students. A certified USCCA instructor and R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense) instructor, Dr. Maxwell is a passionate women's self-defense advocate who also teaches Krav Maga martial arts and less-lethal defense techniques.
Instructor & Owner, Goody Box Self Defense LLC
Shannon Gulley
Shannon Gulley is the owner of Goody Box Self Defense LLC (FFL) and a certified USCCA Home Defense instructor. A certified R.A.D. instructor and Assistant Program Director for an Anti-Tracking Organization, Shannon is a dedicated domestic violence advocate and women's self-defense champion. Her approachable, empowering teaching style makes firearms and personal safety accessible to everyone.
Our Collective Credentials
NRA Certified
All instructors
USCCA Certified
Lead instructors
Texas LTC Licensed
State approved
Cook Children's Partner
Aim for Safety
Why Trust Gideon Training Solutions
Real Credentials. Real Experience. Real Results.
Every instructor on the GTS team holds active, verifiable certifications from the NRA, USCCA, and Texas DPS. This is not a weekend certification — it is a team of professionals with deep roots in the DFW community, real-world security and law enforcement experience, and a genuine commitment to student success.
NRA & USCCA Certified
All GTS instructors hold active NRA and USCCA certifications — the two most recognized credentialing bodies in civilian firearms instruction. Certifications are renewed and current, not legacy credentials from years past.
Texas DPS Licensed
Hilton Jackson and Steve Hopwood are both licensed Texas DPS LTC Instructors, meaning they are authorized by the State of Texas to administer the official License to Carry certification course and proficiency test.
Security & Law Enforcement Background
The GTS team includes Texas Security Officers at Level II, III, and IV, a licensed Texas Private Investigator, a military veteran, and an NTAA Training Director. This is real-world operational experience brought into the classroom.
Community Partnership
Hilton Jackson serves as Co-Chair of the Aim for Safety program at Cook Children's Hospital — one of the most respected pediatric firearm safety initiatives in North Texas. GTS is a trusted community partner, not just a training vendor.
Women-Led Instruction
Dr. Casilda Maxwell and Shannon Gulley bring specialized expertise in women's self-defense, R.A.D. instruction, Krav Maga, and trauma-informed personal safety training. Women students are not an afterthought — they are a core part of the GTS mission.
5-Star Student Reviews
Gideon Training Solutions maintains a 5-star rating across Google reviews from students across DFW. Every review reflects a real student who left a GTS class with more confidence, more knowledge, and more capability than they arrived with.
Serving All of Dallas-Fort Worth
Gideon Training Solutions delivers firearms training, Texas LTC classes, home defense courses, church security training, and personal protection programs to residents and organizations across Plano, Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Mansfield, Grand Prairie, DeSoto, Duncanville, Mesquite, Irving, Frisco, Little Elm, Hurst, Euless, and Bedford, TX.
Ready to Train with the GTS Team?
Browse the full course catalog and book your seat online — or call Hilton Jackson directly at 817-683-3282.
Available 7 days a week, 9 AM to 9 PM. Most inquiries answered same day. Texas LTC classes fill quickly — book at least two weeks in advance to secure your spot.