Who are we?
Asian, Veteran and competition shooter owned firearm and medical training, building better communities in Cascadia and beyond. With decades of firearm experience and training between our instructors.
We provide a safe learning environment for everyone! BIPOC, AAPI and LGBTQIA+, new, seasoned and in between, everyone is welcome. 2A Rights are rights for all people, and you should have a safe, and welcoming environment to get training without the bullshit.
Meet Our Team
Matthew Tycer
Matthew is the owner and lead instructor of SDG since its founding in 2020.
Matthew has over 10 years of firearm instruction experience and even more firearm handling experience. Taught how to shoot at 8 years old by his father (18A US ARMY) starting off on pellet rifles and 22LR, he began instructing others in fundamentals and firearm safety after leaving the ARMY (11B).
Currently competing in GSSF, USPSA, and 2-Gun competitions, he strives to continuously hone skills and best practices, while taking courses from some of the best shooters in the world. He is a firm believer that 2A is a right for everyone, especially marginalized people.
Matthew also has worked with public defenders as an expert witness.
NRA Instructor ID: 101000211626543
UT Concealed Carry Instructor ID: I170461
USPSA: A163523
Zella
Finding her way to firearms handling later in life, Zella has spent the last three years educating herself and others along the way. Training alongside a dedicated group of friends, she has pursued an educational role in hopes to help bridge the gap for newer shooters or individuals with significant apprehension involving firearms. She advocates that everyone should take steps to educate and protect themselves as fundamental steps to building communities.
Zella focuses primarily on introductory level firearms safety and handling.
NRA Instructor ID: 101000213257415
C. Cooper
(Eugene, OR)
Colin turned a passive interest in firearms into an active one during the height of covid. Unconvinced by youtube gun-slop, it was at a Shuten class where they began to understand the foundational principles of shooting and the benefits of practical competition. They’re currently an active USPSA member and volunteer for their local matches.
After seeing the overwhelming benefit that competition brings to developing shooting skills, they’ve committed to building space for underrepresented and marginalized shooters at matches. They believe that carrying the capacity for lethal deadly force bares a high degree of responsibility. If someone is going to carry a gun, they owe it to their community to develop and maintain a high standard of skill.
USPSA ID: A163555
NRA Instructor ID: 101000217188229
Brendan Switalla
Brendan has been training with Shuten for several years. He is a committed believer in community defense and sees firearm training as an equalizing force for marginalized groups. Brendan joined Shuten as an instructor to pass forward the skills he has learned, endeavoring to meet students wherever they are on their journey, and to help them achieve their goals as a shooter.
As a frequent competitor at practical shooting matches, Brendan finds them an excellent environment for testing skills and equipment. He has a primary interest in USPSA (pistol) and 2-gun (pistol and rifle).
NRA Instructor ID: 101000217349745
USPSA ID: A163710
Snow
(Yelm)
Snow has six years of EMS experience spanning pre-hospital care, fire service, and other emergency department settings. They are passionate about spreading accurate and safe medical information to the public.
Snow is currently pursuing a nurse practitioner degree with a specialization in emergency medicine.
Andy
(South Puget Sound)
Bio coming soon
Raymond
(Seattle)
Raymond first got into firearms in 2022 due to the nationwide increase in violence against members of his community during the COVID-19 pandemic. With a personal goal to not just own a firearm but also to reach a high level of competency, he sought out advanced training and began competing in USPSA to improve his skills. Now, Raymond looks for opportunities to give back to his community and help others to reach their personal goals in firearm skills.
USPSA ID: L5727
NRA Instructor ID: 267645281