Forging Modern Protectors

The martial art of armed self-defense.

Hello and welcome. I am Major Will Rodriguez (Ret.), founder of Gun-Jitsu.US and a lifelong defender. Born with an innate drive to protect — honed by West Point, 20+ years as a US Army Infantry officer, and advanced certifications like MAG Deadly Force Instructor — I've evolved from Soldier to Personal Safety Consultant.

I've delivered over 15,000 hours of training and received 1,500 hours myself, mentoring 10,000+ students along the way. Today, Gun-Jitsu is my mission: blending Samurai discipline and Templar chivalry to empower serious students of self-defense — professionals, families, men, women, and instructors — with a concealed carry lifestyle that prioritizes protection, honor, and responsibility.

What is Gun-Jitsu?

Gun-Jitsu is the martial art of armed self-defense — a holistic discipline that develops, blends, and refines the mind, body, and skills for effective, efficient, and lawful protection. Drawing from Samurai and Templar self-defense traditions, it rejects the narrow label of "firearms instruction."

As a Personal Safety Consultant, I guide clients beyond mere shooting: we explore how, what, when, where, why, who, and how many times to act, emphasizing tactics, legalities, and the protector mentality. It's a lifestyle choice for those committed to protecting their family and community — serious students seeking to improve their shooting while mastering avoidance, de-escalation, and deterrence as first lines of defense. Deadly force? Always the last resort, deployed with precision and moral clarity.

Our philosophy: the Gun-Shidō Code.

At the heart of Gun-Jitsu lies Gun-Shidō — the "Way of the Gun," a personal honor code blending Samurai discipline with Templar chivalry. Inspired by Bushido virtues (righteousness, heroic courage, charity, respect, honesty, loyalty) and the Templar tradition of disciplined spiritual warriors protecting the innocent, Gun-Shidō trains the mind to wield power responsibly.

It's not about aggression; it's about guardianship — identifying threats, avoiding conflict, de-escalating tensions, and deterring harm before it escalates. For professionals, families, men, women, and instructors with a protector mentality, this code fosters a lifetime of learning: living honorably, minimizing vulnerability, and using force only when necessary, efficiently, and legally.

Gun-Shidō in practice

  • Samurai Precision — Disciplined tactics for efficient response.
  • Templar Conscience — Moral and legal frameworks to guide actions.
  • Lifestyle Integration — Concealed carry as daily vigilance, not paranoia.
  • Community — Nurturing followers in both traditions for ongoing growth.

The Gun is a Tool. You Are the Weapon.

Gun-Jitsu motto

Through Gun-Jitsu and Gun-Shidō, I consult with clients to build this reality — empowering you to protect what matters most.

Student Voices

What students actually say.

Verified reviews from students who have trained with Will and Denise. Sourced from Yelp, unedited.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I took the Use of Force seminar — Law & Tactical Considerations. A class A presentation for 3 hours. I learned about Florida State Statutes from a $500-an-hour attorney on what to expect and how to protect yourself legally in a self-defense situation. Then Instructor Will discussed scenarios on lethal and non-lethal weapons. I can't wait to attend the next seminar.

Michael O. February 2024 Yelp
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I recently attended a class on legal information for post-self-defense situations, and it was incredibly informative. The content was comprehensive, addressing crucial aspects of the legal aftermath, and the instructor's expertise made the complex topics easy to understand. Highly recommend.

Ed R. February 2024 Yelp
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Will is an excellent instructor. He covers everything in a way that you understand and absorb. He also has the perfect experience and personality to make the class enjoyable.

Monique M. December 2022 Yelp
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Will provided a wonderful presentation today about what to do after a shooting. It was eye-opening and I recommend this training for everyone.

Kathy K. February 2024 Yelp
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Will did an excellent training. He made the class fun, exciting, and he is very knowledgeable in firearm handling and laws.

John R. April 2024 Yelp