Lou Ann Hamblin is a retired police officer, instructor and partner of LouKa Tactical Training (which is celebrating 25 years) among many other distinctions.;
1. We want to know more about you. Please give us a glimpse into your journey with firearms.
I am a retired police officer serving 22 years in the state of Michigan. I was recruited right out of the academy to come back and teach firearms. It took me a while before I could put myself through my first firearms instructor school, but I am currently in my 30th year of teaching in the motor skills area, including firearms.
2. What two pieces of advice would you give someone interested in learning how to shoot or purchase their first firearm?
Research everything and everyone. Read! I would recommend the classes other reputable firearms instructors recommend, not just the YouTube phenomenon and someone from the special forces communities. Often, they are the equivalent of professional athletes and can perform tasks that the average citizen cannot, no matter how much money they charge.
3. What is your favorite piece of firearm-related equipment that you own? Why do you like it?
My Glock 17 was my service pistol for years. It’s a workhorse and while some instructors trick out their handguns for enhanced teaching performance, I do not. It’s a stock Glock, just like the officers carry. It’s only fair. Of all the handguns I have shot, this one just works for me, and I am officially an old dog with very few tricks left to learn.
4. What was something someone told you (or that you read) that significantly influenced your life?
“Develop your own teaching style. Don’t try and teach like me. You’re not me. If you didn’t have something to offer, you wouldn’t be here.” Gene Zink- Delta Operator H/K International Training Division Instructor. (Circa 1999)
5. What do you wish you knew about getting involved with firearms right from the beginning of your journey?
My journey began on the farm when I was approximately nine years old. It was not a positive experience. I wish the experience had begun in the shooting sports rather than with varmints and Wilbur the Pig. As an athlete, I believe I could have performed at a much higher level with the proper coaching and with the Educational Amendments of 1972 (Title lX) which allowed for fair treatment of women to compete in all education and sports activities, including shooting sports.
4 Responses
I have had the privilege to know and work in the training word with Lou for just shy of 30 years. She is the real thing.
Lou Ann is an Awsome instructor. Her classes are intense yet fun. I like her no nonsense approach to training . She doesn’t “coddle “ the ladies in her classes, which I really enjoy and respect.
Lou Ann is an invaluable instructor, who makes the class feel comfortable, while empowering the students. Congratulations to a wonderful individual and 25 years of hard work.
Lou Ann is a consummate professional. It was an absolute honor to have had the opportunity to be a student in her course and I wasn’t disappointed. She is a treasure trove of information and her passion for teaching shines through. Her willingness to work with anyone willing to learn is unmatched in this industry.