P age |1

SHARPENING THE BLADE

We have now covered the fundamentals and are moving into sharpening and maintaining our
skillset. These workouts encompass many different skills that apply to both competitive and
defensive shooting, however there are some workouts and techniques that may apply more-so to
only one of the disciplines.

It is encouraged to complete these workouts even if they are of no interest to your discipline, as
they can open up different thinking which could modify your current platform for the better.

These workouts are structured in a way that you are not repeating a workout type day after day.
There is a constant focus on sharpening the core fundamentals and an intermittent focus on more
unique skills that need to be maintained.

The make-up days are used for a missed workout or day to focus on issues that came up throughout
the previous week. If you’re on track, these can also be used as a rest day. The workouts range
from 10-15 minutes each day, with the exception of full-body workouts which may push to 20-25
minutes. It is encouraged to take more time on a difficult techniques in make-up days.

Some par times and target directions have been included in the workout directions; however, it is
paramount that you scale your targets and par times to a level of difficulty that encourages growth
in the skillset.

When you reach the end of Day 70 and complete the live-fire Metrics Test, you should see your
total time decreasing from when you ran it on Day 35. Continue to work on your speed and
accuracy by maintaining daily focus on these workouts. Sometimes this daily work will be a
struggle or feel like a chore. Push through these days to maintain the habit of daily practice,
regardless of how insignificant it feels.

When you’re ready, adding a modifier (found on Page 10) is a good way to bring some new life into
the workouts. Now, lets get to work sharpening the blade.

By wisdom and effort.

Par times:
A: Advanced
B: Intermediate
C: Beginner
 P age |2

WORK NOTES
DAY 36 BENCHMARKS Record your average time on each of
Using 1/6 scale A-zone target at 3.5ft: the benchmark drills.
DRAW (1rd to A-zone) (Reps: 10)
1R3 (Draw - 1rd – reload – 3rd) (Reps: 10) DRAW Par:
BILL DRILL (Draw - 6rds to A-zone) (Reps: 10) A: <1.0sec B: 1.5sec C: 2.0sec
1R3 Par:
A: <2.5sec B: 3.0sec C: 4.0sec)
BILL Par:
A: <2.0sec B: 2.5sec C: 3.5sec)

DAY 37 TRANSITIONS – 1.0 Focus on defeating the deadspace

Using Metric’s target at 2 meters: quickly even when the targets are small
From draw: and require precise trigger control. Get
2 rounds ALPHA – 1 round HOTEL (Reps: 10) there sooner to allow more time on
1 round FOXTROT - 1 round ECHO (Reps: 10) target.

DAY 38 ACCURACY – 1.0 DUMB-DUMB SLOW day

Using 1/6 scale B8 target:
From high-ready: Focus on feeling the trigger and hitting
10 rds both hands that “90%” on the trigger before a
10 rds strong hand conscious commitment to the trigger
10 rds weak hand break. Reset the trigger and return to
REPEAT x3 high-ready between reps.

DAY 39 RELOADS – 1.0 (SPEED) To set STUPID FAST goal time:

From sight picture – reload – 1 rd on A zone Set par timer at minimum of -30% of
(Reps: 10) (To determine average time) your average recorded time of 10 reps.
From sight picture – reload – 1 rd on A zone
(Reps: 20) at STUPID FAST goal time Example:
From sight picture – reload – 1 rd on A zone
(Reps: 10) (return to original average time) 2 sec average reload time after 10 reps
means STUPID FAST goal time = 1.40 sec
(Par time: A: <1.2sec B: 1.5sec C: 2.5sec)

DAY 40 SUPPORT SIDE – 1.0 Focus on creating a solid grip on the

Using 1/6 scale B-8 target: weak side by applying the same
Draw strong side and then adopt weak side grip principles of a strong-side grip. This will
on firearm with two hands. If necessary at first, build a deeper understanding and
close one eye to obtain sight picture and then connection of the fundamentals as they
open both to break the shot. are re-applied on your weak side.
Restart from the draw on every rep.
Repeat - (Reps: 20)
 P age |3

Day 41 FULL BODY DAY – 1.0 Focus on running these drills at an

Using Metric’s target at 2m: urgent speed as if this were a
competition. This workout goes through
BILL DRILL into JULIET x 5 reps a large array of pistol skills which can
lead to some confusion for the body
Draw and engage ALPHA from squat position when ran at speed. Try to run through
RELOAD (from squat position) the whole workout without practicing
Draw and engage FOXTROT from prone position any of the movements mentally or
RELOAD (from prone position) physically prior to running them at
Draw and engage JULIET from kneeling position speed. This will provide you with a more
RELOAD (from kneeling position) honest view of how you are able to
Draw and engage CHARLIE from supine position complete seemingly random and unique
RELOAD (from supine position) tasks as if they were presented to you in
a real world or competition context.
TURNING LEFT (180 degrees) RELOAD x3 reps Even if you stumble, fix your mistake
TURNING RIGHT (180 degrees) RELOAD x3 reps and continue moving through the drill
urgently. This will provide you with a
Transition: movement that may require extra work
CHARLIE – ECHO - JULIET (Then reverse) x5 to get to an unconscious competence
1rd 1rd 3rd level in the future days.

PRIMARY MALFUNCTION x2 reps

SECONDARY MALFUNCTION x2 reps

1R3 FROM DRAW into ALPHA x5 reps

10 trigger presses (Looking at trigger)

DAY 42 If you have simply missed a day, make it

up here. If you are struggling with a
MAKE-UP DAY technique, spend more time on it before
progressing into the next day’s work.

DAY 43 RELOADS – 2.0 Focus on smooth and slow practice, but

DUMB-DUMB SLOW with no pause between breaking the
From draw: first shot and moving immediately into
1 rd to A zone – slide-forward reload – 1 rd to A the reload. Once the magazine is
zone (Reps: 10) inserted in one slow and fluid motion,
1 rd to A zone – slide-lock reload – 1 rd to A re-establish grip precisely and finish
zone (Reps: 10) with one accurate round.

DAY 44 PRESENTATIONS Focus on quick movement up to full

Using 1/6 scale IPSC target at 3.5ft: extension and smoothly entering your
sight picture for the trigger break. These
From high-ready – 1rd (Reps: 10) should ideally be completed under 0.75
From low-ready – 1rd (Reps: 10) sec.
From tuck/compressed-ready – 1rd (Reps: 10)
 P age |4

DAY 45 MOVEMENT -- 1.0 Focus on pre-aiming and firing sooner

A zone target in middle of two firing zones when getting into position. This can be
between 3-5m apart. Moving horizontally. accomplished by bursting quickly from
1 rd from left side – then move to right side and the initial shooting position and then
1 rd. Repeat moving back to left side. hitting the brakes early to smoothly
(Reps: 10) enter the new position with the sight
A zone target. Firing zones between 3-5m apart picture already formed on target. The
moving front and back from the target. positions can be varied from horizontal
1 rd from close – then move to far and 1 rd. to diagonal to run between. With your
1 rd from far – then move to close and 1 rd. eyes, spot your spot to move, then
(Reps: 10) shoot your shot.

DAY 46 RELOADS – 3.0 Focus on no breaks in the movement

Blind reloads (eyes closed) – no timer pattern. Slowly complete the reload
(Reps: 10) movement, attempting to insert the
Blind reloads (eyes closed) – set goal time at magazine smoothly. If you hit the side of
minus 10% of your average reload speed the magazine well, do not restart,
(Reps: 10) simply adjust and continue forward
Reload (eyes OPEN!) – same par time motion with the reload.
(Reps: 10)

DAY 47 DRAWS – 1.0 (SPEED) To set STUPID FAST goal time:

Using 1/6 scale IPSC / UPSPA target A zone: Set par timer at minimum of -30% of
your average recorded time of 10 reps.
10 x Draws to determine average
20 x Draws AT STUPID FAST SPEED Example:
10 x Draws with original average as par time
(Try to nail 100% of these last reps) 1 sec average draw time after 10 reps
means STUPID FAST goal time = 0.70 sec
(Par time: A: <1.0sec B: 1.5sec C: 2.0sec)

DAY 48 MOVEMENT – 2.0 Remember – eyes to target first, then

Using 1/6 scale A-zone target: body and gun! Focus on maintaining a
180 degree turns safe line of fire on the draw. The gun
Start with your back turned to the target. Draw should be coming up in the same line (as
and engage A-zone. (Reps: 10) if you were not conducting a turn) and
90 turns – Left (Reps: 10) not be flagging any part of your body or
90 degree turns – Right (Reps: 10) area outside of the direct line to the
target. The 180 turn usually adds ~0.20s
to your standard draw time.

DAY 49 If you have simply missed a day, make it

up here. If you are struggling with a
MAKE-UP DAY technique, spend more time on it before
progressing into the next day’s work.
 P age |5

DAY 50 EL PRESIDENTE Focus on allowing the eyes to drive the

Using THREE 1/6 scale IPSC targets at 5 feet and entire drill. On the beep, find the target.
spaced horizontally by 1 foot: Transition your eyes to the next target.
Start with your hands in surrender position On the reload, focus on the magwell
above your head – back turned to target. briefly and then back up to the next
On the beep, draw and engage each target target. Be honest with your shots on
twice in the A zone. target. Were there 12 A zone sight
RELOAD pictures on the trigger breaks? Yes?
Re-engage each target twice in the A zone. Then speed up!
(Reps: 10)
Par time
A: <5.0sec B: 7sec C: 10sec

DAY 51 DRAWS – 2.0 Work on obtaining an ability to point

B-8 or 1/6 Scale A-Zone your gun where your sights fall into the
NPOA: focus of your vision on full presentation.
Draw – 1 rd – (Reps: 10) The ability to point and align your sights
outside of your natural point of aim is a
POINTING: skill that requires practice to develop
A-zone targets or objects setup at various the relationship between your body and
heights and distances. Draw to different target gun.
on each rep.
Draw – 1rd – (Reps: 20)

DAY 52 MOVEMENT – 2.0 (SHOOT WHILE MOVING) Set a random timer to signal the shots
Using an A zone target in the middle of two on target. Maintain sight picture while
indicated firing zones between 3-5m apart moving and only fire when signal is
moving horizontally. heard. Focus on smooth movement that
Start moving horizontally from left to right and allows for the least amount of wobble in
fire upon signal. Return right to left. your sight picture. You don’t know when
(Reps: 10) the beep is coming, so maintain the
Then setup firing zones between 3-5m apart sights on target during movement as
moving front and back from the target. best as you can and be prepared to
(Reps: 10) quickly press the entire trigger.

DAY 53 MANIPULATIONS – 1.0 If training for competition, you can use

Draw, transition to support hand – 1 rd both hands to reload the gun and then
(Reps: 10) transition back to one hand and press
Reload one handed the shot. For real world application,
RIGHT HANDED (Reps: 5) hold the collar of your shirt with the
LEFT HANDED (Reps: 5) out-of-play hand.
Primary malfunction clearance (Reps: 5)
Secondary malfunction clearance (Reps: 5)
 P age |6

DAY 54 DRAWS – 3.0 Focus on obtaining a perfect FFG from

A zone each hand position. Move through the
1 rd from draw – starting hand position: hand positions sequentially, until each
surrender (above shoulders) has been completed 10 times. Do not
1 rd from draw – starting hand position: relaxed repeat the same hand position twice.
at sides This workout is to enforce that your
1 rd from draw – starting hand position: TRUE starting hand position to begin the
fighting stance draw movement is your FFG on the gun,
meaning that your hand position should
(Reps: 10) focus on rapidly getting to your same
FFG no matter where the hands come
from.

DAY 55 ACCURACY – 2.0 Put 100% of your conscious thought and

PATCH-DRILL focus into the fundamental listed on the
Dry-Fire whole drill (25 patches) column you are shooting.
Draw from the holster on each patch
Feel the trigger and learn the break. To
mix it up, you can try alternating
between quick and precision trigger
presses on each column or patch.

DAY 56 If you have simply missed a day, make it

up here. If you are struggling with a
MAKE-UP DAY technique, spend more time on it before
progressing into the next day’s work.

DAY 57 MOVEMENT – 3.0 Obtain sight picture standing and then

A zone – 3m transition to the positional shooting to
Standing draw and transition to kneeling -1 rd – break the shot.
(Reps: 5)
Standing draw and transition to prone – 1 rd – Focus first on obtaining a stable
(Reps: 5) platform in each position, and then
Standing draw and transition to supine – 1 rd – speeding up getting into position and
(Reps: 5) obtaining your sights as your abilities
Standing draw and transition to urban prone – increase in these positions.
1rd – (Reps: 5)
Standing draw and transition to urban prone
(opposite) – 1rd – (Reps: 5)
 P age |7

DAY 58 BENCHMARKS Record your average time on each of

Using 1/6 scale A-zone target at 3.5ft: the benchmark drills.
DRAW (1rd to A-zone) (Reps: 10)
1R3 (Draw - 1rd – reload – 3rd) (Reps: 10) DRAW Par:
BILL DRILL (Draw - 6rds to A-zone) (Reps: 10) A: <1.0sec B: 1.5sec C: 2.0sec
1R3 Par:
A: <2.5sec B: 3.0sec C: 4.0sec)
BILL Par:
A: <2.0sec B: 2.5sec C: 3.5sec)

DAY 59 MOVEMENT – 4.0 Focus on keeping the gun up prior to

Find a corner to peak left and right from and peaking from the corner and obtaining a
engage an A-zone target on the other side. sight picture quickly on target as soon as
Right side lean from corner/cover – (Reps: 10) it is visible.
Left side lean from corner/cover – (Reps: 10)

DAY 60 DRAWS – 4.0 The focus is on building speed through

Using 1/6 scale A-Zone: each step and culminating these steps
RAW DRAW SPEED: into a full draw movement that is fast
On beep – draw and reach full presentation and and efficient.
break shot under 1.00sec par time. Do not
obtain a sight picture. (Reps: 10) Refer to “Fast is Fast” Youtube video for
From high ready – on beep – break shot in A demonstration of “RAW DRAW SPEED”.
zone under .50sec (Reps: 10)
From sights on a target – on beep – break shot
in A zone under .30sec (Reps: 10)

DAY 61 SUPPORT SIDE – 2.0 Try moving your support hand thumb
Using patch drill target: around to different positions on the grip
Draw and transition to support side grip (one and find a spot that gives you the most
hand only) and press 1rd on a patch. Re-holster. confidence in controlling the trigger
(Reps: 25) press and consistent return from recoil.

DAY 62 TRANSITIONS – 2.0 Try to vary the round counts between 1-

Using 1/6 scale IPSC targets – 1 meter apart 6 rds every few reps (1-3, 3-3, 2-4, 1-6).
From high-ready: The focus is transitioning quickly
1-6 rds – transition left to right – 1-6 rds through the deadspace, and getting a
1-6 rds – transition right to left – 1-6 rds new sight picture. Keeping the rounds
(Reps: 20) more randomized assists in staying
focused on an immediate transition
when you are done shooting, instead of
creating a habit of 2-2, etc.

DAY 63 If you have simply missed a day, make it

MAKE-UP DAY up here. If you are struggling with a
technique, spend more time on it before
progressing into the next day’s work.
 P age |8

DAY 64 SUPPORT SIDE – 3.0 Remember, move your eyes to the

Using two 1/6 scale A-zone’s split 1m apart: target during the transition and the gun
Draw and transition to support side only grip. will find its mark. With iron sights, you
1rd to left target, 1rd to right target. may need to close one eye or turn your
(Reps: 10) head to accommodate your sight
Draw and transition to support side only grip. picture when shooting on your support
1rd to right target, 1rd to left target. side.
(Reps: 10)

DAY 65 MANIPULATIONS – 2.0 When transitioning hands, switch to a

Using PATCH DRILL target: new PATCH on the PATCH DRILL target
Draw, transition to support hand – 1 rd for the subsequent trigger press or
Transition back to right hand – 1 rd simulated trigger press.
(Reps: 10)
Malfunctions are timed from full
Using A zone target: extension. On the beep, complete the
Primary malfunction clearance x 10 REPS clearance and press the shot on the A
(Par time: A: 1.0sec B: 1.5sec C: 2.0sec) zone target before the par time.
Secondary malfunction clearance x 10 REPS
(Par time: A: 3.0sec B: 4.5sec C: 6.0sec)

DAY 66 BENCHMARKS Record your average time on each of

Using 1/6 scale A-zone target at 3.5ft: the benchmark drills.
DRAW (1rd to A-zone) (Reps: 10)
1R3 (Draw - 1rd – reload – 3rd) (Reps: 10) DRAW Par:
BILL DRILL (Draw - 6rds to A-zone) (Reps: 10) A: <1.0sec B: 1.5sec C: 2.0sec
1R3 Par:
A: <2.5sec B: 3.0sec C: 4.0sec)
BILL Par:
A: <2.0sec B: 2.5sec C: 3.5sec)

DAY 67 RHYTHM Focus on consistent trigger presses on

Using Metric’s target: the number. Ensure your sight picture is
falling back inline and is prepared for
Draw - 4-6rds in ALPHA (Say “con-sis-tent”) the next number. Vary the number of
Draw - 4-6rds in BRAVO (Say “com-bat”) shots between 4-6 rounds
Draw - 4-6rds in INDIA (Say “and”)
Draw - 4-6rds in JULIET

(Reps: 5)
 P age |9

DAY 68 DRAWS – 5.0 Move through the individual patches on

Using PATCH DRILL target – 3 meters each rep. Place conscious effort into
making your FFG the same every time.
STEP 1: Obtain FIRST AND FINAL GRIP Once on the FFG, rip the gun from the
(Reps: 10) holster in that diagonal line towards
your sight picture.
STEP 2: Draw from FFG, obtain sight picture
with trigger prepped at 90%
(Reps: 10)

STEP 3: Full draw to trigger press.

(Reps: 20)

DAY 69 FULL BODY DAY – 2.0 Focus on running these drills at an

Using Metric’s target at 2m: urgent speed as if this were a
competition. This workout goes through
DRAW BREAKDOWN: a large array of pistol skills which can
5x draws/5x FFG/5x draw from FFG/10x draws lead to some confusion for the body
when ran at speed. Try to run through
BILL DRILL into ALPHA x 5 reps the whole workout without practicing
any of the movements mentally or
Draw and engage ALPHA from squat position physically prior to running them at
Draw and engage FOXTROT from prone position speed. This will provide you with a more
Draw and engage JULIET from kneeling position honest view of how you are able to
complete seemingly random and unique
Transition: tasks as if they were presented to you in
ALPHA – CHARLIE - INDIA (Then reverse) x5 reps a real world or competition context.
2rd x 1rd x 2rd Even if you stumble, fix your mistake
and continue moving through the drill
PRIMARY MALFUNCTION x2 reps urgently. This will provide you with a
SECONDARY MALFUNCTION x2 reps movement that may require extra work
to get to an unconscious competence
3R3 FROM DRAW into ALPHA x5 reps level in the future days.

TURNING LEFT (90 degrees) RELOAD x3 reps

TURNING RIGHT (90 degrees) RELOAD x3 reps

10 trigger presses (Looking at trigger)

DAY 70 DRY-FIRE: Go through the entire Metrics test twice

METRICS TEST in dry-fire to prepare for tomorrow’s
(Reps: 2) live-fire run.
DAY 71 Focus on accuracy and allow the speed
LIVE-FIRE: to be what it is. Record your results and
METRICS TEST share with the community! <3 Now, lets
get back to training. Go backwards or
start back at day 36 with modifiers!
 P a g e | 10

MODIFIERS:
Select a modifier to add to your day’s workout
OR
Roll two dice and commit to the outcome

1. Complete all reps on one leg (Movement workouts exempt)

2. Complete all reps wearing gloves (try different types: rubber, winter, tactical)
3. Rotate through standing, kneeling, crouch on each rep (Movement workouts exempt)
4. Complete all reps on your opposite side (Building FFG with weak hand)
5. Start each rep with a different starting hand position (surrender/relaxed/on gun)
6. Begin all reps with a 180-degree turn
7. Complete all reps from your back / supine (Movement workouts exempt)
8. Start each rep with your eyes closed and a 360-degree turn
9. Complete all reps in lunge position, switch legs each rep (Movement workouts exempt)
10. Complete all reps with the firearm starting in low-ready out of the holster
11. Start each rep with your firearm and magazine on the floor or table nearby
12. Complete all reps in a leaning/barricade position (Movement workouts exempt)
13. Search and destroy. Go shoot all the light switches in your house before your workout.