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The ILEETA Learning Lab
The Learning Lab is a series of 60 minute interviews with ILEETA Conference presenters discussing the key teaching point takeaways from their conference presentation. These interviews are packed with great content and created to serve as weekly professional development training for ILEETA members.
The ILEETA Learning Lab
A Brief and Incomplete History of Gunfighting (John Weiss III)
John Weiss III will present A Brief and Incomplete History of Gunfighting at the 2026 ILEETA Conference & Expo in St. Louis, March 16–21, 2026.
👉 https://www.ileeta.org/conference/
A NOTE FROM THE LEARNING LAB
ILEETA Deputy Executive Director Joe Willis sat down with John Weiss III for a Learning Lab conversation that explores an often-overlooked truth in law enforcement training:
Modern tactics make more sense when you understand where they came from.
This conversation uses history not as nostalgia, but as a powerful instructional tool. It is designed to give context before the course, reinforce key lessons after the course, and challenge trainers to rethink how storytelling, history, and perspective can elevate any training topic.
COURSE CONTEXT
Course Title: A Brief and Incomplete History of Gunfighting
Instructor: John Weiss III
Course Length: 3 hours, 45 minutes
Event: 2026 ILEETA Conference & Expo
Location: St. Louis, Missouri | March 16–21, 2026
Find this course on the conference schedule:
https://www.ileeta.org/conference/
ABOUT THE CONVERSATION
Firearms training is often taught as a collection of techniques, drills, and standards. What is frequently missing is the story behind those techniques and why they evolved the way they did.
In this ILEETA Learning Lab interview, John Weiss III traces the evolution of gunfighting as America’s martial art, from the early days of Colt’s revolver to modern law enforcement applications. Through vivid storytelling and historical context, John demonstrates how history can be used as a teaching force multiplier, not just an interesting sidebar.
The conversation highlights how technology, culture, and human behavior shaped the way gunfighting evolved and why understanding that evolution makes instructors more effective today. John also models how narrative can be used to keep students engaged, improve retention, and bring depth to even the most technical subject matter.
This interview provides valuable context for John’s extended course and serves as a live example of how instructors can use history and storytelling to energize their own training programs.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
Gunfighting as the American martial art
How firearms technology shaped tactics and decision-making
Why historical context improves modern training
Storytelling as an instructional tool for adult learners
Using narrative to elevate firearms and use-of-force instruction
WATCH OR LISTEN
YouTube – Full Learning Lab Interview
https://youtu.be/1tS6hOlwUsk
Podcast – ILEETA Learning Lab
https://www.ileeta.org/learning-lab/
(Also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and most major platforms)
CONNECT WITH THE INSTRUCTOR
John Weiss III
Website: https://teamonenetwork.com/instructors/john-weiss/
ABOUT THE ILEETA LEARNING LAB
The ILEETA Learning Lab features conversations with conference instructors and training leaders to share insight, experience, and practical ideas that inspire excellence in law enforcement training.
These conversations are designed to complement conference courses, support instructors, and extend learning beyond the classroom.
#InspireExcellence #TribeOfTrainers #ILEETA2026