Chris Matlock

SYF Defensive Solutions was birthed by Chris Matlock, out of his passion to train, consult, and create safe environments for churches and schools. Growing up in a family who worked in law enforcement, he has always been focused on serving and protecting others. This is not just a business to Chris, it's a ministry! In fact, SYF stands for "seek ye first," which comes from Jesus' words in Matthew 6:33.

QUALIFICATIONS + CREDENTIALS

Chris is first and foremost, a follower of Jesus Christ, a husband, and a father...

EDUCATION:

BSS in Practical Ministry though Wagner in affiliation with Fuller Theological in Pasadena, CA. Attended the graduate school of campus ministry.
Active member of FBSN (Faith-Based Security Network)

CERTIFICATIONS:

Ordained into the ministry in 1999 and worked in vocational ministry for one year
NRA pistol, rifle, self-defense inside/outside the home instructor
Certified State of Texas LTC instructor
Active Self Protection Instructor Certification (6 month program)

ON-THE-JOB TRAINING:

US Navy – started as an RP then moved to MA (navy police). Most time spent in patrol or training capacity.
Over 1000 hours of training while in the military, dealing with small arms, CQB, and open handed skills. Currently at 870 hours of civilian defensive training, with about 350 of those hours specific to church safety and defense/mass causality events.
Help run and train a safety team of 60+ individuals that covers multiple church campuses, with 2200+ attendees per Sunday.

MENTORS + TRAINING

To be the best, you need to train with the best. Chris has been fortunate to train with, assist, and have ongoing relationship with some of the most influential instructors in the field.

Chris and Adam Winch

https://www.defenders-usa.com/

Adam Winch is recognized as one of the top defensive instructors in the industry. Chris has had the opportunity to both train with, and assist Adam. You will not find anyone with more passion in helping folks defend themselves and those they love.

Chris and AJ Zito

https://firearmsnation.com/aj-zito-practical-performance/

Chris had the chance to train with AJ Zito, of Practical Performance, at the Guardian Conference in Oklahoma City. AJ is a master level USPSA and IDPA shooter. He is also a long time instructor in both defensive and competitive shooting.

Chris and Riley Bowman

https://www.rileytbowman.com/

I have had the huge privilege of both training, and being an AI for Riley Bowman. Riley is Master level USPSA shooter and incredible instructor. He pushes his students beyond their imagined skill, and is one of the greatest humans I know.

Chris and John Johnson

https://citizensdefenseresearch.com/

Chris had the privilege of training with John Johnson of Citizens Defense Research in Oklahoma. He is a great, no nonsense instructor.

John Coreia and Team

https://activeselfprotection.com/

This is some of our team with John Correia aad Stephanie Weidner of Active Self Protection at their National Conference.

Kaery Dudenhofer

https://www.kaeryconcealed.com/

Kaery Dudenhofer is an instructor and mentor for the Active Self Protection Instructor Program. If I can quote John Corriea, “Kaery is undoubtedly the most intelligent firearms instructor on the planet”.

ASP Instructor Cohort

https://activeselfprotection.com/

This is Chris' Active Self Protection Instructor Cohort at the in-person training in Sioux Falls, SD. All of these instructors are amazing in their own right and really pushed me to a new level of instructing.

Christopher Bean

http://www.tacticaladv.com/

Christopher Bean is one of the mentors for the Active Self Protection Instructor Program. He is the owner and founder of Tactical Advantage and is also an instructor with Brian Hill and the Complete Combatant. It has been an absolute honor and privilege to train and work with him.