Purpose Over Motion
Every drill has a mission focus, not just “run and gun.”
Our RPDT Group
Ryan Patete
Company owner Ryan Patete is a seasoned law enforcement professional and firearms instructor whose operational experience and teaching work support both duty officers and serious shooters alike. Previously a regional SWAT team operator—bringing tactical experience in high-risk warrant service, barricade/hostage situations, and other critical incidents, Ryan now serves full-time as a detective in a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio. He has also worked as a K-9 handler (or in association with K-9 teams) within the law enforcement operational arena.
Training and Instruction
As the chief instructor of Rifle & Pistol Defense Training, Ryan offers advanced firearms training programs for both law enforcers and civilians. His teaching method focuses on real-world pragmatism: tactical movement, decision-making under stress, team coordination, precision rifle/force-on-force engagements, and full-spectrum professional marksmanship. Ryan is also affiliated with the Sentinel Foundation as Director for Law Enforcement Operations.
Areas of Expertise
Training Philosophy and Values
Ryan brings the following core values to his training programs:
Dale Mochan
Dale Mochan is a serial entrepreneur, author, firearms expert, and the owner and founder of D&A Armory. As a manufacturer of firearms and suppressors, he operates a leading firearms store recognized for its integrity, exceptional customer service, laser engraving capabilities, gunsmithing expertise, and community engagement. With a lifelong passion for innovation and leadership, Dale has built multiple successful ventures across different industries while maintaining a deep commitment to responsible firearm ownership and training excellence.
Continuous Shooter Training
An avid shooter and lifelong learner, Dale continues to refine his tactical skillset through consistent training with Rifle & Pistol Defense Training, where he elevates his performance and technical proficiency to new heights. His mindset of discipline, growth, and accountability is evident in both his range and his business ventures.
Motivational Writer
Dale is the author of The Million Dollar Shot, a motivational and business-focused book that blends his personal experiences with lessons on perseverance, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial success. His story exemplifies the belief that with focus, grit, and purpose, people can turn their vision into a reality.
Josh Dubik
Josh Dubik founded a drone services company focused on search-and-rescue missions and provides support to law enforcers during tactical operations. A long-range instructor, competitive shooter, and former executive leader and coach, he combines real-world operational experience with practical, effective teaching. Known for his calm, grounded leadership, he focuses on teaching realistic, results-driven skills that make a meaningful impact in the field.
As a psychology degree holder, Josh brings a deep understanding of how people learn, perform, and build resilience—skills he uses to develop strong, reliable teams that operate confidently under pressure. A dedicated lifelong learner, he has trained with Modern Day Sniper, Ridgeline Defense, Achilles Heel Tactical, and many other advanced programs. He’s also a certified nutrition coach, adding another layer to his holistic approach to performance and readiness.
Markus Holzer
Born in Austria, Markus Holzer immigrated to the US with his family in 1997 when he was just three years old. Discipline, hard work, and focus are attributes his father, a successful entrepreneur who started from scratch, instilled in him from the very beginning and has since defined every aspect of his life.
School Life
In 2009, Markus entered the fire academy, where he finished second in his class. Upon completing his course, he immediately entered EMT School, where he achieved high marks and subsequently secured his paramedic license, all within 27 months.
Work Experience
Markus is a disciplined and hardworking individual with a passion for helping people. He dedicated 16 years of his life to serving the people of Bainbridge Township and five years to the city of Mantua as a firefighter/paramedic. During that time, Markus also worked on building his skill set, eventually heading the Bainbridge Explorer Program, an immersive class for local high-school students interested in learning about careers in the fire service.
RPDT Experience
In 2024, Markus incorporated his passion for discipline with his love of pragmatic rifle and pistol training by attending over 20 RPDT classes under Ryan Patete’s direction. In addition, he traveled throughout Ohio, building on his skill set and attending intensive multi-day specialty hands-on instruction in the fields of DMR rifle work, Modern Samurai’s Advanced Pistol Course, TacMed, and Pistol Instructor courses with Hunter Freeland.
A Love for Teaching
Markus’s passion for teaching inspired him to use his knowledge in weapons training to help people build confidence and self-worth on and off the range. His dedication and drive to assist people in their journey to becoming law-abiding, safe gun owners and operators also led him to his current role as range cadre for RPDT. By next year, Markus will assume the role of assistant instructor and looks forward to sharing his passion and knowledge with both new and established members.
Chris Sprecher
To offset the monotony of his full-time IT career, Chris Speacher developed a taste for adrenaline-seeking activities, ranging from racing cars to shooting guns. He has trained with Achilles Heel Tactical, Rifle & Pistol Defense Training, and Modern Samurai Project, learning the modern approach to firearms safety and education.
A native of northeast Ohio, Chris also enjoys tinkering with things. He is likewise a natural teacher and is excited for the opportunity to share his knowledge in various RPDT programs.
CJ Natale
CJ Natale brings over 40 years of experience in firearms training and defense technology to Rifle & Pistol Defense Training. Over the past two years, he has been both training and instructing students at RPDT, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience with students across all skill levels.
A lifelong craftsman and innovator, CJ has also built a successful career in the construction industry, establishing a reputation for precision, integrity, and leadership. His ability to create with his hands—and think with a tactical mind has defined his professional journey from the job site to the firing line. A true American patriot, he believes in the importance of being prepared, capable, and ready for anything.
Training Center Construction
Beyond his marksmanship and teaching exposure, CJ has played a critical role in helping develop and construct The Proving Grounds Law Enforcement Training Center, transforming it into a state-of-the-art facility that serves law enforcement, military, and civilian professionals. His blend of technical skill, tactical expertise, and relentless work ethic makes him an invaluable asset to the RPDT team.
