Brent Suen

Welcome to the digital home of Brent Yee Suen, a seasoned expert with 35 years of experience in strategic advisory, capital markets, and security and intelligence. This platform highlights Brent’s dedication to excellence across high-stakes sectors, providing specialized advisory services for individuals and organizations navigating complex environments. Beyond his professional achievements, Brent Suen brings his passion for snowboarding, tactical shooting, Kali/Escrima, and extreme hiking to his work, embodying resilience and precision. With his extensive expertise, Brent Suen offers valuable insights and strategic pathways for those seeking top-level advisory support in a dynamic, high-intensity landscape.

Introduction to Tactical Shooting: Skills Every Beginner Should Learn

In recent years, tactical shooting has grown in popularity, attracting enthusiasts looking to build advanced marksmanship skills, increase self-discipline, and boost mental and physical agility. While it may look thrilling in movies or on television, real-world tactical shooting is a structured discipline requiring careful attention to technique and safety. Whether you’re interested in competitive shooting, personal defense, or just want to learn a new skill, tactical shooting can offer a rewarding journey. Brent Suen provides an in-depth beginner’s guide to help you step into the world of tactical shooting, understand the foundational skills, and learn essential safety protocols.

What Is Tactical Shooting?

Tactical shooting refers to a dynamic style of shooting that involves moving targets, obstacles, or scenarios that simulate real-life situations. Unlike traditional marksmanship, which focuses on shooting from a static position, tactical shooting incorporates movement, cover usage, and quick decision-making. Brent Yee Suen explains that this style is often associated with military and law enforcement training but is increasingly being practiced recreationally by civilians who wish to develop enhanced shooting skills and situational awareness.

Why Learn Tactical Shooting?

Engaging in tactical shooting goes beyond simple target practice. Brent Suen understands that it can improve your ability to think under pressure, enhance your physical reflexes, and cultivate self-confidence. Tactical shooting requires mental focus and the ability to make split-second decisions, and the training involved offers numerous benefits:

Mental Clarity and Focus: Tactical shooting requires a high level of mental clarity and focus, helping participants improve concentration and decision-making skills.
Physical Agility and Strength: Moving while shooting, taking cover, and carrying equipment builds physical endurance, coordination, and agility.
Self-Discipline and Responsibility: Tactical shooting emphasizes respect for firearms, discipline in practice, and responsibility in handling potentially lethal equipment.

Basic Safety Principles in Tactical Shooting

Safety is the cornerstone of all firearms training, especially for tactical shooting. Before you even pick up a firearm, you must be familiar with the basic principles of firearm safety. Brent Suen shares the four universal rules every shooter must internalize:

Treat Every Firearm as If It Is Loaded: This fundamental rule helps prevent accidental discharges. Always assume a gun is loaded, even if you’ve checked it yourself.
Never Point the Muzzle at Anything You’re Not Willing to Destroy: Always be aware of where your firearm is pointing, whether you’re on or off the range.
Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger Until You Are Ready to Shoot: Placing your finger on the trigger only when you intend to shoot prevents accidental firing.
Be Sure of Your Target and What Lies Beyond It: Knowing what is in your line of fire, as well as what is beyond it, helps prevent unintentional injury or damage.

In addition to these rules, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) like ear protection and eye protection is essential in tactical shooting environments.

Essential Tactical Shooting Skills for Beginners

1. Stance and Grip

A proper stance and grip provide a foundation for accuracy and recoil management. Here are the basics:

Stance: The most popular stance in tactical shooting is the “Isosceles Stance,” where the shooter faces the target directly, with both feet shoulder-width apart. This stance offers stability and ease of movement.
Grip: A solid grip helps manage recoil and maintain control of the firearm. Beginners should learn the two-handed grip, with the dominant hand holding the firearm firmly and the support hand wrapping around it. This grip provides control and helps absorb recoil.

2. Sight Alignment and Sight Picture

Sight alignment and sight picture are essential for hitting targets accurately. Brent Suen explains that sight alignment refers to aligning the front and rear sights, while sight picture includes aligning the sights with the target. Mastering this skill helps beginners improve accuracy and target consistency.

Sight Alignment: Focus on aligning the top of the front sight with the rear sight.
Sight Picture: Ensure the front sight is in focus, with the target slightly blurry. This allows for more precise aiming.

3. Trigger Control

Trigger control is one of the most challenging aspects for beginners but is crucial to avoid jerking the shot off target. Proper trigger control involves smooth, controlled pressure on the trigger without disrupting the sight picture.

Trigger Squeeze: Instead of pulling or jerking the trigger, learn to press it slowly and consistently until the firearm discharges. This helps prevent movement and maintains sight alignment.
Follow-Through: Follow-through involves keeping focus on the sights and target after the shot is fired. It’s a skill that helps maintain control over the firearm and prepares for subsequent shots if needed.

4. Reloading Techniques

Tactical shooting often involves scenarios where quick reloads are necessary. Beginners should practice both speed and tactical reloads to ensure they can efficiently maintain readiness:

Speed Reload: In this method, the shooter drops the empty magazine and inserts a new one immediately, prioritizing speed.
Tactical Reload: For situations where time allows, a tactical reload involves retaining the partially used magazine to use later. This technique is useful in scenarios where conserving ammunition is important.

5. Movement and Positioning

Moving and shooting is one of the main distinctions between tactical shooting and traditional target shooting. Learning to shoot accurately while in motion and from different positions is essential.

Shooting on the Move: This involves walking forward, backward, or sideways while keeping the firearm pointed at the target. Start slowly to maintain accuracy.
Use of Cover: Cover is anything that can provide protection from incoming shots. In tactical shooting, beginners learn to use cover effectively, minimizing their exposure to the target while maximizing protection.

Tips for Practicing Tactical Shooting as a Beginner

Start Slow: It can be tempting to jump into advanced drills, but mastering the basics is key to long-term success.
Practice Dry Fire Drills: Practicing without live ammunition can help you improve your trigger control, stance, and sight picture without the added cost of ammo.
Work with an Instructor: A professional instructor can guide you through proper techniques, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that you practice safely.
Join a Shooting Club or Community: Many ranges offer tactical shooting classes or groups where you can practice with others and learn new techniques.

The Journey of Tactical Shooting

Tactical shooting is a discipline that requires patience, practice, and respect for the process. As a beginner, focus on learning the fundamentals, honing your skills, and prioritizing safety at every step. Over time, you’ll find that tactical shooting not only improves your marksmanship but also cultivates a sense of mental clarity and physical agility. Brent Suen emphasizes that by investing time in mastering these skills, you’ll be well-prepared for a rewarding journey in the tactical shooting world, whether for personal growth, recreational enjoyment, or professional development.

Thank you for visiting the online portfolio of Brent Yee Suen, a distinguished leader with 35 years of expertise in strategic advisory, capital markets, and security and intelligence. With a career focused on delivering high-impact solutions, Brent Suen has significantly contributed to the growth and resilience of individuals and organizations in demanding environments. Beyond his professional pursuits, Brent Suen is deeply committed to fostering a community built on skill, discipline, and resilience. His approach blends expert knowledge with a passion for mentorship and empowerment, supporting others in navigating complex challenges and achieving their strategic goals.