The IDPA Classifier

I'd like to talk today about The IDPA Classifier.

A perennial question is: "Should I practice The Classifier?"

And the equally perennial answer is: "NO!  You shouldn't practice the Classifier BUT you SHOULD practice the SKILLS involved in the Classifier."

The IDPA Classifier is "The Great Equalizer" between A-L-L IDPA members in 50 countries worldwide.  There's a reason it's called the "International," ya know?

By shooting the Classifier you automatically join an elite worldwide group of shooters who have agreed to play by the same rules while perfecting Real World Skills that may someday save your bacon.

The IDPA Classifier is Great Shining Beacon in our sport akin to that famous saying at America's Statue of Liberty.  The Classifier harks back to this:

“Give me your tired-eyed, your poor aim, your huddled masses yearning to shoot free.” 

Yeah, that's what the Classifier is all about if you get right down to it.  It's The Second Amendment Personified.  But I digress.

Anyway, we convened this blog post to talk about how better to prepare for The Classifier.  And this harks back to the "Skills Issue."  Yes, it is MUCH better to practice the SKILLS involved in the Classifier than the Classifier itself.

We just recently began coaching a new IDPA Member for her first Classifier.  As they say, "The Best Way To Learn Is To Teach."  My so-called "coaching" has turned into a First Class Learning Experience as far as "prep" for The Classifier goes.

What I am learning now really helps me understand what it means to "practice the skills" instead of practicing the match.  Meanwhile, it has helped me learn how much I must learn to once again maintain my Marksman Classification in IDPA.

I am PROUD of IDPA for such a great consensus Rule Book.   We are part of an exceptional organization.

Happy Shooting!  John Parsons.