Reality-Based Firearms Training Concept to Open Centers in Thousand Oaks and Long Beach

Photo byuniteddefensetactical.com

United Defense Tactical, the first-of-its-kind firearms and self-defense training center, has officially signed two new deals, bringing centers to Long Beach and Thousand Oaks, California.

Founded by Wes Fox in 2019, United Defense Tactical trains people to survive, be safe, and be confident in their abilities.

Colt Agent .38 Special snub-nose revolverPhoto byPinterest

United Defense Tactical has also announced new target areas for franchise units in the Los Angeles area. The brand seeks franchisees in South Bay, Manhattan Beach, Torrance, Woodland Hills, and Calabasas.

“From our technology to our training, we provide the most well-rounded firearms and self-defense training curriculum in the world,” said Fox. “Our comprehensive firearms and self-defense training program was created to empower, transform, and protect communities. We’re really excited to continue our expansion throughout Southern California.”

Local owners Paul Davis, Elyas Peshtaz, and Stephanie Peshtaz make up United Defense Tactical’s founding franchisees, breaking ground on their locations set to open between late spring and early summer of this year.

Paul Davis is opening his Long Beach United Defense Tactical center at 200 E Willow St, Long Beach, CA. Davis has been a member of United Defense Tactical for two years. As he has progressed through the curriculum, he has seen the demand for dynamic training and creating more responsible firearm owners.

“After taking UDT’s courses myself, I wanted to share what I’ve learned with my community,” said Davis. “Bringing this curriculum to Long Beach, I hope to create a sense of community and teach my members to best protect themselves.”

Elyas and Stephanie Peshtaz decided to enroll in UDT’s curriculum after a random physical attack on the way to Stephanie’s birthday celebration. Their experience with the training inspired them to open their Thousand Oaks center, located at 672-684 N Moorpark Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA.

“From the curriculum to the business model, everything about United Defense Tactical made sense to us,” said the Peshtazs. “We knew nothing about self-defense before taking our courses through UDT, and now we are excited to have their support and guidance in bringing their curriculum to Thousand Oaks.”

UDT fully supports franchisees and will gain access to a world-class curriculum, proprietary technology, comprehensive training, and guidance from leaders backed by decades of franchising excellence with protected territory rights, marketing support, operational guidance, technical support, and preferred partner networks.

Photo byuniteddefensetactical.com

The estimated investment required to open a United Defense Tactical franchise is between $400,000 and $750,000. To learn more about United Defense Tactical, visit if interested in a franchise opportunity.

About United Defense Tactical

With our flagship facility founded five years ago and franchising since 2023, United Defense Tactical is a first-of-its-kind self-defense training center actively bringing safety and protection to communities, families, businesses, and individuals. Integrating advanced technology and expert self-defense training, UDT’s top-tier facilities provide a unique and controlled setting for teaching individuals of all skill levels. The focus is on learning to evaluate situations, communicate effectively, de-escalate conflicts, move with precision, and perform well under high-stress, realistic scenarios.

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N.B. This article is for information purposes only. The author has no financial interest in purchases made through the links provided and does not earn a commission. 

Douglas Pilarski is an award-winning writer & journalist based on the West Coast. He writes about luxury goods, exotic cars, horology, tech, food, lifestyle, equestrian and rodeo, magazine features, and millionaire travel. 

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