Course Testmonials

Truly awesome. Mark is fantastic. Hospitable, engaging, calm, and a treasure trove of knowledge. He's a man who truly has been everywhere and pretty much, done everything. I could not recommend Mark highly enough and I'm looking forward to getting another course sign up. You'll have a brilliant experience

My second course of instruction with Nobby Knowles, even better than the first. We built and enhanced the skills and knowledge further and some real progress was made. Great stuff, 2 more 2-day sessions booked before I left. Thanks again Nobby, top, top man.

At best, I would consider myself an "enthusiastic plinker" with all the bad habits that being self taught brings. Curious enough to take stuff apart but lacking the confidence or ability to put it back together again in a working fashion This was to change MK had me successfully stripping and re-assembling stuff using a time honoured method of explain, watch, copy, repeat, which might not sound fun, but it is deeply satisfying to successfully complete This is how the rest of the day progressed - encouragement, observation and coaching throughout In this one day course MK was able to identify and set me straight on problems with my shooting, some that I think I suspected I did but didn't know how to correct and some that I wasn't even aware I was doing - one thing that neither of us could fix though was my glasses steaming up (note to self: take anti-mist wipes the next time) All in all a thoroughly enjoyable day, professionally run with excellent equipment and facilities - and some entertaining and amusing anecdotes thrown in for good measure

Dear Mark, I just wanted to say thank you once again for a tremendous day of pistol training and interesting conversation. I speak for all of my party in stating that we're all the better for it. We very much look forward to returning for more excellent training and to further develop our skills . I will be advising all enthusiasts to head your way for an outstanding all round experience! Many thanks! Regards, Lawrence

An iron fist in a velvet glove! A fascinating and fun day spent in the company of a very talented, professional and good humoured warrior - thanks for the insights and the skills which I'll remember for a long time to come

Great day. Serving police firearms officer. I was looking to improve on my pistol handling and recieved great one on one tuition. I would highly recomend and will come back for further tuition.

Nobby is a Master firearms instructor, his experience and knowledge are displayed in his coaching methods. I wholly recommend attending whichever course you are thinking of from novice to expert and if you are unsure I hope this testimonial persuades you, you really wont regret it.

I have nothing but admiration and respect for KNobby and the course that he ran for me . It was a total, pleasure to meet him and listen to some of his incredible experiences , knowledge and expertise . I would highly recommend KNobby .

Professional, efficient, humble, experienced amongst many other ways to describe Nobby and the course I attended. I wouldn’t of wanted a better way to be introduced into firearms other than through the Shootingtrainingsolutions way, I definitely will be attending another course in the future and can’t thank Mark enough for the realism he gave me which ultimately lit a even more greater fire under me to pursue what I want to do. Thank you!

Mark really knows his stuff, had a vast wealth of experience and made the courses really enjoyable. If you think it’s going to be a rushed, quick get you on the range kinda course this isn’t for you. Mark is thorough and ensures all safety aspects are covered and your knowledge of the weapons systems is such that you can safely and competently use them. Looking forward to booking my next course in the future. Many thanks to mark for his patience and assisting me to complete the course.

I’m very happy and pleased with everything I have learned, from fixing bad habits, posture and improving my accuracy. I now have more confidence after everything I learned, and I highly recommend to anyone interested in becoming better and competent with weapons. I will certainly come back for some development with different weapons in future Thanks Mark, see you soon

As a complete beginner, I had no idea what to expect when embarking on a 2-day bespoke course with Mark. I had a basic understanding of firearms and a urge to learn more and I’ve come away with so much knowledge. It is clear when working with Mark that he is probably one of the most knowledgable people on firearms in the country, so not only do you feel in safe hands but also confident in what you’re learning. It was a great experience to be able to learn the theory, practice drills in a safe environment and then move onto the live range when he feels you’re ready. There was a lot to learn and I was exhausted by the end of the two days, but I’ve come away wanting to learn even more. Mark is really patient to be able to be at his level and yet teach a complete beginner whilst being completely calm and ready to answer any questions I had too. Thanks again Mark!

I found Mark because I wanted help with making the decision to sign up for the royal marines or not. Not only did Mark’s mentoring grant me absolute clarity, but it turns out he is one of the most interesting men in the world. I was awestruck by his life story and feel grateful that I got to spend one-on-one time with him. And forgetting all of that, it’s clear from his teaching ability that he is a master marksman. I had never been in the same room with an AK74 or an M16 before my training with Mark, and after six hours of training, I was able to disassemble and then reassemble the guns…blindfolded. I was also able to hit my target dead centre for the majority of my shots, having never fired a gun before. If you want shooting training from a true master, Mark is your man, and a great man he is.

Three teenagers enjoyed a once in a lifetime experience with Shooting Training Solutions. Mesmerised by the expertise, skill and experience of their instructor, they were led through the principal aspects of weapon safety, the marksmanship principles, and the assembly and care of three foreign weapon systems. Safe handling of these rifles was emphasised throughout and having completed proficiency tests, they were able to proceed to the range. The range was conducted safely, professionally and with great care for those under instruction. On completion of the course, they were elated and departed the range feeling proud, satisfied and perhaps surprised with all they had accomplished under the instructor’s expert direction. Secure, Bona-Fide, Superlative

Mark is an exceptional leader and trainer. I can’t decide which was more fun, the actually training or listening to his fascinating life. For me as a mum, safety was really important as I was with my son but Mark puts safety first and foremost. You will cover a lot in a short space of time but his training instruction skills are first class.

Mark’s professionalism is the best of the best, thoroughly enjoyed my course. With intense training both days we really got to grips the fundamentals and safety of weapon handling. Mark had a good balance of making the course fun and interesting, but kept the principles of how important safety is. He made sure all of the party were on the same page at all times, I am defiantly interested in doing more courses and learning more of mark in the future.

Had a great time at Shooting Training Solutions. One to one with Mark gave me great opportunity to learn about the AK47 and the M16. Really enjoyed the classroom and live firing on the range. Would definitely go back for further training on other weapon systems and would highly recommend the training to others.

Nobby is the real deal. The most poised, prepared and professional teacher I've ever had the pleasure to learn from. You will be lucky for the chance to benefit from his experience and his guidance.

Mark Knowles is a professional at the top of his game, bringing years of combat and training expertise to the patient teaching of the safe and effective use of military and policing weapons. He is rightly cautious about whom he agrees to train, and I am honoured to continue this learning process with his guidance.

I had no expectations or idea what to expect. I had no previous experience. Mark was very welcoming and friendly, he set me at ease and made me feel relaxed. The course was very packed with lots of information and knowledge, pasted down from Mark's years of experience. I had a great time and can not wait to return to continue my learning. Mark has a talent for teaching which is natural and easy to understand.

Absolutely first rate. The course was challenging but also fun and, most importantly, SAFE! I was very impressed with the structure, content and professionalism involved. The training was robust and realistic but was delivered at a pace that suited me, and with a balanced level of coaching. Thank you for the amazing experience. I had no experience at all with firearms and I much appreciated the attention to detail, the firm approach as well as the good humour. I will definitely book a follow up course to reinforce & expand on what I have learnt. I happily give Shooting Training Solutions my strongest recommendation. Thanks Nobby 😊

Mark is a highly motivated and extremely professional instructor, which is reflected in the training delivered. Very interesting and informative course, carried out in an informal atmosphere, with the emphasis on the practical elements. Mark went to great lengths to ensure the students were not only competent but confident with the subject matter. An excellent week. I would not hesitate to recommend Shooting Training Solutions as I thought it was second to none. Thank you Mark

I've had the pleasure of working with Mark over a 2-day bespoke firearm training for actors. As a complete novice, Mark's teaching technique was spot on, a perfect mix of professionalism and fun, keeping me fully engaged throughout the weekend, in a very safe environment, perfectly showcasing his knowledge and enjoyment of teaching. Using different weapons, we covered marksmanship principles, normal safety procedures, stripping and reassembling, drills, etc., and finished the weekend with a couple of hours on the range. I truly had an amazing time, I learned so much, felt extremely safe for the whole course, and really had a good time, I am definitely looking forward to my next course with Mark!

This was an incredible day of firearms training led by the absolute best there is. Interesting, engaging, fun, challenging and competitive. I would pay just to hear about Mark's career and achievements, never mind the expert one-on-one tuition and support. I'd certainly recommend this!

As an ex-Guardsman with experience on 3 operational tours, I already knew one end of a rifle from the other; but 2 days with Mr. Knowles showed me how very shallow my previous skill at arms and weapon handling knowledge were. MK was humble and approachable as he refreshed and then thoroughly embellished my knowledge base and skill set to a measurably high degree in a remarkably short time. UKSF standards are the world's highest and it's these Gold Standards of Safety and Competence which MK delivers. Competence breeds confidence so I leave STS with a much deeper understanding of Firearms and how to use them and I am more confident than ever that I am developing a skill set that I can rely on in a hostile environment should things go wrong. This course was, above all, fun and I had a lot of laughs along the way but Safety, Safety, Safety was always the apex priority and the professionalism didn't waver throughout. Before leaving I booked my next course with MK as his instruction is in high demand. STS Training is worth every penny and more, I can't reccomend it highly enough.