Course Testimonials

Amazing training as always. The advice is easy to understand and the style in which it is delivered makes it stick in your mind. Weekends spent here are never wasted.

Mark is a knowledgable instructor who provided us with a bespoke course tailored to our skill level, with the objective of improving our technique and confidence. This is the second time we have sent team members to be trained by Mark. Highly recommended.

Great to do another course with Mark, first class training Highly recommend

Mark was fantastic at training me, I know I had some old bad habits but he managed to break them and get me trained the right way, if you’re looking for an instructor Mark is 100% your man to go to.

This was my second visit to STS and I had a brilliant day. I chose a bespoke experience to handle a pistol and (my personal favourite) sniper rifles. If you want the best tuition you won't do better than having a course with Mark. He was 'top of the tree' and his experience is second to none. He guided me through the safety protocols on using the guns, extremely patient and no question daft enough. The session on sniper rifles was amazing, the different factors to be taken into account ie height, distance, wind speed, humidity etc was an eye opener. After lunch, the business end on the firing range. Thoroughly enjoyable. Mark tinkers with your stance/ firing position and after his adjustments you actually start to hit the target with quite a bit of consistent accuracy. The day ends to quickly. I went away having had a great time.

Just completed the 2-day Ultimate Special Forces Firearms Experience with Mark and absolutely loved it. I have been training with Mark for several years now and this course builds on all the previous foundation layers. Trained with semi-automatic AK, M4 and Pistol with the introduction of training scenarios that require movement and tactics to be applied. Safety is always paramount and Mark’s continuous instruction and oversight provides a safe training environment for these scenarios. The trip was seamless from end-to-end and the accommodation, facilities and equipment were all of the highest standard. Cannot recommend highly enough for people who are serious about training and building their skills. Thanks again Mark and can’t wait to train with you again.

I have been to STS several times over the past few years. It is a fantastic course to upgrade on weapons knowledge, drill training, and safety. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Will be going back again.

I really wanted to improve my weapons handling, shooting, and to get rid of bad habits. Often in military circles you are rushed through training with a large group aiming to just get everybody through asap. With Nobby the coaching and feedback was of a much higher quality this enabled me to improve much quicker. I was able to find out what I was doing wrong, the effect, correct it, and see instant improvements in accuracy and consistency of my shooting. I would definitely go back to develop what I’ve learnt.

For bespoke firearms coaching you can’t get better. Nobby has helped develop drills used by the Special Forces today, he’s also used them on operations and tested them. The experience and the job rolls he’s carried out are extremely rare even in the SF world. His teaching methodology will build you up from where you are, and you’ll develop much quicker in this environment. I really enjoyed the day, and felt like I developed and was challenged. I’ll be booking in again to build on what I learnt in my first session.

A really insightful and fantastic day with Mark "Nobby" Knowles. It was fascinating to learn about some of the experiences Mark has had throughout his impressive career . When it comes to the firearms, you get really involved in many aspects - educational and fun at the same time. I would highly recommend Mark's courses/experiences. It was an absolute privilege to spend the day with him. Thanks Nobby.

Nobby hosted myself and three of my colleagues and friends on Monday 29th July. Some incredible story telling and special memories from your time serving, what a life you've led! A thoroughly enjoyable day. Thank you, Nobby, you were a fantastic host, I just wish I were a better shot!

I highly recommend this experience, not only for the professional education of the use of weapons, but also for the humbling and inspiring experiences shared by Mark. A memorable day on many fronts, thanks Nobby for everything and see you again!

Never having seen a real firearm, it was a real learn from nothing situation. I felt safe and hearing all the experiences of Nobby and his career was rather inspirational. Learning about how to strip the weapons and their safe usage was very reassuring. Nobby watched over each of us and was on hand at all times with guidance. We even managed to improve our aim over the afternoon. A great day, thank you.

The course was great. I was a little hesitant to begin with as I was a complete beginner but I felt safe with Mark/ Nobby the whole time . It was a hugely enjoyable day with highly engaging introduction in the morning and shooting in the afternoon.

Great 2 day course with Mark. Meticulous admin as always Superbly professional instruction in M4. AK 47 and pistols Wonderful attention to detail and clear explanation of working parts and drills Great tactical instruction too from someone who has definitely been there. Done it. And doesn’t need to wear the T shirt !!! Accomodation and transport also excellent Thank you Mark for another extremely rewarding few days. The highest recommendation given. See you again soon.

Thank you Nobby for a truly memorable day, made all the more special by hearing the shared stories between you and the other in the group. Although the weapons training and shooting was clearly first class, it almost came second to the presentations, the discussions and generally just spending time in your company. You are indeed a true gent and one of life's treasureed encounters. See you again when we do something for the Bowra Foundation.

Absolutely brilliant day - Nobby has had a truly remarkable career and it was a pleasure to hear about it. Learning how to take apart an AK74 and an M16 was great fun, and then of course topped off by firing them (amongst other weapon systems). Range safety was top tier. Everyone left very happy!

A brilliant course with a true professional. Fascinating insights into an incredible career with UKSF and excellent firearms instruction for me and my three boys. Very highly recommended.

What a great day we had with Mark. Learned plenty about him, his work, the rifles and how to shoot them properly. Pity it was just the one day and so I couldn't do a bit more to improve my shot!

The two-day training program was exceptionally informative and engaging. I gained valuable knowledge and skills, leaving me eager to learn more. Mark's expertise and dedication as an instructor were evident throughout the course. I highly recommend his services to anyone seeking a comprehensive firearms experience. I have encountered numerous individuals claiming to be instructors, but Mark's depth of knowledge and teaching ability far surpass the rest.

A memorable day I’d recommend to anyone who wants to experience weapons training of the highest level in a safe & professional environment.

Absolutely cracking day with, Nobby! was certainly an eye opener to see what the SBS get up to and all the thing's He has done in his career. The gun range was a great experience. Great day training with a great bloke. If you want to learn about the safe handling of guns and how to shoot then he is you man!

A fantastic day, thoroughly enjoyed our introduction to firearms and getting hands on.

Mark “Nobby “ provided brilliant training for our group on the special forces firearms experience day. Very attentive and knowledgeable. Lots learned and a thoroughly enjoyable day.

A fun, interesting, and thought-provoking day. Mark has had an amazing career, which he outlined in a very entertaining way. He then introduced us to working with a variety of weapons on the range, using most of his experience to keep his sense of humour while a bunch of muppets tested his patience. Seriously, there is probably no one in the world with greater practical experience of weapons and I can't imagine there are many better teachers. Highly recommended.