August 2023 - Dan Bazan, Communications & Marketing Director
Safety in schools is paramount, which is why American Prep leadership goes beyond ordinary measures to ensure that teachers and staff are not just educated but empowered to protect students even in the face of potential intruders.
Each year, APA administration conducts comprehensive training that equips staff with techniques to handle intruder situations effectively. The training covers 
disarming active shooters wielding pistols or rifles. But it's more than just physical techniques; it's about instilling confidence, transforming mindsets, and fostering the belief that individuals have the power to "Be the Solution."
This training delves into the evolution of school defense programs, weaving history with statistics on survival. Over 800 APA teachers and staff undergo level 1 and level 2 training, which includes lecture and hands-on scenarios guided by school security experts from Fight Back Nation that include trained law enforcement and military experts. These scenarios immerse participants in real-world situations, honing their response skills and elevating situational awareness. During the practical portion of the training, it's common to see our staff become deeply engaged. Many report a noticeable rise in their heart rates as they tackle simulated challenges. This heightened intensity reflects what many describe as their "mama/papa bear" instinct— a natural drive to protect those they care about in any threatening situation. By honing these skills and heightening situational awareness, we're working together to make our school a safer place for everyone.
Complementing this training, APA has adopted a powerful and comprehensive real-time incident management and communications system called Active Incident Management (AIM). This innovative and multifunctional system establishes a direct line of communication between all staff at a location and between the school and local law enforcement further reducing EMS response times and effectiveness for medical, threat, or other emergencies.
Dave Acosta, the founder and transformative force behind the Fight Back Nation training, became an integral part of the APA family in 2013. He continued his support and partnership for many years, training thousands of American Prep teachers until his passing in 2020. Dave's impact on our school is immeasurable, and we are forever grateful for his commitment to making our schools safer for our students.
Dave's training reaches beyond physical defense, encouraging individuals to challenge self-imposed limitations and realize their potential to overcome even the most daunting circumstances.
APA's commitment to Fight Back isn't solely about tactical preparedness; it's about fostering resilience and empowerment. With a resounding 98% satisfaction rate among participants, the program has transcended political and social boundaries, proving its universal value.
Dave Acosta's family and friends continue his legacy by training organizations in and outside of Utah. A recurring sentiment from those attending the inspiring Fight Back training is, "What's next?" Having experienced the transformational power of Fight Back levels 1 and 2, participants often seek further training to reinforce and build on what they’ve learned. We're fortunate to collaborate with Dave's closest allies, including military, law enforcement, and security experts, who also facilitate Fight Back training sessions.
For those who've experienced Fight Back training and are in search of more avenues to elevate their self-defense skills, we wholeheartedly recommend seeking training from these distinguished experts who are also friends of APA. Just like Dave, their passion lies in helping individuals truly "Be the Solution.”
Fight Back Nation - Click here to learn more about Fight Back Nation and their ongoing effort to empower individuals and organizations to “Be the Solution.” - http://www.fightbacknation.org/
You Tactical Nation - Dave Acosta’s firearms and tactical training company tailoring training to the needs of the individual. From no experience to specialized scenario-based team training, You Tactical can help you elevate your comfort level, knowledge, and skills. Email Tim Evancich for more information at upstreamaar@gmail.com
Ron Matik - Empowering Communities Through Training at BPMF
You might recognize Ron Matik by his commanding presence and unwavering confidence. Those who've had the privilege of training with him know that he's not just talk – he's the real deal. With a deep-rooted commitment to the Utah community, Ron embodies leadership under pressure. His extensive background in law enforcement, firearms training, and fitness led him to partner in the establishment of BPMF (Be Prepared Motivated and Fit), an organization focused on making top defense and wellness experts accessible to the public.
Ron's dedication to this mission is palpable, making him a driving force behind this initiative. Two of our Fight Back training partners, Todd Nielsen and Patrick Odle, have extended their training programs through BPMF.
Visit BPMF.com to learn more about its associated training programs
Todd Nielsen - Expert Trainer and Founder of Nielsen Training and Consulting
Todd is a retired police officer with a remarkable career spanning specialized units, tactical training, and a dedication to excellence. From covert operations to leadership roles, Todd's journey in law enforcement has been marked by expertise and an unwavering commitment to honing skills. When Todd isn't training with BPMF and Fight Back, he offers exceptional firearms and defensive tactics training throughout Utah.
Todd can be contacted by phone at (408) 682-0556 or visit Nielsen Training and Consulting to learn more.
View the video below to get a glimpse of one of Todd's more advanced training programs.
Patrick Odle - Empowering Mindful Defense with MCC Defense
Patrick Odle is a dedicated teacher and student of defense. His lineage and training are extensive, his commitment unmatched, and his teaching skills exceptional. When training with Patrick, you don’t just get basics in one art; you get a cultivated understanding and comprehension of defense. He is dedicated to developing capable, empowered, and mindful students. This leads to a teaching style that develops situational responses and practical skill sets to improve students' capacity to adapt and perform in an increasingly dangerous world.
Patrick serves as a consultant and trainer for an organization that rescues and cares for victims of child sex trafficking. He also collaborates with the U.S. Concealed Carry Association, partners with Fight Back Nation, and serves as a security consultant to organizations throughout the United States.
Visit MCCDefense.com to learn more about Patrick's training programs.
American Preparatory Academy is a
September 2021 - Tim Evancich - Chief Operations Officer
Dave Acosta's and American Prep's shared legacy continues. What does that mean to you?
In many ways, Dave Acosta's mission with FightBackNation is the same mission we're on at American Prep, that of purposefully changing the world for the better by equipping individuals with knowledge, character, and motivation to, in Dave's words, "Be the Solution" in any situation.
Who is Dave Acosta
Dave was a legitimate American hero who devoted his entire life to protecting people in his community and around the world in & out of uniform. He was a humble and powerfully positive, passionate, bigger-than-life man who was a fierce warrior, but to his core lived to joyfully love and serve others and did so in a big way. Anyone who had the privilege of meeting Dave instantly recognized he was someone very unique and extraordinary, one of the true diamonds we all hope to meet one or two of in our lifetimes.
Dave brought transformative FightBack training to our staff and has been a highly valued, influential, and loved part of our APA family since our two storylines crossed back in 2013. His FightBack training is about SO much more than the physical act of fighting back against an evil aggressor. It is about fighting back against our self-imposed limitations and having confidence that, even in the worst of circumstances, we have it within us to rise to the occasion and "Be the Solution" for ourselves and others. If we can overcome a seemingly insurmountable circumstance comprised of our worst fears and feelings of helplessness in just two short hours, what else are we capable of that we thought was impossible or too difficult?
Overwhelming staff response
Just a couple of the many personal experiences shared by staff…
There was a period of time before I took Dave's first FightBack training that I was having all kinds of nightmares; nightmares of someone breaking into my home, hurting my family, coming into the school armed, etc.... etc.... and then I was privileged enough to be part of one of Dave's trainings. WOW!!! I left so excited and empowered that the nightmares immediately ceased. There's such power in knowing what to do if something like that were ever to happen!
A few weeks ago, I happened to be having an especially hard day. One where I was feeling very down and like I should do a particular thing about a particular situation, but "I'm just not strong enough." No matter how much I reasoned it through, I felt like I just couldn't do it. The potential for backlash was too great, and it would be a lot easier to stay quiet and not "make waves," though this felt wrong to me. It was very discouraging, AND guess what happened? I got a package in the mail, but I hadn't remembered ordering anything. So I opened it up, and low and behold - it was Dave's image staring me in the face saying, "Be The Solution" :). I started to cry and said to myself, "Ok, ok, I'll do it." And I did.
Support for staff safety & security
Why is American Prep so committed to the FightBack program and participation by every staff member? Because it very
effectively does what it promises to do in preparing staff to fight back against an active threat in our schools, or elsewhere. But even more importantly, it has the power to change the way a person sees themselves and empowers them to do and be more than they thought possible. The realization that an individual can be the kind of person who keeps it together and can "Be the Solution" when things go badly, while others are falling apart, is a precious gift to the individual, to our community, and to the world.
The program's universal value, effectiveness, and the appreciation for it, is reflected in participants' personal stories and the survey data collected since 2013. Over 7000 teacher 
trainings have been provided to charter, district, and private school teachers from the broadest political, social, and worldview perspectives.
Astonishingly, there's not been a single negative or unsatisfied rating in nine years of training, and Satisfied/Very Satisfied ratings are 98%! Of course, there is story after story of personal growth, epiphany, and transformation.
Continuing the legacy
You are an important part of Dave Acosta's FightBack legacy. Dave was so proud of you and frequently bragged about you to others he trained, coached, and mentored. Dave said that the APA teachers set the standard for all other schools and have been instrumental in developing the program into what it has become. He would say, "I'm a cop. They are the teaching experts, so who better to critique the program and make it all it needs to be for teachers? APA teachers did that for us." He knew you would do anything for our kids, so he would do anything for you, and he dedicated his life to making a difference for you, knowing you would be a more powerful force for good in the world.
Dave was invited to speak at a youth event and was asked in the Q&A, “What can you tell us in one sentence that can change our lives?”
Dave's wife, Danielle, with daughters, Courtney & Kenzi, son, Alex, and many others like myself, who were blessed to serve with Dave along the way, are committed to continuing Dave's legacy and his goal of giving the gift of FightBack confidence to every teacher in Utah and America. Some of you have asked if you can join the FightBack Nation team of volunteers and help share this gift with others. We would be honored to have you.
If you are so inclined, I would love to hear what FightBack has personally meant to you.
As always, thanks SO much for all you do to change the world for the better. You are greatly loved and appreciated.
