Paladin Group Training, LLC develops armed citizens into better shooters and defenders who wish to protect themselves and their loved ones. We train regular people from all walks of life who take responsible gun ownership to heart and who value safety and personal security. Our training philosophy is simple: teach what is most relevant and practical to the civilian defender and provide constructive feedback in a small-class setting. Ron Witten and Brian Bertoldo founded Paladin Group Training in 2016.

Ronald Witten–Instructor

Ron has over 30 years of law enforcement experience and has trained with top federal and international law enforcement as well as members of the special operations community. He was the Officer in Charge of Training for his department and is a retired Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) Level 3 Firearms Instructor in handgun, rifle, and shotgun. Ron is also a retired use of force and defensive tactics instructor and less lethal instructor in pepper spray, taser, baton, and munitions; and he is retired SWAT Certified and was the Executive Officer for his department’s SWAT Team. He also holds NRA certifications as Rifle Instructor, Home Firearms Safety Instructor, Chief Range Safety Officer, and is certified by the Mass. State Police as a Basic Firearms Safety Instructor and LEOSA Instructor qualified. Ron is also a SIG SAUER Academy Certified Range Master.


Brian Bertoldo–Instructor

Brian is passionate about taking what he’s learned and sharing it with people of all abilities so they may become better shooters and defenders. He is certified as a Master Firearms Instructor by the SIG SAUER Academy (previously attaining Instructor and Advanced Instructor certifications in both Pistol and Rifle). He holds additional Academy certifications as Pistol Mounted Optics Instructor and Low Light Pistol Instructor. Brian’s NRA certifications include Pistol Instructor, Home Firearms Safety Instructor, and Chief Range Safety Officer. He’s Stop The Bleed® certified and holds additional certifications as Basic Firearms Safety Instructor and LEOSA Course Instructor by the Massachusetts State Police. Over the years he has trained under several top instructors including former special operations personnel and former federal law enforcement instructors. Brian has been an instructor since 2015 and continues to attend advanced training and instructor development to stay on top of the latest techniques and training methods.


Michael G.–Assistant Instructor

Michael completed eight years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps, leaving in 2000 with an honorable discharge. He’s had training with a variety of military specialties both during and after his service. Michael is certified as an NRA Pistol Instructor and is continuing further instructor development in pistol, rifle, and shotgun. He volunteers regularly at Danvers Fish & Game Club teaching prospective gun owners to ensure we have a future of safe and responsible citizen defenders. Michael also has experience in IDPA competition and defensive scenario training. As an Assistant Instructor with Paladin Group Training he provides invaluable insight from both a military and civilian perspective.


Our Partner Facility: Danvers Fish & Game Club

Classes are open to both members and non-members.

Class at the outdoor pistol range
Aerial view of outdoor rifle and pistol ranges
Outdoor pistol range
Class at the outdoor pistol range
Indoor pistol range
Meeting hall/classroom

Danvers Fish & Game Club
20 Birch Road
Middleton, MA
https://www.dfgc.club/