Our Team.
We offer a comprehensive range of firearms training, from foundational skills to advanced techniques on virtually every weapons system used by modern law enforcement in the U.S. Our instructors are experts in their fields, specializing in the red dot sighting system for pistols and offering specialized courses like LPVO, less lethal munitions, tactical medicine, and active shooter response. In addition to our hands-on training, we excel in instructor development, helping firearms instructors enhance their skills and build effective training programs. Our team’s vast experience ensures that whether you're looking to refine your individual abilities or improve your instructor cadre, we have the knowledge and expertise to support your goals. Explore our instructors’ backgrounds below to learn more about the exceptional team at Spartan Shooting.
Steve served four years in the United States Marine Corps as an infantryman, rising to the roles of fireteam leader and squad leader. His exemplary service earned him multiple meritorious promotions and the prestigious Navy and Marine Corps Medal for heroism. After his time in the military, Steve transitioned to law enforcement, where he recently retired as a sergeant after 29 years with the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office.
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During his law enforcement career, Steve spent 17 years on the SWAT team and was twice awarded the Medal of Valor for his bravery in high-stakes operations. With over 27 years of experience as a firearms instructor, he rose to the position of Senior Range Master, responsible for overseeing all firearms training at the sheriff’s office. His expertise spans a wide array of tactical and shooting disciplines, including handguns, shotguns, submachine guns, and long-range rifles.
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Steve is also a lifelong martial artist, with training in traditional martial arts, Muay Thai, western boxing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where he holds a blue belt. He has competed in amateur boxing and continues to apply his combat skills as the CEO and Lead Instructor of Spartan Tactical Solutions, a firearms training company in San Luis Obispo.
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Steve is P.O.S.T certified to instruct essentially every use of force discipline including:
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- Handgun Instructor
- Shotgun Instructor
- Sub Machine Instructor
- Long Range Rifle Instructor
- Less Lethal Baton instructor
- Red Dot Sight Pistol Instructor
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- FBI Firearms Instructor
- Less Lethal Munitions Instructor
- Advanced Taser Instructor
- Vehicle Counter Measures Instructor
Daniel is a firearms enthusiast with over a decade of experience in competitive shooting, specializing in pistols, rifles, shotguns, and revolvers. He began competing in 2013 at the Hogue Action Pistol Range in California and quickly immersed himself in IDPA and USPSA matches. His first major win came in 2014 at the California State IDPA Championship, launching his competitive career.
Daniel has competed in local, regional, national, and world championships across various disciplines and is a member of the Hogue Inc. Shooting Team, currently focusing on USPSA open division. In 2023, he participated in the World Revolver Championships and achieved his master classification in USPSA.
As a performance firearms instructor with Spartan Training Resources, Daniel teaches intermediate and advanced techniques, helping students—ranging from competitive shooters to law enforcement—improve speed and accuracy.
Recent Achievements:
- 2024 Coastal Classic 5th Open (USPSA)
- 2024 World Revolver Championship 3rd Open, 6th Limited
- 2024 IDPA Western Regional 3rd Carry Optics
- 2023 World Revolver Championship 5th Open
- 2022 Golden Bullet Championship 4th Open (USPSA)
Mike Gemechu is a patrol Deputy with the San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Office, bringing five years of patrol and training experience. He is a California POST-certified instructor specializing in handguns, rifles, and red dot optics, ensuring officers are well-equipped and trained in the use of firearms.
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Before his law enforcement career, Mike served for over 25 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a Master Sergeant in 2019. His extensive military background includes roles as a Scout Sniper, Infantry Team and Squad Leader, Weapons Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, and First Sergeant within the 82nd Airborne Division. Additionally, Mike served in various roles within the U.S. Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), where he gained significant experience in strategic and tactical operations.
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Throughout his military career, Mike was deployed in support of direct action, foreign internal defense, and training missions across the Middle East, Trans-Sahara Africa, and South America. He also led teams as a member and team sergeant on national strategic asset missions. Notably, he served as the Non-Commissioned Officer in charge of a U.S. Army Special Operations assessment and selection program, contributing to the development of future special operations leaders.
