Our Story

Built for the Real World.

WOFT — Where Our Families Train — was founded on a single belief: the people who need self-defense training most are everyday people, not operators. We exist to close the gap between knowing and doing when it matters most.

The Team

Meet Your Instructors.

Every WOFT instructor brings real-world experience — law enforcement, military, or specialized tactical backgrounds. Open a biography card to read their full bio and credentials.

Leadership and operations

Operations Command

Leadership

Rebecca Santos

Director of School Safety Programs, Outreach and Partnerships

Why WOFT

Top 3 Training Facility in the Country

source

Real-life scenario training, a facility built for it, and instructors who meet you where you are.

“We've been doing this for fifteen years, and we've trained the best in the world. In the training industry, there's always a bigger fish.”
Philip Toppino · WOFT Founder

A reminder: you don't need to prove yourself every time. Watch or share this video.

The Founder

Why WOFT Exists.

Training families in real-life scenarios since 2010. WOFT LLC since 2015. Philip Toppino helps people protect themselves and the people they love. His approach centers on awareness, sound judgment, and practical experience: recognizing danger early, avoiding unnecessary confrontation, and making better decisions under pressure.

His interest in personal safety began with a desire to protect his family. Years of training led him to build a place where everyday people could practice responding to realistic situations in a controlled learning environment. Every program is built around one question:

“What does a real person actually need to survive a real threat?”

WOFT’s mission is practical safety training for everyday people: recognize concerns, practice decisions, and prepare to respond under pressure.

Read about WOFT’s national recognition

Scenario-Based
Live-Fire
Family-Focused
WOFT Charities
By Appointment

Founder

Philip Toppino

Founder — WOFT

Over 26 years of firearms experience. Subject matter expert in scenario training.

Experienced guest instructor in scenario-based safety training.

View full bio & credentials

Where Our Families Train
WOFT LLC since 2015

Real Training. Real Results.

Philip Toppino teaching a seated group — Philip Toppino sharing practical safety instruction with a group.

Philip Toppino with military police during an overseas training engagement.

The meaning behind the mark

What is the WOFT logo?

Protection. A flashlight beam. A target. Awareness. Discover the four ideas behind our symbol.

Get Started

Ready to train?

Choose your program, pick a date, and take the first step toward preparedness for you and your family.

View Training Programs

Booking policy