Turn your home into a hard target
Our mission is to teach law-abiding American citizens to fortify their homes, making them hardened targets that are nearly impenetrable to those who prey on the weak and unprepared.
Mike “Chino” Castillo
Mike served 21 years in the U.S. Coast Guard’s Deployable Specialized Forces. He is a combat veteran with multiple deployments around the globe in support of counter-drug, anti-piracy and counter-terrorism operations, serving with Maritime Security Response Team–West and Pacific Tactical Law Enforcement Team.
After retiring from the military he became a private contractor, training U.S. Navy sailors and law enforcement agencies in weapons, self-defense and combatives, and close-quarters combat.
Castillo Arms is how he passes that experience on to everyday Americans, in your own home or on the range.
Ready before it matters
If someone attacks you at home or in public, preparation and training can be the difference between a life-threatening event and saving your life and the lives of others.
We teach you to assess threats, make split-second decisions and take defensive action. That includes safe weapon handling, local laws and regulations, proper storage and real proficiency, so you can protect your family and own your firearms responsibly.
The goal is confidence: the peace of mind that you can respond smartly and effectively when someone you love is threatened.
Personal, practical, real-world
Personalized training
Every student has different needs and learning styles, so training is tailored to you.
- Training plans matched to your skill level
- One-on-one instruction when you need it
- Progress tracking and skill assessment
Real-world application
We go past basic handling and shooting to the decisions you would actually face.
- Scenario-based training in realistic settings
- Decision-making under stress
- Defense plans built around your own home
Your home, the range, the shoot house
Based in Santee. Live-fire classes are held on a private ranch range in Dulzura; the exact address is sent with your booking.
In your home
Our in-home Laser Ammo training system brings the training to you, in the rooms you would actually defend.
Live-fire range
Pistol, rifle, shotgun and CCW classes on a private ranch range in Dulzura.
Close-quarters facility
Through long-standing relationships, we train in a close-quarters combat facility used regularly by the U.S. military and law enforcement.
What we stand for
Excellence
In every class and every customer interaction.
Professionalism
The highest standard in training and service.
Integrity
Transparent and honest in everything we do.
Education
Knowledge and practice that make you capable.
50+ Google reviews
Read what students say about training with Mike on the Castillo Arms Google Business Profile.
Train with Mike
Pick a date on the schedule and pay on the class page. Questions? We usually reply within a day.