TTMD
Ultimate Member
- Nov 10, 2012
- 1,245
I was putting together some IDPA-related information for a buddy of mine and thought it might be helpful for other peole who may be new to IDPA or who may be thinking about checking it out.
Most IDPA clubs hold fairly regular matches that are usually fairly casual. Someone interested in checking out IDPA can participate in a match without joining IDPA, but will need to join after that first match if they wish to continue. I think annual dues are $40, so joining probably won't break the bank, and you do get a monthly magazine focused on IDPA. (I added those last couple of sentences because Dchaleyultra makes a good point in the next post, and it's worth including here.) Also, a new participant can shoot in these local matches for a long time and never shoot the Classifier. However, if you ever want to particpate in a sancitoned match, you will need to have shot the classifier so the match orgamizers will know where you fit, and so you'l be competing against others in your classification, and not aginst experts or masters if you're a novice or marksman. Keeps it more enjoyable for everyone.
So what is the classifier? The IDPA classifier is the course of fire that determines your classification. I think it's a good idea to shoot at least 3-4 of the more casual club-level matches first, so that you're more confident and comfortable with your surroundings and the process. In the absence of other competitive shooting experience, most people will usually initially classify as either novice or marksman.
Here are a few video clips that may help:
This first clip is thorough and walks all the way through the classifier. However, the clip moves along quickly, so you might want to be ready to pause and rewind once in a while so you're clear on what they're doing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcgsd9_cBm8
This next clip shows the classifier from the perspective of an expert-level qualifying shooter:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MNuOVYU4MU
This final clip presents the classifier on your computer or TV, giving you the commands, the horn, etc, and is an opportunity for you to become familiar with the stages in somewhat real-time. You can even dry-fire the whole thing right there. If your family or dog is watching & thinks you're weird, that's on you. I think doing this is a good idea since from my own experience it helps with stage familiarity, and to be able to focus on your shooting the first time instead of worrying about shooting the stages incorrectly:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYpKGHFDaOw
Finally, here is a web page with lots of good advice regarding the classifier, including to not practice the classifier: http://www.ccidpa.org/classifier-tips.html
Enjoy!
Most IDPA clubs hold fairly regular matches that are usually fairly casual. Someone interested in checking out IDPA can participate in a match without joining IDPA, but will need to join after that first match if they wish to continue. I think annual dues are $40, so joining probably won't break the bank, and you do get a monthly magazine focused on IDPA. (I added those last couple of sentences because Dchaleyultra makes a good point in the next post, and it's worth including here.) Also, a new participant can shoot in these local matches for a long time and never shoot the Classifier. However, if you ever want to particpate in a sancitoned match, you will need to have shot the classifier so the match orgamizers will know where you fit, and so you'l be competing against others in your classification, and not aginst experts or masters if you're a novice or marksman. Keeps it more enjoyable for everyone.
So what is the classifier? The IDPA classifier is the course of fire that determines your classification. I think it's a good idea to shoot at least 3-4 of the more casual club-level matches first, so that you're more confident and comfortable with your surroundings and the process. In the absence of other competitive shooting experience, most people will usually initially classify as either novice or marksman.
Here are a few video clips that may help:
This first clip is thorough and walks all the way through the classifier. However, the clip moves along quickly, so you might want to be ready to pause and rewind once in a while so you're clear on what they're doing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcgsd9_cBm8
This next clip shows the classifier from the perspective of an expert-level qualifying shooter:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MNuOVYU4MU
This final clip presents the classifier on your computer or TV, giving you the commands, the horn, etc, and is an opportunity for you to become familiar with the stages in somewhat real-time. You can even dry-fire the whole thing right there. If your family or dog is watching & thinks you're weird, that's on you. I think doing this is a good idea since from my own experience it helps with stage familiarity, and to be able to focus on your shooting the first time instead of worrying about shooting the stages incorrectly:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYpKGHFDaOw
Finally, here is a web page with lots of good advice regarding the classifier, including to not practice the classifier: http://www.ccidpa.org/classifier-tips.html
Enjoy!
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