Tom Thurman – Firearms Instructor & Training Counselor
Tom is an NRA Certified Training Counselor, qualified to conduct both student- and instructor-level courses across a broad range of disciplines, including NRA Pistol, Rifle, and Shotgun; Muzzleloading (Pistol, Rifle, and Shotgun); Personal Protection Inside the Home; Personal Protection Outside the Home; NRA CCW; Home Firearms Safety; Refuse To Be A Victim; and the Chief Range Safety Officer (CRSO) program.
In addition, Tom is a California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)–certified CCW Instructor, a California Department of Justice (CA DOJ) Certified CCW Instructor, and a CA DOJ Certified Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) Instructor authorized to administer and issue FSCs.
Tom holds instructor certifications with the National Rifle Association (NRA), the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (CA POST), the California Department of Justice (CA DOJ) for both CCW and Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) instruction, and the United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA). He is also a proud NRA Life Member.
Background & Experience
Born and raised in Virginia, Tom developed an early foundation in shooting sports—beginning with BB and pellet guns, progressing to small game hunting with a .22 bolt-action rifle, and later pursuing larger calibers and big game. He spent four decades hunting and fishing in the hills of Virginia before relocating to California in 1996 for his career in the technology sector.
With fewer hunting opportunities in California, Tom redirected his focus toward structured marksmanship and formal firearms instruction. In 2007, he began coaching new shooter clinics with the Santa Clara County Members Council (SCCMC) in San Jose. His emphasis on disciplined gun handling and standards-based instruction led him to pursue advanced certifications and ultimately NRA Training Counselor status.
In 2019, he reconnected with his former martial arts instructor, George Arrington, at the San Jose 10th Street Range—an encounter that introduced him to BayProfs. Tom joined BayProfs as an instructor in 2021, was elected Vice President in 2023, and President in 2025, where he continues to serve.
Teaching Philosophy
“I teach to learn. The more I learn, the better teacher I am.”
Tom’s instruction emphasizes safe gun handling, disciplined marksmanship, and responsible firearms ownership, with a focus on helping both new and experienced shooters develop confidence, competence, sound judgment, and a deep respect for firearms.
