Under North Carolina law, law-abiding residents and visitors not only have the right to self defense, but also have access to some of the most effective tools for self defense, and the right to carry them concealed after obtaining the North Carolina Concealed Handgun Permit or have a valid permit from any other state. Asymmetric Services, LLC is dedicated to providing personal defense training, and more.
JD Lester is the owner and lead instructor of Asymmetric Services, LLC. After 20 years of active service JD retired from the US Army in 2007. He subsequently pursued work as an independent defense contractor that landed him in Africa equipping and training a newly formed army. He began training with Gabe Suarez in 2008 and became a Staff Instructor in 2010. In addition to training with Suarez International, JD is a graduate of multiple military shooting and other courses and is also an NRA Certified Pistol Instructor and Range Safety Officer. He is a highly skilled instructor and meticulous when it comes to planning and executing training, drawing from countless training operations and experience in Somalia, Haiti, Operation Iraqi Freedom I, II, and III, as well as his work in West Africa. JD is well versed in the use of US and foreign light infantry weapons systems and small unit tactics. He teaches armed self-defense to responsible citizens so that they will be able to fight and win should they need to defend themselves or their families.
JD is the Suarez International Tier 1 Staff instructor for North Carolina, and is also certified to teach NRA classes.
JD is available for private training by request in addition to normally scheduled classes. JD frequently co-teaches classes with Alex Nieuwland, the Suarez International Tier 1 Staff Instructor based in South Carolina, to give students even more bang for their training buck.
JD can be reached via email: [email protected]
Some recent comments from satisfied students:
This is a must have for anyone that is serious about their skill set. I have had vehicle training in the past with another school and called BS on some of their “tactics”. I can say I learned a lot of useful and realistic skill with Alex this weekend. As always he kept us safe and learning. This program requires some drawing and engaging from odd positions, that requires the teacher to keep us safe but learning and practicing, Alex did great with all of it with the extra help of JD it went smoothly and quickly.
– Eric Galloway on Intro to Vehicle Gunfighting
Great class. Lots of good information. Plenty of shooting. This is my second class with Alex. He is an excellent instructor. Calm, thorough, knowledgeable, and very observant. He picks up on little details that will improve your shooting. I would highly recommend this class.
– Ben on Intro to Vehicle Gunfighting
A well-deserved THANK YOU to JD & Alex for a very well-done job! It isn’t easy to tag-team as smoothly as they did sharing the duties and making everything run so well. Both guys are knowledgeable and, more importantly, have the ability to convey that information to the student.
– “Eldora” on CRG-2
All of the explanations are clear, concise and easy to understand, and more importantly, easy to retain. I learned a great deal of useful information that I can use in future endeavors as well as learning more about my firearms
– Matt on Intro to Team Tactics
Their obvious expertise aside, JD and Alex are extremely courteous and friendly guys which makes the class that much better, and will keep me coming back for training.
– “BigT5g” on Intro to Team Tactics
I will start by saying that I have attended a lot of Suarez classes. All of the classes have been information filled and of great benefit to the student. The fighting in structures class I just attended was absolutely the best class so far!!
– “Patriot62” on CQB-Fighting in Structures
This was an awesome class. Helped me learn a lot and also see what I really need to work on as well as some changes that will be good to make to my gear. The instructors were great as well as all the other students.
– “heavyliftn” on Rifle Gunfighting