In Episode 187 of the EvoSec Podcast, Aaron and Eric sat down with Mark Smith of JBS Training Group — a USPSA Grand Master, instructor, family man, and disciple of Jesus Christ who rose from a complete unknown to one of the most respected voices in practical shooting.
Mark’s story isn’t about natural talent or expensive gear. It’s about relentless mental discipline, smart training, and refusing to stay average. Here are the biggest lessons and highlights from the conversation.
1. The Mental Game Is 90% of Performance
Mark’s most powerful message: You don’t suck at shooting — you suck at competing.
He went from B-class to Grand Master in just four matches. The secret wasn’t endless live fire or perfect technique. It was fixing his self-image and controlling his thoughts.
“I didn’t suck at shooting. I sucked at competing.”
Key Takeaway:
Your self-image expects (and creates) the results you anticipate. If you constantly tell yourself “I always choke on stage 3,” your brain will make sure it happens.
Deeper Dive: Lanny Bassham’s Sports Psychology Methods
Mark credited much of his success to the mental management system developed by Lanny Bassham and carried forward by his protégé Steve Anderson.
Instead of generic positive thinking, they use directive affirmations — a personalized, written script that includes:
- Who you are becoming (“I am becoming a Grand Master shooter”)
- How you will do it (consistent effort, champion habits)
- Why it matters (your deep “pay value” — family, proving something, etc.)
Mark read his affirmation out loud 15+ times per day. Within about three weeks, he shot his first GM classifier.
Actionable Tip:
Write your own directive affirmation with Steve Anderson’s method (or study With Winning in Mind by Lanny Bassham). Read it daily. Combine it with honest self-assessment after every training session and keep a handwritten performance log to track practice sessions that are working toward your affirmation statement. This isn’t “woo-woo” — it’s proven sports psychology used by world-class performers in shooting, jiu-jitsu, and other disciplines.
2. Consistency Beats Hero Days
Mark emphasized building sustainable habits over massive volume:
- Dry fire 5 minutes every day > 2 hours once a week
- Set a reasonable written schedule you can actually hit
- Celebrate exceeding small goals to build confidence
Lesson:
Training is about stacking small wins that protect your self-image on match day. Missing your unrealistic plan destroys confidence. Hitting (or beating) a modest plan builds it.
3. Train Like You Compete — Be Brutally Honest
Mark’s live-fire approach is extremely intentional:
- Set clear performance goals for every run (e.g., “no more than one Charlie, no misses on steel”)
- Only look at your time if you hit the goal
- Use dirty targets and realistic stages instead of chasing Instagram drills
He also called out ineffective drills like ball-and-dummy for advanced shooters, arguing they create false confidence that doesn’t translate under pressure.
Core Principle:
Train in the way you will actually be tested. Make mistakes in dry fire where they’re cheap. Fix them there.
4. Precision with Gas Guns & Barricades (American Gas Gun Rapid Precision)
One of Mark’s most unique offerings is his American Gas Gun Rapid Precision class. It combines performance shooting principles with practical precision rifle concepts — designed specifically for shorter gas guns (11.5″ etc.).
Key insights:
- Barricades with depth (realistic cover like boulders, barrels, chairs, shopping carts) change everything compared to flat VTAC-style barricades.
- Learn to achieve stability and a still dot even on awkward, improvised positions.
- Precision isn’t reserved for 300+ yards — it matters at 47 yards in a real critical incident (e.g., bad guy behind a mall planter, or hostage shot).
- Understand external ballistics well enough to “just hold” on many close-to-medium targets instead of over-complicating holds.
Lesson:
Your dot gun is far more capable than most people realize. Stop boxing yourself into “this is only a 25-yard gun.” With the right stability and basic ballistic understanding, you can deliver precise shots faster and farther than you think — exactly when it counts.
5. You Can’t Buy Performance
Mark was blunt about gear:
Expensive 2011 pistols (Staccato, etc.) can be easier to shoot accurately in static drills, but they are not a shortcut to skill. Most top performers still run Glocks and standard guns because they put in the work.
Lesson:
Focus on training and mindset first. Gear is a tool — not a solution.
Final Thoughts
Mark Smith’s journey proves that extraordinary results are available to normal people who are willing to do the uncomfortable mental and training work.
Whether you’re a competitive shooter, defensive carrier, or just someone trying to get better at anything — the principles are the same:
- Fix your mindset first
- Train with intention and honesty
- Stay consistent
- Focus on self-improvement over gear and shortcuts
Highly recommended: Listen to the full episode and check out Mark’s classes at jbstraininggroup.com.
Author – Eric Davis
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