ComChris Barrett is a familiar face at The Complete Combatant, where he brings his passion for teaching and self-defense to help out whenever he can. By day, Chris works in Information Technology and Sales for a large tech company, but his heart lies in empowering others through education. A natural teacher, he’s been sharing knowledge on a variety of subjects his entire life, from the classroom to the range. His involvement with The Complete Combatant ranges from volunteering at events to stepping into Assistant Instructor and Range Safety Officer roles, always ensuring students feel supported and cared for. Growing up with firearms, Chris has been comfortable with them since he was old enough to hold one. His commitment to self-defense deepened after joining a church safety team, prompting him to pursue intermediate and advanced training, as well as instructor courses to hone his teaching methods. Inspired by nationally recognized instructors, Chris blends their techniques with his own to create engaging, practical lessons for beginner and intermediate students. His philosophy is simple yet profound: always be ready for the unexpected, because bad things can happen to good people when they least expect it. A personal experience—his mother’s escape from an armed assault when he was young—shaped his belief in the power of quick decision-making and decisive action. Chris first connected with The Complete Combatant years ago when they requested use of the club facilities for an event while he was on the Board of Directors. After helping get it approved he jumped in to help where possible. Later that year, he attended their first ever, "The Quest," as a student, solidifying his bond with Brian and Shelley. Beyond self-defense, Chris gives back through volunteering with church, food banks, Habitat for Humanity, and as even a Title Sponsor for Blue Line Ponies along with his wife. Dedicated to service for others, he was a former cadet and senior member of the Civil Air Patrol and was an officer in the Georgia State Defense Force post-9/11 – responsible for training new members. Chris lives a life of service, always ready to protect and uplift those around him.
