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COMMON GROUND DEFENSE

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COMMON GROUND DEFENSE

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We are a professional firearms instruction company specializing in

self-defense and home defense training for responsible civilians.

Common Ground Defense provides a high-quality, safety-focused

education that emphasizes legal compliance, situational awareness

and practical defensive skills.

Our Mission

Depoliticize the right of self-defense by empowering individuals with the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary to safely and effectively protect themselves and their families.

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The instructor

Radal Alvarado“Peru”

Founder and owner of Common Ground Defense. He is a certified USCCA Concealed Carry, Home Defense, and Firearms Instructor dedicated to providing practical, responsible, and accessible self-defense education. With over 25 years of experience training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and more than 13 years working in security throughout downtown Minneapolis, Radal brings real-world experience and a calm, practical approach to personal protection and situational awareness. Born in Peru in the mid-1980s, Radal moved to the United States in 1999, where he completed his education in Graphic Design and Fine Arts. Outside of instruction, he is a lifelong motorcycle and firearms enthusiast, as well as an avid hunter, fisherman, paddleboarder, and surfer.

As a husband and father, Radal strongly believes that self-defense is a fundamental human right that should remain independent of political division. Through Common Ground Defense, his mission is to empower individuals and families with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to protect themselves safely, responsibly, and confidently.

Home Defense

This course is designed to help individuals and families build a solid foundation for protecting their home, loved ones, and personal space. Focused on prevention, awareness, and responsible decision-making, this class goes beyond tools and tactics to develop a clear, practical home defense strategy. The course emphasizes avoidance, de-escalation, and safe,

lawful use of force only when

absolutely necessary.

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Conceal Carry

Gain the knowledge, mindset, and practical skills needed to responsibly carry and protect yourself and your family.
This 4-hour course is designed for both new and experienced firearm owners seeking their Minnesota Permit to Carry certification.

The course includes a live-fire qualification where each student will shoot 20 rounds of ammunition under instructor supervision. This class focuses on practical, responsible, and apolitical self-defense education.

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Basic Handgun

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The Classes 

Whether you're new to firearms or looking to strengthen your existing skills, this class is designed to provide you with the knowledge, mindset, and practical skills needed to safely and responsibly protect yourself and your loved ones. Our focus is on safety, confidence, and building a solid foundation in defensive firearm use.

Upcoming Events

No events at the moment

Resources

Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws by State

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Looking for info on whether you can carry in National Parks, National Wildlife Refuges or National Forests?

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