About
Deliberate Defense
for the modern world
Personal Safety Education & Firearms Training for Everyday Citizens
Prepared Pacifist provides personalized, research-informed personal safety and firearms training for teens and adults of all backgrounds and abilities. Our focus is on helping everyday people feel prepared, not paranoid, through clear standards of safety and process based skills acquisition. We emphasize a responsive approach to training that empowers you to live a lifestyle infused with deliberate safety decisions. You will be prepared, aware, and capable to confidently navigate the world with optimum safely.
Evidence-Based Training. Individualized Instruction. Structured standards for civilian safety.
TM
• mANAGING APPROACHING STRANGERS •
Use of OC/pepper Spray
This course provides comprehensive education on using pepper spray (OC spray) as a reliable, non-lethal defense option for modern living. Participants will learn to distinguish between different spray patterns, understand the legal boundaries of self-defense, and practice effective deployment using inert water canisters. The training focuses on helping everyday citizens bridge the gap between awareness and action, ensuring you can de-escalate or defend without specialized physical strength. By simulating common public interactions, we help you build the know how and confidence required to navigate the world with a sense of security and preparedness.
Advance your capabilities from the fundamentals of marksmanship to sophisticated defensive techniques like holster work and movement. These tailored sessions are designed for everyone from the curious novice to the seasoned enthusiast seeking to refine their habits. By focusing on meticulous coaching and evidence-based standards, participants gain the practical tools and mental clarity necessary for responsible, lifelong firearm mastery.
Training Available:
• Private & Small Group Lessons
• NRA Basic Pistol & Rifle
• USCCA Concealed Carry & Home Defense
• First Range Visit
**Intro session can be conducted in home, virtually, or in classroom setting + live fire.
• FIREARMS TRAINING •
• Firearms Instruction •
• firearms inquiry •
Is a Firearm Right for Me?Learn and explore with inert firearms
* no live fire or ammo
This introductory Firearms Inquiry Class offers a pressure-free environment to explore firearm safety and basic mechanics using realistic inert trainers and virtual reality. Perfect for individuals or families who are hesitant about live ranges, these home-based sessions allow you to handle equipment and ask questions without the presence of live ammunition. You will learn the principles of safe handling and gain a clear understanding of what ownership entails before making any commitments. This approachable format ensures every participant feels empowered to make an informed decision for their personal safety strategy.
Training opportunities
Choose between private coaching or group sessions designed for real-life application.
Our flexible training can be conducted in the privacy of your home, virtually, and
at a local facility to suit your comfort level.
Whether you are starting a new journey or refreshing your skills, we provide the structured
support you need to feel truly ready for any situation.
• Lessons and Classes are by appointment only unless otherwise noted. •
• Home Defense • Creating a plan
With countless safety incidents occurring in residential areas, creating a proactive home protection plan is essential for every family. This USCCA-certified course guides you through assessing your home’s layout, understanding local defense laws, and establishing clear safety protocols for all household members. You will learn how to secure your environment and respond effectively to potential intruders with a calm, well-rehearsed strategy. This training is specifically designed for homeowners and renters who want to turn their residence into a sanctuary through practical, non-confrontational safety measures.
*This is a USCCA certificate course.
**Can be conducted in home, virtually, or in classroom setting.
Prepared • Aware • Capable
• Situational Awareness •
• SITUATIONAL AWARENESS •
True safety begins long before a threat is ever physically present through the art of active awareness. Our interactive workshops teach you how to decode your environment and recognize the subtle indicators that often precede a dangerous situation. You will develop a personal set of 'pre-made decisions' that allow you to act decisively rather than reacting in fear during moments of stress. This training is ideal for anyone who wants to move through the world with a heightened sense of intuition and confidence. By mastering these non-physical skills, you can effectively minimize risks and ensure that 'avoidance' remains your most powerful defensive tool.
**Can be conducted in home, virtually, or in classroom setting.
• Emergency first aid & trauma Response •
Acquire the vital skills needed to act as an immediate responder during medical crises or accidents. This USCCA-certified course provides hands-on practice with life-saving equipment like tourniquets and pressure bandages, while teaching you how to communicate clearly with 911 dispatchers. Designed for parents, workplace leaders, and everyday citizens, this training ensures you are equipped to sustain life until professional help arrives. You will leave the session feeling prepared to handle the unexpected with a steady hand and a clear mind.
*This is a USCCA certificate course
• Defensive tactics & marksmanship •
This advanced curriculum focuses on bridging the gap between range practice and real-world emergencies. You will learn more about the physics of movement, how stress impacts decision-making, and how to maintain safety standards in a fluid environment. This course is for responsible citizens looking to refine their existing skills through structured, pace-appropriate drills that emphasize precision and calm under pressure.
• Countering the active shooter •
This sensitive and data-driven course examines the realities of modern public safety threats to help you develop a survival mindset. By studying past incidents, you will learn how to identify warning signs and what specific actions to take to protect yourself and others in crowded spaces. This training is designed to replace anxiety with a concrete plan of action for anyone who frequents public gathering places.
*This is a USCCA certificate course.
**Can be conducted in home, virtually, or in classroom setting.
• Dry Fire •
Weekly, virtual training subscription
Maintain your proficiency and even develop elite-level shooting through intentional, safe dry fire practice sessions. These weekly sessions are ideal for both beginners and experienced owners by providing opportunities to refine your technique and address personal goals right at home. We work together to create a personalized dry fire schedule that fits your lifestyle, ensuring your skills remain sharp and reliable. This approach is perfect for busy individuals who want to invest in their training through manageable and cost-effective home training. You will learn to self-assess and achieve a higher standard of competence through repeated, mindful exercise and collaborative goal setting.
There are many ways to use dry fire and a variety of tools available for every budget. Our sessions help you choose methods and create routines to improve your proficiency for the range, competition, or self defense! By participating in these structured sessions, you turn safe practice into a sustainable and enjoyable habit.
• Buying your first handgun •
Purchasing a handgun is a personal experience.
I always say it is like buy a bra. What is right, comfortable, and "effective" for one, is not necessarily going to get the job done for all. It requires an understanding of the owners goals, physical attributes, firearm mechanics, and the physics of proper grip. There are far too many people who have found themselves with an ill fitting pistol that makes practice unenjoyable and results frustrating.
If you're ready to make a purchase, I am here to help. I will accompanying you to the local range or FFL dealer of your choice and shop with you to help determine what's appropriate for your goals and budget. I can also head into the range with you and your rental choices to help asses suitability during live fire.
*This guidance is free of charge to anyone who has participated in at least two lessons with me, before or after the purchase.
• Self Protection For Kids & teens •
Situational awareness, conflict de-escalation,defensive tactics, and emergency response
Our Youth Self-Protection workshops provide young people with the essential skills they need for navigating a modern world. We teach students how to recognize heated situations and to use their voices to set boundaries, and understand when to seek help from trusted adults. The curriculum is delivered in a supportive, age-appropriate manner that builds self-esteem without creating unnecessary fear. Parents can also include a first-aid module to ensure their teens are prepared to assist in minor emergencies. This training empowers the next generation to be observant, proactive, and resilient in their daily lives.
• Intro to AR •
Discover the versatility and safety features of one of the most popular modern sporting platforms in a calm, educational setting. This session demystifies the AR system, focusing on its role in home defense and sport while highlighting proper maintenance and operation. It is an excellent starting point for those curious about modern technology who want a grounded, responsible introduction to new equipment.
Get in Touch
TM
Phone
+1 (862) 226-2511
Serving Northern NJ and the surrounding tri-state area
& the Lake Gaston, NC area.
Classes and private lessons by appointment.
FAcilitator:
North NJ chapter of A Girl and A Gun
National Organization: AGirlandAGun.org agirlandagun.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/agagnorthnj
PreparedPacifist@outlook.com
Location
About Dana Cerbone
"My mission is to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to be more capable in any situation."
I am a lifelong teacher and student. My journey into personal self protection, exemplifies this. While teaching Middle School many years ago, I became alarmingly aware that I was seriously outsized by many of the rambunctious students in the classroom next door. Never one to dwell on a problem, I sought a solution, I began my journey into martial arts. I immediately fell in love with the challenges both physically and mentally. I dedicated myself to learning and training, and it wasn't long before I started teaching children, teen, and adult classes on my way to earning a second-degree black belt in Shaolin Kempo Karate.
Fast forward a couple of decades, age and a chronic condition began to slowly infiltrate my physical, mental, and emotional health. One day as I limped to my car in a parking lot, I realized I was feeling vulnerable in a way I had never before experienced. And not just feeling it - I WAS vulnerable.
Again, not one to dwell on the problem, I set out to on a new journey. I wanted to discover how 'bad actors" decide who they will target. What makes someone a possible victim? Guess what? I found a description of me! Well, let's just say I definitely fit the profile. Of course, that just wouldn't do. I immersed myself in more reading and in live and online classes studying violent crime.
First, I focused on unarmed self defense and situational awareness. After taking stock of my episodic physical limitations, I decided that a firearm was also the right choice for me. Happily, I discovered something new to love. Not only have I developed self defense and shooting skills, but I have continued to read, watch, and train with a wonderful and diverse cross-section of mentors. I also began competitive shooting in several disciplines.
For me, it was a natural progression to become a Personal Safety Coach and Firearms Instructor.
Now, I strive to share my time, talent, and insights with others along their own journey to develop personal protection skills.
May you live with purpose, peace, and power.
Dana
