August 2–3, 2025 — Mt. Carmel, Pennsylvania.
Bulletn had the privilege of attending AKnowledge: The Fundamentals (AK-1), a training event brought to life by Forward Training Concepts founder Sonny Puzikas and hosted by the ever-capable crew at Tremis Dynamics.
If you know Sonny’s reputation, you already understand: this wasn’t going to be another run-of-the-mill class where you check boxes and collect certificate paper. This was going to be an unfiltered, high-yield demolition of assumptions — and Sonny did not disappoint.
The Gospel According to Sonny (With a Side of Shrapnel)
Sonny Puzikas doesn’t “instruct” in the conventional sense. He delivers with the presence of a prophet and the precision of a scalpel, slicing open the “sacred cows” of Western firearms training and letting the uncomfortable truth spill out for everyone to see.
We’re talking thermonuclear truth bombs — the kind that hit with enough force to make you physically shift in your seat. And yet, instead of destruction for destruction’s sake, Sonny’s demolition work clears the ground for something more important: real growth.
Joined by Committed Students
Among the dedicated students who showed up for this class was Tom Holybee of Ashigaru Defense, who traveled all the way from Washington state to train. A true disciple of Sonny’s unique style of delivery, Tom brings the same blend of hard truths and practical application to his own teaching. His presence on the line added a valuable dimension to the training and reflected the commitment shared by everyone in attendance.
More Than Shooting — This is Mindset Warfighting
Every class with Sonny is less about the gear in your hands and more about the wiring in your head.
You’ll confront your own self-imposed limits, the comforting lies you’ve told yourself about your readiness, and that little voice whispering, “I’m not ready.” By the end, you realize that voice was the jailer keeping you locked inside your comfort zone.
“Comfort zones are prisons — and most people are their own jailers.”
And just like that, you start to see the cage bars you didn’t know existed.
The Event at a Glance
- Event: AKnowledge: The Fundamentals (AK-1) – Forward Training Concepts
- Instructors: Sonny Puzikas
- Date: August 2–3, 2025
- Location: Mt. Carmel, PA
- Host: Tremis Dynamics
Key Lessons from the Day
- Challenge your dogma — if you can’t explain why you do something, you probably shouldn’t be doing it.
- Push past the easy stuff — growth only lives in discomfort.
- Stop training for fantasy fights — reality is uglier, faster, and far less forgiving.
- The fight isn’t just physical — mindset and emotional control matter more than marksmanship past a certain point.
Photo Gallery – AKnowledge: The Fundamentals (AK-1)
AKnowledge: The Fundamentals (AK-1) — Photo Gallery
August 2–3, 2025 · Mt. Carmel, PA — training moments, range work, and behind-the-scenes shots.
Where to Find These Classes
If you’re ready to experience training that will challenge your mind as much as your skills, you can find upcoming courses from Forward Training Concepts, Tremis Dynamics, and Ashigaru Defense — including classes with Sonny Puzikas and Tom Holybee — listed right now on Bulletn.net.
Why This Matters
Training like this is not for the faint of heart — and that’s exactly why it’s worth your time. Whether you’re new to advanced firearms training or a seasoned operator, AKnowledge forces you to confront what you don’t know you don’t know.
And if you think you already “train hard”? Sonny — will make you realize you’ve barely scratched the surface.
Want More?
If this resonates, check out our other event recaps:
- Orion Training Group – Small Unit CQB AAR
- What on Earth is Bulletn Up To in Training?
- SHOT Show 2025 – Bulletn Awards
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