Training at TCA: That is head coach Gabriel Trojcak

09/22/2021By Redaktion

Gabriel Trojcak Instructor Interview Course

During the TCA Tactical Week we had the opportunity to chat with Gabriel. He is the founder and head instructor of the TACTICAL COMBAT ACADEMY (TCA). His experience comes mainly from his time in the military. He started with a four-year military school, then served for 21 years in the Slovakian army, initially in the air force and later in the Special Forces. Finally, as an instructor and shooting instructor for the Slovakian Special Forces. With Martin, he founded the TCA. He is a friend from civilian life and a solid businessman. Together they recognized the need for quality shooting training. The TCA offers comprehensive courses for all areas, whether for civilians looking to improve or individuals from the private sector, such as bodyguards. Authorities can also attend specially tailored courses at the TCA for further training. Gabriel's extensive knowledge and experience are reflected in the courses. Gabriel enjoyed being an instructor and saw it as a natural progression to continue teaching. He wants to teach people to shoot well but also never give up. Mental development is a key part of every course, almost like coaching.

Quality and High Standards

Since the founding of the TCA, much has changed. Currently in its eighth season, Gabriel and his team have worked hard to offer new courses each year, not just focused on shooting. There are modern, new rental weapons, fresh targets, and every opportunity is taken to invite international guest instructors. If the instructors or training cannot come to Slovakia, then Gabriel will go to them. Hence, there are several international courses available on the website. I asked him where the journey of the TCA is heading, what he and his team have planned. Gabo, as his friends call him, wants to continue maintaining high-quality standards. Continuously expand topics and knowledge, as well as invite new instructors. Object protection and bodyguard training are currently areas being expanded. So, continuing as before, because the direction is right.

Personal highlights of the year for him are always courses with other professional participants, such as in bodyguard or guerrilla tactics. He particularly enjoys working with participants of a high caliber, as it reminds him of working with former colleagues and takes him back to his active duty days. Each year, he gets joy from seeing the progress and development of all participants. When he sees participants improve, learn, and get motivated.

Each Participant is the Focus

With new participants, he focuses primarily, like with everyone else, on safety. This we can confirm without a doubt, because even during the course, he can tell from a distance whether someone has not secured their assault rifle, whether their finger was on the trigger during a drill when it shouldn't have been. He also always makes sure to answer all possible questions and provide the "why" behind his teaching material. Whether you are a complete beginner or have some experience, Gabriel helps everyone orient themselves and improve. At the TCA itself, you will always have all the equipment you need. Rental weapons, ammunition, protective glasses, holsters, bags, and more are provided. Gabriel takes care of the participants to ensure they have the best conditions to pass the course. Even if you may not always believe in yourself or your abilities, Gabo pushes your limits and shows that there is more in you. He always ensures to set the difficulty level optimally for each participant.

Lifelong Learning

During the TCA courses, the chief instructor repeatedly demonstrates the drills with live ammunition. We are always amazed by his precision and rate of fire. In weekly courses, he shoots a lot, so we wonder if he still goes shooting privately. He laughs and denies it, saying that the training during the courses is sufficient. However, he does practice dry firing at home from time to time, as it is essential. When he is not at the shooting range, he focuses on his fitness.

As someone like Gabriel, a former Special Forces soldier who has attended various courses from other units and now conducts numerous courses himself, have any instructors influenced him? He refuses to name anyone specific, but he holds a lot of respect for the accomplishments of others. He greatly respects what diverse people have achieved in extreme situations, whether during a real combat situation or in the private sector. I then ask him if he would like to attend a course himself. He replies that there is always something to learn, and he takes advantage of the opportunity to attend courses whenever possible. Understandably, it is always good to build a wide knowledge base and hear other opinions to form a clear understanding.

Tactical Combat Academy on the web: www.tcacademy.at