David Burnell - Reviews

Davids Burnell - The Velvet Hammer

What people are saying about his speaking engagments, training, and seminars!

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★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“David Burnell has been a teacher, mentor, friend, and example to me for more than a decade. I have sat and learned at his feet, trained with him, and worked beside him. I have never met a man more fit for a calling in life than David - and this IS a calling. He was born to lead, born to teach, born to fight for what is noble and right, and born to be a force for good against what oftentimes seems to be overwhelming opposition in this world. David has taken his natural physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual gifts and, through the blood, sweat, and tears of service and sacrifice to his fellow man, become the consummate warrior leader. He would charge into a fight or fire all alone and against all odds to save an innocent stranger. He has done it. I would follow him anywhere. He has been one of the biggest inspirations and influences in my life as a husband and father, as a professional businessman, as a paramedic first responder, as a front line emergency medicine provider, as a SAR team member, and as man of faith. If you are striving to be better or if you have been tasked with helping others strive to be better, David Burnell can and will play a major role in helping you accomplish your goals. He has done this in my life on more occasions than I can count. I am a different and much better man because of him and to know him is a blessing beyond measure."

Corbin Allred

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“Dave is one of the most genuine, caring people you'll meet. He's full of love and compassion for those around him, happy to share his wisdom with others, and one of the first to volunteer to help those in need without hesitation.”

Aminda Glass

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“David Burnell is just an all round GREAT GUY!!! I LOVE attending his events and classes! Every time I hear him speak or sit in one of his self defense classes I learn something new, helpful and definitely interesting! He knows his stuff 100%! Probably because he’s lived it and not just studied it like some others. That’s also why I think his skills and knowledge are at a master class level, because he’s served his country and others all around the world for years at an ELITE level! This has allowed him to put his knowledge to the test and gain unique insight through his real life experiences. But the one thing that I think I love the most about David, are his stories!! 😃 Every single one of them is just SO AWESOME! He has a special talent for delivering them with such great passion, excitement and humor, I just LOVE IT!! You’ll never regret hearing from David or attending one of his events I promise!”

Aaron Gosney

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“When looking for a Speaker who is compassionate and motivating, David Burnell is the man you want to share with your organization. David's ability to share his world wide experiences and adventures in a lesson learning format keeps you hoping the session will not end. I have worked with many large corporations and Mr. Burnell is the answer to enhancing and developing those skills you want in your leadership team as well as your front line employees. If you are looking to make a difference in your team and work environment call on David Burnell for those results. You will not be disappointed.”

Mike Olson

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“I have known David for 17 years. He has always been a strong supporter of the men and women who serve; police and military. His contribution is more than just words. He has given financially, with his time, and shared his experience and knowledge. The Urban Warfare Center was a unique facility and David combined it with cutting edge training methodology and technology. He opened it to all types of military and police units, from elite SWAT and military units to police patrol squads and military support units deploying. All this was done to help prepare the individual and the team to accomplish their mission, overcome the negative effects of the stress of combat and deadly force situations, and come home at the end of shift or deployment.”

Michael Hayter

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“The Defensive Handgun Course was top notch. Some of it was a reinforcement of what I already new, but its' always good to go over the basics again. The best part of the class was doing the different scenarios that you might find yourself in real life and how you would react. To include getting the feedback from Jager/David. The longer I look back at the feedback and go over the drills the more I take away from it. In Utah you don't even have to own a gun to get your concealed weapons permit, so starting off with this under your belt would be a great asset. You can always talk the talk, but it's not until you really find yourself in that situation do you know what you're going to do under stress. I am really looking forward to doing another class taught by Jager and Bravo. Another part of their philosophy that I liked was that was always about breaking contact as much as possible. I have looked at other instructors and schools and I can't tell you how little I heard that statement. Using your firearm is always your last resort, even at that point, it's stop the threat and break contact. Again it was great class. Oh and if Jager tells you to stop you really ought to do just that. He asked me to come at him to demonstrate using your voice to help deter people coming at you. I however didn't stop, so he pulled his training knife, rubber, and stabbed me in the belly. Had it not been a training environment I'm pretty sure I would have stopped. Didn't mean to hit me that hard, however he got well enough to leave a good bruise that is still healing. Doesn't help that I have Buddha belly! LOL. Thanks Jager for pain reinforcement. Next time I WILL stop!”

Keith Twohill

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

YOU are my hero!! Do you remember riding in the back of that tap tap on the way back to the orphanage? Great memories with you! Thanks for keeping us safe!

Lisa Daines

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“David Burnell, you were absolutely amazing today!!! So many people teachers and staff came up to me raving about you and telling me how perfect you were and how much the kids needed this. Thank you so much for spending the morning with us and especially for all you’ve done to serve our amazing country!! Sure love you!! 💕”

Cheri Buys

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“Always packed with wisdom and humor, Dave’s talks are never disappoint. He is a humble yet forceful teacher that will capture your attention and leave you feeling his genuine love and care. We all need the “velvet hammer” at times to motivate and inspire us to do better. I hope and pray Dave has more opportunity to share his experiences and testimony.”

Brian Wagstaff

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“This course provides a great foundation to the concepts of situational awareness, accessing developing dangers, avoiding confrontations or if need be, the mindset and strategies to fight through the confrontation and create a chance to escape. These concise basic concepts, strategies and tactics are easy to remember and provide a foundation you can use in most situations. Integrating these concepts into your mindset will help you build confidence, acceptance of a developing situation and help solidify in your psyche the importance of will, tenacity and perseverance should you find yourself in a confrontation. In my view, we live in an increasingly dangerous world. This course is a great value and you will be better prepared for the evolving danger by incorporating these concepts into you mindset.”

Jim Collings

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