Meet Your Instructor

Meet Your Instructor

My name is KiOwana Phillips [kee-o-wah-nuh], also known as KiO, and I am the founder and owner of One Shot Firearms Academy. I am a certified instructor with the NRA, USCCA, KY DOCJT, and NC DOJ, a CCW Safe Partner, and Pistol Practice Partner. My expertise has been featured on ABC, NBC, NAAGA, NRA Annual Conferences, and USCCA Concealed Carry Magazine.

I am an active-duty Sergeant Major in the United States Army, with over 18 years of experience in tactical firearms and combative training, and more than 15 years as a facilitator and instructor. I have been a legal gun owner since the age of 21 and proudly still own my first firearm, purchased 17 years ago (receipt available).

I founded One Shot Firearms Academy in Chandler, Arizona, in 2019. As a female firearms instructor in the region, I have trained hundreds of firearms enthusiasts, helping them build confidence, skill, and safe handling practices.

Following Army reassignments, I relocated my business to El Paso, Texas, where I continued training firearms enthusiasts as a female instructor, expanding my experience and reach in the region.

One Shot Firearms Academy is located on a private 14-acre outdoor range with a classroom training area in Raeford, NC. In partnership with the local county Sheriff’s Department, our range serves as a training facility for law enforcement and SWAT officers, supporting their annual day and night training requirements to enhance community safety. Additionally, we maintain a second location in the Fort Knox, Kentucky area.

Some of my most popular courses include the Concealed Carry Course; the Try Before You Buy Course, which allows students to handle and fire a variety of handguns to determine the best fit for their lifestyle; the Women’s Handgun and Protection Course, tailored for women of all experience levels; and the Family Firearms Safety Course. I am dedicated to serving my community through firearms safety, training, education, and exceptional customer service. My motto is: Educate, Train, Equip.

Your constitutional right allows you to own a firearm and protect yourself and your loved ones—provided that right has not been legally restricted.

I am married with two sons. My hobbies include long-distance running, competitive pistol and trap shooting, traveling with my family, and gardening. I also own three successful businesses. For more information, please visit http://www.itsabusylife.com.