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 an NRA, USCCA, KY DOCJT, and NC DOJ-certified instructor, as well as an RSO, CCW Safe, Sticky Holsters, 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.