Episode Summary

Welcome to another episode of The Gun Experiment! This week we take a dive deep with Matt Little, a US Army Special Forces combat veteran, SWAT team supervisor, lifelong martial artist, competitive master class shooter, and author of the best-selling book The Way is in Training. Matt opens up about his unique path to the military, influences from his fighter pilot father, transitioning from the battlefield to law enforcement, and ultimately retiring to pave the way for others as a coach and mentor.

We explore Matt’s tactical training philosophy, why he treats students as athletes, and how aging and injuries shift the approach to mastery in firearms, combatives, and life. Matt also shares insights into advanced training tools like the ACE VR system, the value of modern dry fire practice, and why embracing adversity builds character. Plus: stories from Special Forces, SWAT operations, and the personal journey behind Matt’s book and new podcast.

Whether you’re a competitive shooter, everyday carrier, or someone striving for self-improvement, there’s something here to fuel your warrior's journey.

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Key Takeaways

• Training is a Warrior’s Path: Pursuing mastery, whether in shooting or martial arts, is about ongoing personal growth, not just skill acquisition.
• Embrace Being a Tactical Athlete: Treat your shooting and self-defense training like an athlete—prioritize consistency, efficiency, and continual improvement, regardless of age or injuries.
• Aging & Adaptation: Get the most out of training as you age by leveraging experience and focusing on learning, technique efficiency, and adapting to physical limitations.
• Modern Training Technology: Tools like the ACE VR system gamify and enhance dry fire practice, making it more effective, accessible, and fun—especially for high reps and skill building.
• Character Through Adversity: Doing hard things, whether in military selection or mastering a new skill, forges resilience and character—skills and attitudes that translate to every area of life.
• The Way is in Training: Matt’s approach—found in his book and podcast—blends technical mastery, mindset, and the philosophy of lifelong growth as the blueprint for living a better life.

Guest Information

Matt Little

• US Army Special Forces Veteran | Former Chicago SWAT | Martial Artist | Master Class Shooter
• Founder, instructor, and coach at Greybeard Actual
• Author of the best-selling The Way is in Training (available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, and Audible)
• New Podcast: The Way is in Training

Connect with Matt:

• Instagram
• YouTube
• X
• Facebook
• Website

For more on Matt’s philosophy, stories, and courses, visit his website or grab his book. Ready to take your training to the next level? Join the conversation—"The way is in training."