"No Fear, No Hesitation, No Surprise,
No Doubt." - Miyamoto Musashi
Howie Kafka
Co-Founder, Co-CEO & Lead Trainer
Howie, a Co-Founder of Team OTO, is a dedicated and passionate individual, who is driven by his unwavering commitment to educating and training law-abiding citizens in the intricacies of the defensive use of firearms. His philosophy revolves around the belief that everyone should "Own the Outcome" of their actions, a principle that underpins his approach to teaching and the way of life.
With years of experience in firearms instruction and defensive tactics, Howie holds certifications that reflect his expertise. As a Law Enforcement Firearm Instructor, a DCJS-certified Armed guard Instructor, and an NRA-certified Pistol and Rifle Instructor and Chief Range Safety Officer, he has honed his skills to impart comprehensive knowledge to his students. His repertoire extends beyond the basics, encompassing certifications in Security Response to Active Shooter tactics, team Close Quarter Combat, Low Light Pistol and Rifle Operator, Red Dot Operator, Counter-Ambush, and more.
Before co-founding Team OTO, Howie served as a Lead Instructor for EDC Training and Tactics, and he is currently also a Tier 1 Lead Instructor for Six13 Academy, where he imparts his knowledge to armed security guards. His commitment to excellence is evident in his dedication to continuous improvement, regularly training with other lead instructors and traveling across the country for advanced training sessions throughout the year.
Despite the demanding hours he dedicates to lectures and training at the range, Howie remains deeply involved in his community. Notably, he volunteers as a senior paramedic. The balance among his roles as an educator, a firearms instructor, and a paramedic is made possible through the unwavering support of his incredible wife, Beth, and family. Howie's multifaceted commitment to empowering individuals, whether through firearm education or life-saving paramedic work, highlights a life devoted to service and making a positive impact.
Justin Wertman
Co-Founder, Co-CEO & Lead Trainer
Justin co-founded Team OTO because of his fervent belief that everyone should be equipped to "Own the Outcome" in all facets of life. As a Trainer, he particularly enjoys private sessions with individuals and small groups, where he is adept at building confidence and empowering new students.
Justin has an extensive background in private security, which drives his methodology for teaching defensive shooting skills and tactics. He was instrumental in forming a 50-member security team and remains actively engaged in that team's leadership and ongoing training. He is sought out to consult for, and help train, other security teams throughout Nassau County. Justin is an NRA "Refuse To Be A Victim" Certified Instructor and also frequently presents Situational Awareness seminars for both adults and teens in his community.
Justin is a Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor, A DCJS certified Armed Guard Instructor, an NRA certified civillian Pistol Instructor, Rifle Instructor, and Chief Range Safety Officer, an active Armed Security Guard (and both the Team Leader of his Unit and a company Supervisor for his area), and a Brown Belt, Third Kyu, in Shorinjiryu. He is certified in Basic Life Support by the American Heart Association and has multiple Stop the Bleed accreditations from the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma.
Outside of Team OTO, Justin is a Tier 1 Lead Instructor for Six13 Academy, and prior to co-founding Team OTO he was a Lead Instructor for EDC Training & Tactics and an Assistant Instructor for Force Options, LLC. He believes in "Always Training" as a way of life; whether on the range, in the dojo, in the classroom or elsewhere. In addition to training with a group of firearm instructors at his local range on a regular basis, he travels for more advanced "Train the Trainer" professional instruction at least a few times a year. He has received numerous Instructor-level certifications in various aspects of CQB and Active Shooter response. Off the range, Justin regularly trains in Karate, Aikido, and Krav Maga.