Chris Fry is a life long martial arts student and instructor who has specialized in high-intensity force-on-force combatives simulation training since 1990. Chris holds instructor certifications in the filipino martial arts, Jeet Kune Do, multiple karate systems, Combat Concepts, less-lethal weapons, Fear Adrenaline Stress Training (F.A.S.T.), and various NRA and tactical firearms training programs. Chris is currently active in the executive protection industry working as a Protection Agent for PFC Safeguards. Additionally, Chris has graduated numerous commercial handgun, shotgun, carbine and tactical training courses conducted by industry experts totaling 1000+ hrs of training.

Chris is credited with developing many innovative rape prevention and child/student safety programs for schools and educational institutions. He is a subject matter expert in personal defense and an active member of the National Rifle Association, New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, American Self Defense Institute, American Society for Industrial Security, FAST Defense Instructors Association and is the current director of education and training for the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association. Chris holds a bachelor's degree in cytotechnology from S.U.N.Y. Health Science Center at Syracuse.

Chris is the owner and director of training and curriculum development for Modern Defensive Training Systems in Utica, NY where he conducts courses in reality driven practical combatives skills, extreme close quarters physical defense, tactical folding knife and edged weapon combatives and combative pistol, carbine and shotgun skills. Chris has been an active instructor with Progressive F.O.R.C.E. Concepts in Nevada since 2003, servicing law enforcement, military and select government agencies. Chris is a certified AR15/M4/M16 and Glock armorer, contributor to various online firearms resource websites and a frequent presenter at national and international personal protection and small arms training conferences for both citizens and law enforcement.

Click here to see a complete training and instructional resume:
C.Fry Training & Instructional Resume


Pat Scalise

Pat is currently a N.Y.S. Probation Officer with 26 years experience. His current assignments include but are not limited to electronic monitoring and surveillance, fugitive search officer, warrant execution unit, department field intelligence officer and staff training and development officer.

Pat has graduated numerous police DT programs as well as the Mohawk Valley Police Academy firearms school (DCJS approved), N.Y.S. Parole firearms/tactical program (DCJS approved) and certified collapsible baton course. He is a Certified N.Y.S. peace officer and is a graduate of the N.Y.S. Probation Academy.

While pursuing his duties as a peace officer Pat was Awarded his 5th degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do in 2000 from Seoul Korea. Pat is a graduate of Syracuse University and holds a Bachelor's degree.

In addition to his duties as a trainer with MDTS, Pat currently operates one of the largest Tae Kwon Do Schools in the Upstate N.Y. region.


Marc Hutcheon

Marc has been working with MDTS for the last 3 years assisting with many of our core classes. He has 280 hours of firearms and tactics training time from industry experts such as FIRE, Progressive F.O.R.C.E. Concepts, SouthNarc and Greg "Sully" Sullivan of Defensive Edge. Marc is an NRA Certified Instructor in Pistol, Home Safety and one of a very few who has attended every class MDTS offers.

Marc is a N.Y.S. Certified Armed Guard, active in the industry and has close protection experience for a Section 8 Housing manager. During 2008 Marc worked with a protective detail for a fortune 100 company.

Marc graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor's degree from the State University of New York Environmental Science and Forestry school. He is currently a biochemist and microbiologist with 19 years experience in handling biological samples and radioisotopes.

Marc actively promotes responsible firearms ownership and training. He runs a number of “practical/tactical” action shooting events annually at his club for central New York shooters, and actively competes with pistol, rifle and shotgun.

Marc prides himself on being a deer killer extraordinaire, with all weapons systems.


Dan Vaillancourt

Dan comes to MDTS from a competition background which started nearly 20 years ago. He’s participated in a full spectrum of events in this time. From NRA Bulls-eye pistol, rim fire and center-fire rifle, to trap shooting, NRA Action Pistol and the type of competition he enjoys the most: USPSA and IDPA action shooting in pistol, rifle and 3 gun events. His USPSA classification is over 83% and he holds a Master classification in IDPA Stock Service Pistol. The Stock Service Pistol classification is a reflection of Dan’s current mindset about training with MDTS: No use for gaming hardware, just actual tools you would carry and training with them in the closest approximation to reality possible. Whether it is an IDPA match or rolling around on the ground with an opponent engaged in a force-on-force evolution in a class.

Dan holds an NRA Instructor Certification in Pistol and is an NRA certified Range Safety Officer. He has held the position of Chief Range Instructor for his local home club and as a Range Officer with the National Range Officer Institute of USPSA. Dan is also one of a select few who has attended every class MDTS offers.

Dan holds an A.A.S. in Environmental Conservation. He is currently a NYS Correction Officer with 10 years experience.


Mark Sack - Utah Certified Instructor

Mark Sack joined MDTS to write and implement the curriculum for the UTAH and FLORIDA Non-Resident pistol permit and NRA courses to be offered. Mark was the First Utah Certified Instructor in the WNY area and has trained federal, state, and local law enforcement officers, as well as civilians. Mark has designed and provided Utah and Florida Certified training all across NY, NJ and in other parts of America. Mark studied medical sciences and business in Canada and the United States.