Protection & Intelligence Strategies (PRINST): Courses that Turn Shooters into Protectors

Hitting a paper target is not the goal. Petr Mrňa, who spent 18 years in the Czech intelligence community, now runs courses under the Protection & Intelligence Strategies (PRINST) brand that focus on real-life application: shooting under stress, decision-making under pressure, tactical awareness, and legal essentials. PRINST prepares civilians and professionals for situations you won’t practice on a regular shooting range.

Petr Mrňa: From Intelligence Service to Protection and Training

Petr Mrňa graduated from the military high school in Brno, briefly served in the army, and then spent most of his career at the Security Information Service. There, he first worked in protective security, later as an instructor in operational training—covering firearms, defensive driving, and VIP protection tactics—and finally as an operational officer.

Today, he builds on that experience with Protection & Intelligence Strategies (PRINST), which offers shooting courses and comprehensive training focused on personal security and practical defense. Instead of classic bodyguarding, Petr now provides security audits and personal safety training designed to help people raise their own security standards and ability to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Petr Mrňa – Founder of Protection & Intelligence Strategies (PRINST). Photo courtesy of Petr Mrňa, PRINST

How PRINST Courses Work

PRINST courses aren’t one-off workshops but a carefully designed system that guides participants step by step. The core is built around three levels of Defensive Pistol I–III, followed by specializations such as low-light shooting, realistic scenario training with FX Simunition (Force on Force), and a three-day program called Protector of Loved Ones.

This “pyramid” is designed for gradual development. It’s not just about technical skills, but also about building habits and thought patterns that help you prevail in real-life crises.

🎯 Why Start with Level One?

At PRINST, there’s no skipping ahead. Defensive Pistol I is mandatory for everyone—whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced shooter. Advancement is only possible for those who complete DP1, and for good reason.

DP1 isn’t a “basic course.” Petr designed it to teach solid and safe foundations while also showing participants how to continue practicing effectively at home. A single day of training won’t give you muscle memory, but it does provide a clear framework for meaningful long-term training.

Even seasoned shooters benefit. Mrňa teaches some methods differently than what’s common, drawing directly from his operational experience. That’s why it’s important for all participants to “line up at the same starting line” and develop consistent habits.

“I want people to leave knowing how to keep improving, not just checking a box for one course and thinking they’re done,” Mrňa explains. That’s why DP1 is the launching pad for the entire PRINST system.

Dynamic scenario-based training pushes participants from theory into reality. Photo courtesy of Petr Mrňa, PRINST

🎯 Specializations for Real-World Conditions

Once the fundamentals are mastered, more advanced options open up. Defensive Pistol – Low Light prepares shooters for situations where poor visibility changes the rules. Participants learn how to use a flashlight with a pistol, shoot at night, and function in conditions that mirror reality.

Even further is Defensive Pistol – Force on Force, where live opponents and FX Simunition replace paper targets. Through scenario-based training, participants test how they handle stress, apply tactics, and react to surprises. It’s a course that pushes mental limits and proves that reality is more than paper targets.

At the top is the three-day Protector of Loved Ones program. Here, participants combine everything they’ve learned: firearms, vehicle tactics, first aid, and family protection in crisis scenarios. Training includes “active shooter” and “home defense” simulations. It’s a comprehensive course showing that true preparedness is about more than just a pistol—it’s about protecting the people you care about.

Building entry drill – scenario from the Defensive Pistol – One Man CQB course. Photo courtesy of Petr Mrňa, PRINST

🎯 Skills or Die

PRINST also collaborates with Ondřej Spisar, a former operator with the 601st Special Forces Group. Together, they created Skills or Die, a project blending intelligence service know-how with special operations expertise.

The lineup includes a two-day Defensive Pistol/Rifle Combination, integrating handgun and rifle skills, and Defensive Pistol – One Man CQB, focused on navigating building crises without team support. These are among the most demanding courses, pushing participants to entirely new levels.

🎯 More PRINST Services

Beyond its main training system, PRINST offers additional opportunities:

🟠 International Training – Skills or Die courses can be conducted abroad. In 2023, Petr Mrňa and Ondřej Spisar, for example, led a program for Indonesia’s BRIMOB special unit.

🟠 Regular Practice Sessions – Follow-up training for course graduates is available at partner ranges in Mýto and Beroun.

🟠 One-on-One Instruction – Shooting and tactical courses can be taken individually, giving participants maximum space for personal growth and feedback.

Defensive pistol shooting is one of the core pillars of the Defensive Pistol I–III system. Photo courtesy of Petr Mrňa, PRINST

🎯 Professional, but Never Rigid

Despite his background as a tough professional with years in intelligence, Petr’s courses are not about military-style yelling or rigid drills. On the contrary—participants value the relaxed atmosphere and approachable teaching style that allows room for questions and personal needs.

The instructor explains not just how, but why each technique is applied. That way, participants leave feeling they’ve gained more than rote drills. As Lukáš from Rigad summarized after a course:
“It was demanding, but in a completely comfortable way. You always had room to ask and learn, and nobody punished you for mistakes.”

5 Things You’ll Take Away from PRINST Courses

Conclusion: Why Choose PRINST?

Protection & Intelligence Strategies courses aren’t about quickly getting a gun license or firing a few rounds at a target. They’re about a long-term journey—from building the right foundations to mastering tactics, legal certainty, and complex protective scenarios.

As Petr Mrňa says:
“A gun license is the beginning, not the end. And training never stops.”

If you want to elevate your skills and discover what it truly means to be prepared, PRINST will show you the way.