"We train to kill" is the title of a text available on the internet and signed by Lucas Silveira, who identifies himself as chief instructor of the ABA (Brazilian Weapons Academy), proposing an "introduction to the combat mentality".
Although the article sounds like a tutorial for war, Silveira, also known as "Monge do Tiro" ( "Shooting monk"), proposes the strategy for everyday life, in possible confrontations between ordinary people and criminals, using the argument of self-defense for this.
Other instructors and shooting clubs offer training for urban confrontations, including for people with CAC registration (an acronym for hunter, sport shooter, and collector), who until July of this year accounted for 1 million of the firearms present in the country. Courses are easily found on the internet.
Neither Silveira nor the ABA are listed as instructors and training sites accredited by the Federal Police, according to the list made available by the institution. Asked about it, via message, he did not comment on it. Silveira produces videos teaching techniques and says he offers shooting training, individually or in groups, for all levels. In his explanations, he avoids using the term defense, replacing it with "combat".
He argues that defending one's own life is considered to exclude illegality, often being the only option in risky situations. "When you are willing to not react, you automatically pass your decision-making power on to someone who has crime as a lifestyle," he commented.
Translated by Cassy Dias