Never too late to dream

It is never too late to pursue a dream. This applies to 41-year-old NRA-certified firearms instructor Reynaldo D. Abad who is based in Houston, Texas.

He started excelling in International Pistol Shooting Confederation (IPSC) in the United States of America since 1997. After winning several international competitions, he is now qualified to compete in the World Shoot XIV in Guayaquil, Ecuador this August 21-28, 2005, along with US-based Filipino Shooters -1999 World Shoot Women's Division Champion Athena Lee, Sheryl Cruz, Jojo Vidanes, JJ Racaza, KC Eusibio, as well as Cebuano bet and 2004 Cebu Sportswriters Association Awardee Lito Ladruma for the Philippine Team. A native of Cebu City, Rey, the son of the late Amading S. Abad and Thelma Duterte-Boone, is the brother of ABC-5 Station Manager Edward Abad.He started shooting as a hobby when he was still a kid, then turned it into a passion when he moved to New Jersey, USA, in 1992.

Why did it take you 20 years to decide to become a professional shooter? It was always my dream to become a professional shooter. But back home (the Philippines), this kind of sports is very tough for an average income person like me. I worked for wages and I could not afford to do this kind of thing back then. It's very expensive even over here (in the U.S.).

How did it start? I went with friends who owned handguns to the shooting range and they allowed me to use their guns. Those were the times when I didn't own one. And besides, it was hard to purchase firearms in New Jersey. I moved to Houston, Texas in 1997 to join the Police Academy. While I was taking the course, I did some research on clubs which have shooting competitions. I found several clubs that shoot IPSC. I was helped by another Filipino named Eddie Jimenea, a local gunsmith in Houston. He is originally from Iloilo. He is responsible why I became involved so much in this sport. He guided me through everything that I needed to learn about handguns and the legalities. The handgun law in Texas is very much different from New Jersey's. Texas is much more lenient when it comes to purchasing a handgun or to obtain a license to carry one. That's the reason why I decided to stay here and to start to work in achieving my long time dream. Since I've been deeply involved in this, I applied for a job at the American Shooting Centers in Houston, as a Chief Range Officer or Range Supervisor. It's been 8 years now that I've been shooting and I am on my 3rd year as a Firearms Safety Instructor. I expand my knowledge not only in pistol, but also in rifles and shotgun. Even if I may say that I'm experienced enough, I still believe that I'm still learning each day or each time I teach students. Most of the clients ask questions first before they take and pay for lessons. Their most frequently asked question is whether I'm qualified to teach or how good am I. I have to be careful in answering so I won't sound like I'm showing off. My response is always this: If I say I'm good, it will sound like I'm bragging; but if I say that I'm not, then I'd be lying.

Did you join a club?
Yes, I did. I joined several clubs when I started and I was very much involved in it. Until I decided to start a club of my own last year. I have named it "Trigger Time," at the American Shooting Centers. The club shoots every Wednesday at 5pm. We have 25 shooters every week.

What type of gun did you start shooting with?
I started with a Colt 45 ACP,Commander model. Then I switched to a Springfield 45 ACP and Para Ordinance P16-40, a .40 S&W. Choosing a handgun is very important. You want to make sure that you're comfortable in the way you grip or hold and with the trigger pull. I'm presently using the STI 2011 model, a 38 Super caliber pistol with compensators and red dot C-more sights.

How did you get into the world shoot in Ecuador?
We had to shoot through a series of Major Matches to obtain certain point requirements to get a slot for the World Shoot. Either you will be shooting for Team USA or The USA Contingent.


Is it easy to qualify for the world shoot? Not that easy. You have to be at least a Master Class or higher. Or a lower rank but with more level III major matches experience.

How do you prepare for the world shoot?
A lot of preparations was needed for this kind of an event. Just like the Olympics, you look at those athletes on how they prepare or train. There's no difference between us and them. We do the same conditioning. First of all, we have to condition our mind. Everything is a mind game. I have to dry fire 200 to 400 times a day. Dry fire means you have to draw and point your unloaded gun to an object that you choose. This exercise helps a shooter to become familiar with his draw without any mistakes. I have to shoot 200 rounds a day, run 2 miles in the afternoon, do 10 laps in the pool each day and lift weights.

Is it necessary to stay fit in order to excel in this kind of sports?
Yes, because most of the time, we stay under the heat of the sun. If you are not careful or not fit enough, you may suffer heat exhaustion.

Shooters must maintain their agility and stamina. This sport requires running, balance and flexibility. The competition has a lot of difficult scenarios that a shooter may encounter. So, the key is to be prepared for anything. As I've mentioned earlier, the shooter must be as fit as possible. This is not only for the sport that we do, but also for our own health.

What can you advise those aspiring Filipinos, especially Cebuanos, who want it big in the international shooting scene?
If they can start while they are young, the better. When you're young, you have the speed and ease in learning the techniques. If you want to reach a goal, you must really want it. You must be determined to achieve what you desire. Dicipline is very important. If you want to be good at this, you must be open to suggestions and willing to listen. Don't limit yourself when it comes to learning. Keep that dream alive in your heart. Always finish what you've started. Don't give up in the middle of the game. This applies to everything when reaching a goal.

Do you think there is a future in international shooting for Filipinos?
Yes, there is. It depends on how you deal with it. If this will be just sports to you, then enjoy. But if you want this to be your bread and butter, then you have to be very good and attract more sponsors. Sponsors want the best in the market. There are a lot of shooters who get their business from shooting. They have built their own gun stores or shooting ranges. And speaking of sponsors, I would like to thank all the sponsors who have put their faith in me. They are a tremendous help. I would like to thank my gunsmith, Eddie Jimenea, for taking care of my gun and for his support. Without him, I will never be in this position. American Shooting Centers that never gave up on their faith in me. And to my family and friends who have prayed hard for my success. And to the Freeman News Team for this interview.

How do you describe Filipinos in the shooters world?
Here in the US, they respect Filipino Shooters. All over the world, they always say, "Filipinos have the agility of a cat." We sure are the best competitors in the world. I've been to different places, especially in South America and I always receive the same compliments from other people. Mr. Abad is one of many Filipinos abroad who are giving so much pride to our country. Let us pray and support

him. Also to the other world-renowned Filipino shooters competing for the World Shoot XIV in Guayaquil, Ecuador this August 21-28, 2005.

To all aspiring Filipino shooters out there from all ages, from all walks of life. don't lose hope. Keep the faith and maintain discipline along with a truckload of perseverance.