USCCA Certified Instructor
USCCA Official Partner
NCDOJ Certified Instructor
NC Notary Public
Firefighter I & II
CPR / BLS Certified
Christian Rios
Onyx Defense Academy, LLC is a USCCA Official Partner providing private concealed carry, handgun, and notary services throughout the Autryville, NC area — built around safe, practical, confidence-building instruction for responsible citizens, not just meeting the bare minimum for a permit.
Our roots trace back to founder Christian Rios, whose passion for marksmanship goes back to high school, where he competed on his JROTC rifle team — the spark that grew into a lifelong drive to help others shoot safely and with confidence.
Christian is a North Carolina Department of Justice Certified Firearms Instructor and a USCCA Certified Firearms Instructor. He previously served as a North Carolina certified Correctional Officer and completed correctional officer firearms training. He is also a certified Firefighter I & II, CPR/BLS certified, and a commissioned North Carolina Notary Public.
With roots in corrections and public safety, Onyx Defense Academy brings a real-world approach to every class. Our instruction emphasizes firearm safety, legal responsibility, defensive mindset, and practical marksmanship — not just meeting the minimum requirements to obtain a permit.
As a USCCA Official Partner, Onyx Defense Academy is committed to creating a welcoming learning environment for both new and experienced shooters. Our goal is for every student to leave with greater confidence, improved skills, and a clear understanding of how to safely and responsibly exercise their Second Amendment rights.
Service Area
Training Throughout The Autryville And Surrounding Areas
Onyx Defense Academy is mobile — we bring the class to you, or arrange a location that works. Most classes are generally within about 40 miles of Autryville, NC, though we're open to traveling farther for the right class.