

Why "The Ivory Academy"
Elephants are known for being fiercely loyal pack animals. They also exhibit a defensive strategy against predators that involves having the men encircle the women and children to form a protective barrier against incoming threats. In the same way, we strive to build community of resilience where there exists individuals capable of coming together to form a protective shield around their loved ones.
Empowering protection. ensuring preparedness.
Our mission statement
Empowering civilians with the skills and knowledge needed for personal and community protection. We are dedicated to fostering firearm proficiency, promoting safety, and building a prepared, resilient community. Through rigorous training and a commitment to excellence, we strive to equip individuals with the confidence and capability to safeguard themselves and their loved ones.

Meet the Team
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Lead Instructor
Gregory Slemp
Mr. Gregory Slemp is a United States Army veteran, a former United States federal agent, and covert security operative, that has dedicated his +25-year career to ensuring the safety, security and training of individuals and organizations around the world.
With an extensive background in various special operations roles, Gregory possesses a deep understanding of security protocols, risk assessment, and crisis management. He has undergone extensive specialized training in counterterrorism, surveillance, hostage rescue, anti-piracy operations, counter-sniper operations, high risk security tactics trainer, firearms instructor, and close protection, which has equipped him with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in high threat security operations and training personnel to that deploys in hostile environments. Throughout all major global theaters, he was not a casual observer of events but actively participated in the activities of various disciplines and had the opportunity to judge their effectiveness in an asymmetric environment.
During his career, Gregory has undertaken assignments in various high-risk regions of the Middle East, Southwest Asia, and Central America, to include conflict zones, post-conflict environments, and areas affected by organized crime. He has provided security and training services to corporations, government agencies, various non-governmental organizations (NGOs), missionary organizations, and private individuals, demonstrating his ability to adapt to diverse contexts and effectively mitigate threats. He has vast experience ranging from providing close protection to U.S. State Department ambassadors and Fortune 50 companies to training third world nationals to conduct security operations.
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Instructor
Ismael "Ish" Garza
Ismael “Ish” Garza, served in the United States Marine Corps Active and Reserve unit as a Platoon Commander with the Rank of Sergeant. Holding the billets of 0331, 3531 which furthered his career into the MT.Co Heavy Machine Gunner Operator, Combat Marksmen Coach, Rifle Range Coach, Range Safety Coach, and Close Quarter Combat Instructor. Ish consistently qualified as an expert marksman with both rifle and pistol the highest honors according to the Marine Corps standards. Receiving the Naval and Marine Corps Accommodation Medal for instructing Marines in Egress and Military Operation on Urbanized Terrain (MOUT), Ish continues to train with fellow veterans and local law enforcement, utilizing his training to create a peaceful environment.

Lead Instructor
William "WILL" thorpe
Will Thorpe is a US Marine Corps veteran and a seasoned security professional with over 20 years of experience. For the last 10 years, Will has been supporting US Government Agencies overseas as a security contractor, providing a wide variety of security services and support in austere and hostile environments.
As an instructor, he has trained domestic, NATO partner and foreign students in a multitude of subjects to include an array of weapons systems, tactics, combat marksmanship, Close Quarters Combat, Train the Trainer, close protection and combat operations. Will’s experience has enabled him to deliver comprehensive training programs to government and commercial clients.
Dedicated to empowering his students, Will brings a passion for training and a commitment to safety to ensure they are equipped with the skills to excel.