The International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) is the governing body of a shooting sport that simulates real world self-defense scenarios and real-life encounters. It was founded in 1996 as a response to the needs of shooters worldwide. 

The organization now boasts membership of more than 25,000, including active membership holders in over 70 foreign countries. IDPA offers an exciting discussion board for practical shooters in which practical equipment, methods and courses of defensive fire are mandated. 

Prior to International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA), there was no venue to compete with common service pistols. There were no competition sports where your concealed carry service firearm could also be your match holster with handicap. When you come to an IDPA match, you can use your duty/CCW equipment, and can compete aggressively with it! 

Other shooting sports have become equipment races; IDPA will not. If you’re interested in using truly practical pistols to solve challenging and exciting protective shooting problems, then IDPA is the sport for you.