Ben Fabian
Instructs all aspects of IPSC Shotgun & Mini rifle
Firearms Experience
1995:
- Began firearms journey at age 13 with the Cadets. Trained on .22 bolt-action and 5.56 Cadet rifles.
- Joined the military and qualified as a paratrooper, gained extensive experience with individual weapons and machine guns in multiple roles.
Post military service:
- Briefly stepped away from shooting, Returned through clay pigeon shooting in 2012.
- Discovered IPSC shooting in BRNO, Czech Republic.
2019:
- Entered first match: NRA Cottesloe Heath Challenge at Bisley, Won the Tyro award for best new competitor.
- Completed UKPSA Safety Course and began competing in IPSC Level 3 matches across the UK., Started focusing on the 2023 Shotgun World Shoot.
2022:
- Joined 'Sterling Sporting' Team. Assisted in recruiting likeminded competitors and development.
- Competed in CESO international match in Hungary.
Mentorship:
- Trained with former world champion
Josh Kenny, Drastically Improved IPSC shotgun skills and placements, from 15th place to regular podium finishes (top 3 in one season)
2023:
- Focussed on training and competing in the Shotgun World Shoot 4, in Thailand, Placed 69th in Standard, where i Achieved top-100 goal
2024:
- Transitioned to Mini Rifle, Focused on stagecraft, leveraging natural rifle background.
Current goal:
- Preparing for the 2026 Shotgun World Shoot in Greece, Driven to build on all past experience and progress.
Instruction & Teaching Experience
2000: Early beginnings in instruction:
- Age 20, during military service, assisted in training new recruits in sustained GPMG fire.
- Early indication that teaching and instruction came naturally.
2005: Post-military international work:
- Trained contractors in specialist hardscape systems.
- Found the work technically fulfilling but missed the personal satisfaction of helping individuals grow.
2009: PADI Diving Instructor:
- Completed Divemaster internship and Open Water Instructor certification in Lanzarote.
- Taught students from children to seniors with various abilities.
- Found a deep reward in helping people overcome fears and achieve personal goals.
2011: Construction & civil engineering:
- Trained teams across roadbuilding, rail, and large-scale infrastructure projects.
- Mentored young engineers and managers.
- Has continued in this role ever since. building strong teams and individuals.
2022: Shooting sports instruction:
- After joining UKPSA, became a certified NROI official.
- Recommended as a UKPSA Safety Course Instructor in 2022.
- By July 2025, has trained over 100 individuals in safe firearm use.
IPSC Training programme development:
- Through surveys, Identified lack of structured follow-up training in shooting sports.
- Developed a progressive training programme for:
- Newcomers building confidence for competition.
- Experienced competitors aiming for podium-level performance.
Competition Mindset
Healthy competition has been a lifelong driver, motivating personal excellence and supporting others along the way.
Rugby:
- Began playing at age 9 in Lincolnshire.
- Competed nationally and internationally, including a tour in France.
- Continued through military service.
- Represented Qatar RUFC in an international match in Dubai (1998).
Athletics & Swimming
- Competed at county level in shotput, discus, and swimming.
- Consistently achieved podium finishes through dedication and progression.
Boxing
- Competed at ages 15–16 for Qatar.
- Faced older opponents, building resilience and focus under pressure.
Military challenges
- Completed pre-parachute training
- Mentally and physically exhausting, with focus on endurance.
IPSC discovery
- Found the combination of friendly rivalry and camaraderie deeply resonated.
Ongoing fitness
- Works with PT to develop, focus and maintain goals and accountability.