Mr. Blackson

MEET THE TEAM

Mr. Blackson

Owner & President, Team Blacksmith

Gun: Infinity .38 Supercomp

Michael Blackson discovered competitive shooting in December 2019, driven by a desire for safety and self-reliance during a period of civil unrest in Philadelphia. What began as a personal decision quickly evolved into a passion that has since defined his journey in the shooting sports.

Starting with basic safety training and mentorship from respected instructors like Michael Smith, David Chang of Civilian Defense Concepts, and a close police officer friend, Michael entered his first match at the Lowell Providence Round Gun Club near Oaks, PA. Though the experience was intimidating and humbling, it ignited a deep commitment to the sport.

Influenced by legendary shooters such as Jerry Miculek, Terrence Butler, and Christian Sailor, Michael took his training to the next level under the guidance of Carlos Labrador (“Relentless” on Instagram), a master-level competitor from Florida. Today, he competes primarily in USPSA Limited Optics, where he has steadily risen from finishing in the top 30–40 to consistently placing in the top 15. His discipline—training four days a week through a combination of dry fire and live fire—has been the foundation of his growth. Michael approaches each stage with a simple but powerful mantra: “Hit each target.”

His competition arsenal includes top-tier firearms such as the Atlas Gunworks Athena and Erebus, the Nighthawk Customs BDS Nine, and an Infinity .38 Supercomp race gun. While his focus remains on personal achievement rather than prize money, Michael’s dedication continues to push his limits both mentally and physically.

Beyond shooting, Michael is passionate about watch collecting and motorcycle riding. As the owner and president of Team Blacksmith, he treasures the camaraderie and brotherhood within the team. Recognizing the importance of strong leadership, he transitioned from team captain to a strategic role focused on sponsorships, marketing, and brand development, appointing Kwasi Asante as the team’s leader and trainer.

Michael believes competitive shooting is a test of persistence, discipline, and humility. To new shooters, his advice is clear: embrace failure as part of growth, seek out qualified instruction, and never underestimate the power of consistent training.