Meet the Team

Ernie Medina is renowned for his vast firearms knowledge, proven training methods and ability to mentor other instructors for superior weapon proficiency training. His reputation is founded on extensive field experience, customized training methodologies and unwavering professionalism.

A United States Naval Academy graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (Thermodynamics), Ernie served eight years as a decorated U.S. Marine Captain and infantry officer, commanding and supporting more than 1,200 Marines in various leadership roles.

With almost three decades of experience, he's a certified USCCA Training Counselor and instructor, an NRA pistol instructor and an authority in combatives and weapons training. A lifelong martial artist, he holds black belts in karate, including a 7th-degree master instructor ranking in Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan.

Joshua Cabato is a proud husband and father of five. His journey with Tap Rack Bang began in 2019, when he took his first CCW class, laying the foundation for his development as a responsible and capable gun owner.

He kept training regularly, refining his skills in advanced weapons manipulation, shooting while moving, shooting from compromised positions, room clearing and low-light shooting. That dedication led him to compete in the International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA), where he holds a Sharpshooter ranking in the Stock Service Pistol (SSP) and Back-Up Gun (BUG) divisions and a Marksman ranking in the Carry Optics (CO) and Pistol-Caliber Carbine (PCC) divisions.

Now, as an instructor, Joshua is committed to helping others become confident and capable in defending themselves and their loved ones, on the range and in real life.

Tyrin served as a police officer and Sergeant with the Inglewood Police Department for 21 years, working as a gang enforcement officer, field training officer and field training supervisor.

He is a graduate of the University of Arizona with a B.A. in Psychology, with an emphasis in training and decision-making. Tyrin is an NRA and USCCA instructor, and he also works in private security, executive protection and residential and business security.

He is dedicated to passing his extensive training and experience on to his students.

Dustin Dager is a firearms instructor, USCCA Certified Firearms Instructor and former United States Marine Corps Military Police Officer with five years of military service. During his time in the Marine Corps, he deployed to Afghanistan, supporting operational missions including convoy security and military policing.

Dustin also served as a Marine Corps Range Coach for both rifle and pistol, mentoring Marines in marksmanship, safe weapons handling and firearms proficiency. That experience, combined with his operational background, gives him a strong foundation in developing competent, disciplined and responsible shooters.

Today, he brings that same commitment to every class he teaches at Tap Rack Bang. Whether he's working with first-time firearm owners or experienced shooters, he emphasizes safe gun handling, solid fundamentals, practical defensive techniques and the mindset of a confident, capable armed citizen, with a patient, professional teaching style.