California Clays

Chad Roberts - 2019 CA State FITASC & Sporting Champion

Today’s guest is none other than Chad Roberts— a name you’ve probably seen on leaderboards across the country. Chad is the 2019 California State Champion in both Sporting and FITASC, the 2016 CA State FITASC Champion, a 4-time All-American and a former PSCA Pro. He is also a shooting coach and runs his own school called Breakpoint Shooting Instruction.The road to becoming a top level competitor can be a long one. I've always found Chad willing to share his personal learning journey for the benefit of others. We talk about the competition mindset, Chad's lessons and takeaways from top-tier shooting coaches, how to tailor your technique to your strengths, and why staying a student of the game is key—no matter how high you climb.Links for Chad:Breakpoint Shooting InstructionState: CaliforniaEmail: BPSIPro@gmail.comWebsite: https://poplme.co/hash/zSgH1DVz/1/hs@breakpointshootinginstruction

Justin Fox - CA State Sporting Clays Champion (2021 and 2023)

In this episode, I’m joined by a California standout—Justin Fox. If you shoot sporting clays in the Golden State, you already know his name. Justin started young, trained under the guidance of Jay Braccini and Dan Carlisle, and quickly rose through the ranks—from Junior State Champion to a two-time CA State Champion, winning it all in 2021 and again in 2023. He was a 9x All American. From 2003 to 2011 he won every Junior and Sub Junior title in CA and the Western Region.We discussed Justin's journey in competitive shotgun sports, highlighting his achievements as a young shooter and as an adult. We also touched on his mindset and how he views competition, with the aim of understanding what it takes to maintain a high level of performance at the competitive level.

Ed Solomons - World Champion and Clay Shooting Coach

On today's episode I had the pleasure of interviewing Ed Solomons. Many of you know him from the many videos he has done for TGS, ShotKam and Schoffel Country. You can find them all on YouTube. If you don't know Ed, he is a very accomplished shooter who has been shooting for the past 27 years and has also been a sought after international clay shooting coach since 2015. Ed coaches shooters of various levels from club shooters to World Champions. We discussed Ed's approach to shooting and coaching. He emphasizes the importance of simplifying techniques and avoiding overcomplication. We also discussed the evolution of clay target shooting in the UK, his 2014 World FITASC victory and his eyewear business with, friend and sports vision doctor, Ed Lyons. Ed is a great ambassador for the sport and just an overall good dude. I enjoyed this interview and I hope you do too. You can find more info on Ed at the following links: Website: https://www.edsolomons.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ed_solomons Edwards Eyewear: https://edwardseyewear.com/store If you like the video, please help out the channel by clicking the like button, subscribe, comment and share! Thanks for watching!

Former U.S. Olympic Shotgun Coaches - Jay Waldron and Lance Bade - Part 3

In Part 3 of this series, Gary, Jay, Lance and I discussed upcoming shooting events for the International sports, and the importance of promoting Olympic shooting sports in the U.S. We also addressed the issue of people falsely claiming to be Olympic athletes or coaches, and the excitement surrounding the U.S. shooting team for the upcoming Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Former U.S. Olympic Shotgun Coaches - Jay Waldron and Lance Bade - Part 2

In Part 2 of this episode I interview Jay Waldron and Lance Bade. Former Olympic Athletes in bunker trap and double trap and recently retired coaches to the U.S. Olympic team in the shotgun disciplines. Jay and Lance have a wealth of knowledge. We discuss their experience as Olympic competitors and their switch to coaching these elite athletes.Lance and Jay emphasize the importance of building trust and tailoring their approach to each athlete's needs. They highlight the importance of creating an environment where athletes feel comfortable giving their all, even if they fall short of their goals.Part 2 of 3.

Former U.S. Olympic Shotgun Coaches - Jay Waldron and Lance Bade - Part 1

In this episode I interview Jay Waldron and Lance Bade. Former Olympic Athletes in bunker trap and double trap and recently retired coaches to the U.S. Olympic team in the shotgun disciplines. Jay and Lance have a wealth of knowledge. We discuss their experience as Olympic competitors and their switch to coaching these elite athletes.The discussion also covered their coaching philosophies, the unique challenges of Bunker Trap, and their experiences teaching beginners and intermediate shooters at their Elite Shotgun Academy. Part 1 of 3.

Desi Edmunds - World and National Sporting Clays Champion

I interviewed, Desirae Edmunds, multiple-time World Champion, National Sporting Clays Champion, multiple time Team USA team Captain and multiple time All-American. She has also been a 16x member of Team USA. Desi's accolades in the clay shooting sports are impressive. Desi is a trailblazer for women in the shotgun shooting sports and has been a great role model and ambassador for its growth.Desi is not only a competitive shooter but she is also a sought after clay shooting coach and has helped many shooters, including myself, improve our game.Please tune in on this episode while we cover topics including her journey into the sport, her training regimen, and her experiences with different types of guns. We discuss the importance of mental preparation and building confidence. The conversation also touched on Desi's routines, her favorite aspects of the sport, and her future goals.If you like the episode, please be sure to like and subscribe! Thanks!

Brett Seibert - GM of Northbrook Sports Club

I interviewed Brett Seibert. General Manager of Northbrook Sports Club and NSCA Executive Council Member. Brett and I discussed a variety of topics, including his experience on what it is like managing a world-class gun club.The growth of the club under his leadership and how the club built a supportive and active membership. He also talks about the new initiative that the NSCA is pondering, a recreational association to help grow the sport and make clay target shooting accessible to more folks in the United States.If you like this content, please be sure to like and subscribe! Thanks!

Jake James - 2024 CA State Sporting and FITASC Champion

In this episode of California Clays, I interview Jake James, the 2024 California State Champion in both FITASC and Sporting Clays.In just four years, Jake has risen to the top of the competitive sporting clays world in California and has quickly established himself as a serious contender on both the regional and national stages.We explore the key factors behind his rapid progression between 2020 and 2023, including his health and wellness routines, mental strategies for building confidence, and his approach to consistent performance under pressure.Jake also shares insights into how he prepares for tournaments, and we also discuss why he carries a gallon jug of water with him everywhere he goes.

Derrick Mein - U.S. Olympian, World and National Champion.

I interview, 2020 and 2024 US Olympian, multiple time World and National Champion, Derrick Mein. Derrick is known as one of the best All Round shotgunners in the world. We discuss his experience and approach to competitive shooting, his gun setup, and mental strategies. Derrick also shared the lessons he's learned from competing on the largest stages including his Olympic journey and his World FITASC win. Our conversation also touched on his switch from his Kolar Max Lite Sporter to his Krieghoff Parcour X.