NEW IDPA.COM !!!

After months of development and testing, we are proud to launch our new website!

International Defensive Pistol Association

The real practical shooting sport.

IDPA uses practical daily carry equipment to solve simulated "real world" self-defense scenarios. Shooters compete one at a time, on fun and challenging courses of fire.

Next Sanctioned Match
2026 IDPA ITALIAN NATIONAL
Nov 05 —
Details →

Match finder

Find a match.

3,500+ sanctioned matches a year across 50 countries. Drop in a ZIP or city and we’ll show you what’s coming up near you.

Mon
Nov 02
ZUES IDPA CLASSIFIER
Tingly Army Club ·
Open
Mon
Nov 02
Classifier Ottobre
Gargano Shooting Club · San Nicandro Garganico, Puglia
Open
Tue
Nov 03
NWMODPC 1st Monthly Match
Northwest Missouri Defensive Pistol Club ·
Open

Start here

New to IDPA.

Four steps from your first browser tab to your first stage. No prior competition experience, no special gear — just a service pistol and a willingness to learn.

  1. 01

    Read the basics.

    What IDPA is, what divisions exist, and what the safety rules look like — one short read.

    Learn more →
  2. 02

    Find a local club.

    600+ affiliated clubs run monthly matches that welcome first-timers. Most will pair you with a mentor.

    Learn more →
  3. 03

    Register & show up.

    Register online, bring your service pistol, three magazines, eye and ear pro, belt, holster and mag pouches. The club covers the rest.

    Learn more →
  4. 04

    Shoot the classifier.

    After a couple matches, run the classifier to get your IDPA division rating — from Novice up to Master.

2027 IDPA World Championship

2027 IDPA World Championship.

The 2027 IDPA World Championship is scheduled for September 15th-18th, 2027 at Brock's Gap in Pell City, Alabama. We are excited to be at Brock's Gap and we look forward to seeing you there. Skip Darden will be serving as match director. Assisting him as AMDs are Bryant Brough an...

Dates
Sep 15 — 18
Venue
IDPA HQ
Location
Brock's Gap Training Center
Tier
Tier 5
Registration
TBA
Stages
TBA

Newsroom

News & announcements.

All news →
HQ News Nov 02, 2026

IDPA website has been updated!

Following months of development and testing there is a new idpa.com

Read on →

Join IDPA.

Membership unlocks classification, sanctioned matches, and access to member only data on the IDPA website. $60 a year. Cancel any time.

  • ✓Official IDPA classification & rating
  • ✓Major Match eligibility

Annual membership

$60 / year

One charge. Worldwide. Includes all member benefits.

Join IDPA — $60

Already a member? Sign in.