Why I teach lockpicking to remote corporate teams
I started running these workshops after sitting through one too many miserable digital events. I saw my own team struggling with passive happy hours that just felt like more work—another generic trivia game or another screen to stare at. While some teams find connection through the engaging conversation and educational activities from Really Fun Games, I felt this was a problem that needed a more tactile, physical solution.
Lockpicking is a kinesthetic experience. It forces you to put down your phone, look away from your email, and focus on the tactile feedback in your hands. It is a genuine physical security skill that also happens to be a powerful critical thinking exercise. The best part is the accessibility. I can tell you that most people successfully pick their first lock within the first few minutes of the hands on part of the event. That immediate win gets people hooked.
The problem with digital only team building
Screen fatigue is not a myth. Most virtual events for corporate teams are just another presentation, another set of slides, another talking head on a video call. This passive format is an invitation to multitask. People check their email, scroll through their feeds, and generally disengage from the group. My solution is to introduce a physical object that cannot be ignored. I use these tools and puzzles to force a clean break from the standard laptop workflow. You simply cannot pick a lock while typing an email, and that forced focus is what makes it work.
A beginner friendly approach to physical security
I designed this entire workshop for absolute beginners. Many participants have never even seen a lock pick before our session starts. We begin with transparent acrylic locks that let you see the internal mechanics. You can watch the pins and springs move as you manipulate them, which demystifies the entire process. From there, we move through a series of progressive challenges. This structure ensures that fast learners stay engaged with more complex puzzles while others have the space to master the fundamentals at their own pace.
How we handle shipping and kits for international teams
Logistics for remote teams can be a nightmare, so I have spent years refining our process to make it as simple as possible. Our $79 per person price is all inclusive for most addresses in our primary shipping regions, covering the kit, the tools, taxes, and delivery. There are no surprise fees.
We ship all kits two weeks before your event to ensure every participant is ready to go on the day of the workshop. Each attendee receives a professional quality kit that they get to keep forever. It is not a rental. To manage the complexities of international customs and shipping, I work directly with our own fulfillment facility to coordinate thousands of packages a year. We have it down to a science.
Countries included in our standard shipping
We have a robust shipping network and regularly send kits to teams in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Our European coverage is also extensive, including Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Germany, and France. If you have team members in other countries, I can often arrange for special shipping upon request. Just ask and we can explore the options.
What is inside the box
Every participant receives a carefully curated kit designed for learning. Inside, they will find:
- A full set of professional lock picks and tension bars designed to handle a wide variety of lock types.
- A transparent practice lock that clearly reveals the internal mechanics of the pins and shear line.
- Multiple transparent practice locks of increasing difficulty, featuring different pin counts to provide a progressive challenge.
What happens during a live virtual lockpicking session
My goal is to replicate the experience of an in-person class as closely as possible. I use a multi camera setup so you can see exactly what my hands are doing in high definition. We offer 30, 60, and 90 minute versions of the workshop to fit your team’s schedule, and every session includes a 30 minute buffer at the end for questions and answers. My teaching style relies on storytelling and live demonstrations, not boring polls or slides. It is a hands-on workshop, not a lecture.
The multi camera instructional setup
The video setup is critical for teaching a physical skill remotely. One camera is focused on me, the instructor, so you can follow along with my explanations. A second, macro camera provides an extreme close up of the lock itself. This view allows me to show you the shear line and the subtle movement of the pins in real time. This professional setup is how I make the workshop feel personal and clear for groups of any size, even up to 2,000 people. Everyone gets a front row seat.
Progressive challenges for all skill levels
We start with simple three pin locks to build immediate confidence. That first "click" is a huge moment, and I like to get the team there quickly. As the session progresses, I guide the group through more complex five and six pin locks. My favorite part of any workshop is watching that moment when a skeptical participant, someone who was sure they could not do it, finally feels the core turn and their lock clicks open. It happens every time.
The business case for teaching lockpicking to your staff
This is more than just a fun activity. Lockpicking is a perfect metaphor for breaking down complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts. It teaches patience, resilience, and the importance of listening to subtle feedback. I have hosted hundreds of these events for everything from sales kick offs to new product launches. Beyond the immediate team building, the workshop builds a genuine and lasting appreciation for physical security and situational awareness.
Problem solving and strategic thinking
Different departments connect with the skill in different ways. Engineers often love the mechanical logic of how the pins, springs, and shear line interact. It is a system to be understood and defeated. Sales teams tend to relate to the persistence required to find the right opening, testing different approaches until one works. During the session, I explain how adapting your technique and tension is always more effective than trying to use brute force. It is a lesson that applies to almost any professional challenge.
Security awareness for the modern office
Most people never think twice about the locks on their doors, desks, or servers until they learn how to pick one. This workshop pulls back the curtain. I teach the fundamental differences between a standard, low security lock and a high security one. This knowledge is not about creating paranoia. It is about building awareness. It helps employees think more critically about access, data, and overall company security in a way that a policy document never could. This same mindset is equally important when managing your digital systems with the help of JP Technical.
Booking your event and preparing your remote team
The process is straightforward. We require a minimum of eight attendees to run a private workshop, but we can scale up to several thousand. I can host the event on our corporate Zoom account or join your preferred platform, like Microsoft Teams or Google Meet.
To make address collection easy and secure, we can provide an optional branded landing page for your event where attendees can input their shipping details directly. Once you are ready, booking is handled through our dedicated scheduling system.
Choosing the right platform and timing
For most teams, I recommend the 60 minute session. It provides the best balance of learning, practice, and fun without feeling rushed. To ensure all kits arrive on time, please be prepared to finalize your booking and shipping list at least two weeks before your event date. For international attendees, we recommend allowing additional time for customs clearance. If you want to personalize the event, I am also happy to include custom trivia questions about your company or team.
Final steps to secure your date
The most important step is to confirm your final headcount and shipping list as early as possible. Once the booking is confirmed and the addresses are in, I will handle the rest of the logistics. My team and I will ensure every kit is packed, shipped, and tracked. You just need to show up ready to learn. To get started, you can see more details on our Learn Lockpicking Virtual Event page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lockpicking legal for my corporate team to learn?
Lock sport is a legal and ethical hobby. The golden rule is simple: you should only ever pick locks that you personally own.
What is included in the $79 per person price?
The price covers everything needed for the event. This includes the complete lock picking kit with multiple practice locks and tools, a live expert led workshop, and all shipping and taxes for our primary regions. There are no hidden fees.
How far in advance do we need to book for shipping?
We require your final shipping addresses two weeks before the event date. This lead time allows us to process and ship the kits for timely delivery. For any participants outside of our main shipping countries, we recommend booking earlier to allow extra time for customs.
Can we use Microsoft Teams instead of Zoom for the workshop?
Yes. While we host on Zoom by default, I am happy to join your event on Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, or most other major video conferencing platforms.
What is the minimum and maximum group size for an event?
Our private workshops require a minimum of eight participants. We have successfully hosted events for groups as large as 2,000 people.
Do participants get to keep the lockpicking kits?
Yes. The professional quality kit is theirs to keep and continue practicing with long after the event is over.
Are there any hidden fees for international shipping?
For our eight primary shipping countries (US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Germany, and France), the $79 price is all inclusive. For other countries, there may be an additional shipping surcharge, which we will confirm with you before you book.
What happens if a participant is a complete beginner?
The workshop is designed specifically for beginners. No prior experience or knowledge is required. We start with the absolute basics and use transparent locks so everyone can see how they work. I provide step by step guidance to ensure everyone, regardless of their initial skill level, has a successful and rewarding experience.
