Formal training is good but being really familiar with firearms from a young age and having the right mental attitude is probably the most important.
I remember an article by Skeeter Skelton maybe 50 years ago. He was comparing modern shooters and old shootists from frontier times.
I agreed with what he said before he said it but basically his point was this. Today’s competitors would easily beat those old timers and today’s skilled shooters know more about shooting techniques.
On the other hand if you transported the champions of today back to Dodge City or Tombstone, they would pretty soon be dead.
I agree. Target shooting and self defense shooting is two different animals.
"To Ride, Shoot Straight, and Speak the Truth," by Col. Jeff Cooper.