#178 After Dark - Building Resilient Protectors: SWAT Leadership, Combatives & Survival Training With Rob Magao

In this After Dark episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, we’re joined by Rob Magao — a 25-year law enforcement veteran, SWAT leader, and founder of the Officer Survival Series. With experience in patrol, narcotics, internal affairs, detective work, and 18 years on SWAT, Rob has trained hundreds in local, state, and federal agencies, as well as the military. From defensive tactics and dignitary protection to ground fighting and firearms, his approach is rooted in real-world experience, not theory. A third-degree Gracie Jiu Jitsu black belt under Pedro Sauer and certified combatives instructor through Matt Larsen, Rob shares insights on building resilient, confident protectors through pressure-tested training.Sit back and enjoy a no-nonsense conversation on leadership, survival, and what it takes to thrive in high-stakes environments.Timestamps:00:00 Intro04:21 Rob Magao’s Martial Arts Journey05:52 Starting In Law Enforcement10:53 Challenges & Changes In Policing16:16 Innovations In Police Training30:04 Opening The Jiu-Jitsu School41:27 Bringing Jiu-Jitsu To Police Training45:15 Creating A New Training Program48:47 Program Success & Adoption51:55 Instructor Certification Standards01:09:19 Real-World Scenarios & Legal Training01:22:48 Growth Of Police Jiu-Jitsu Teams01:27:22 Key Skills For Law Enforcement01:31:41 Building A Culture Of Improvement01:40:59 Insurance’s Role In Training Standards01:50:21 How To Get Involved With OSS01:58:14 What’s NextRed Dot Fitness Training Programs:rdfprograms.comOnline Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching):https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membershipVirtual Coaching:https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coachingSelf-Guided Programs:https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1Connect With Us:Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/