#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 Intro

04:21 Rob Magao’s Martial Arts Journey

05:52 Starting In Law Enforcement

10:53 Challenges & Changes In Policing

16:16 Innovations In Police Training

30:04 Opening The Jiu-Jitsu School

41:27 Bringing Jiu-Jitsu To Police Training

45:15 Creating A New Training Program

48:47 Program Success & Adoption

51:55 Instructor Certification Standards

01:09:19 Real-World Scenarios & Legal Training

01:22:48 Growth Of Police Jiu-Jitsu Teams

01:27:22 Key Skills For Law Enforcement

01:31:41 Building A Culture Of Improvement

01:40:59 Insurance’s Role In Training Standards

01:50:21 How To Get Involved With OSS

01:58:14 What’s Next

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