Iron Sights

Today on the Iron Sights Podcast I’m joined by Dustin Mowery of Mowery Tactical Concepts — a 27–year law enforcement veteran, long-time SWAT operator, team leader, instructor, and one of the most detail-oriented shooters I’ve had the chance to train with.I first crossed paths with Dustin at the 2025 Combatives Summit in D’Iberville, Mississippi, where he and my good friend Mark Smith were tag-teaming a dry fire block for the students. I’d heard about Dustin for years, but seeing him teach in real time told me everything I needed to know: this guy is a pro.In this episode we dig into Dustin’s story — from starting his career in a small agency, to moving into larger roles, special assignments, and ultimately spending two decades leading a SWAT team. We get into his time as an FTO, the lessons he learned from being responsible for developing officers, and how that experience shaped his approach to teaching firearms, tactics, and decision-making.You’ll hear how Dustin got bit by the competitive shooting bug, how he brought that skillset into his agency, and what happened when his training culture started shifting toward performance, accountability, and fundamentals done at a high level.We also talk about the dry fire work he and Mark put together, what separates good instructors from great ones, and why making every rep count is the hallmark of truly professional training — whether you’re a cop, a competitive shooter, or just somebody trying to become more capable.Sit back and enjoy this episode with Dustin Mowery of Mowery Tactical Concepts.Timestamps:00:00 Intro05:19 Dry Fire10:05 Law Enforcement14:18 Firearms Training21:08 Practical Shooting37:04 Basics Matter40:51 Training Gaps48:42 Competitive Shooting01:14:06 Training Solutions01:29:51 Community Policing01:42:13 Accountability01:53:41 Mowery TacticalRed 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/

Welcome back to another After Dark episode here on the Iron Sights Podcast. My guest today is Cliff Byerly — former U.S. Marine, LAPD Gang & Narcotics Officer, and founder of Hill Country Combatives.Cliff has spent decades immersed in high-risk environments — both in law enforcement and in training — and he’s one of those guys who brings a raw, unfiltered honesty to everything he does. I met Cliff out at the Combatives Summit 2025 in D’Iberville, Mississippi, and after missing the chance to sit down with him the year before, I wasn’t about to miss it again.In this episode, Cliff and I dig into his background, his time in the Marines and LAPD, and his mission with Hill Country Combatives — teaching realistic, force-on-force tactics to help law enforcement professionals survive high-stress encounters. We talk about training philosophy, mindset, and the hard truths about what it really takes to be effective in violent situations.Cliff doesn’t sugarcoat anything. He’s straightforward, opinionated, and deeply experienced. You’ll hear stories, lessons, and perspective from someone who’s lived it — both on the street and on the mat.If you’re into combatives, law enforcement training, or just honest conversations about performance and survival, this episode will hit home.Sit back and enjoy this After Dark conversation with my guest, Cliff Byerly of Hill Country Combatives.Timestamps:00:00 Intro04:17 Cliff’s Background08:04 LAPD Experience18:02 Law Enforcement Today28:41 Training Mindset38:60 Fitness & Growth46:45 Policing Evolution57:40 Grappling in Policing01:17:46 Lessons & Mindset01:29:29 Training Gaps01:47:15 Closing ThoughtsRed 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/

Welcome back to another After Dark episode here on the Iron Sights Podcast. My guest today is Jerry Wetzel, founder of Red Zone Threat Management Systems. Jerry’s a lifelong martial artist, gym owner, and educator whose mission is simple — to provide real training for real people to survive real violence.We sat down right after the Combatives Summit 2025 in Mississippi and got into everything from his philosophy on violence and self-defense to his experiences as a coach, business owner, and lifelong learner. In this conversation, we unpack the mindset and methodology behind Red Zone, the importance of realistic training, and how Jerry’s perspective is helping reshape how people think about personal protection. We also talk about his new journey into social media, why communication matters as much as combat skills, and how to stay grounded in a space that can often get weird or misunderstood.If you’re passionate about martial arts, combatives, or personal defense — or just want to hear from someone who’s constantly learning and evolving — you’ll get a lot from this one. Sit back and enjoy this After Dark episode with Jerry Wetzel of Red Zone Threat Management Systems.Timestamps:00:00 Intro03:32 Panel Challenges05:29 Jerry’s Background06:31 Evolution of Martial Arts12:47 Real-World Lessons16:46 Coaching & Self-Defense39:04 Coaches vs Instructors42:40 Gym Culture & Community51:06 Growth & Social Media01:05:07 Integrity & Openness01:24:03 Red Zone Program01:31:30 Instructor Development01:43:18 Combatives Community & ClosingRed 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/

We’re back in the studio for another episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, and today we’re asking a question that every athlete and coach should think about: does form really matter?In this conversation, the crew digs into how our experiences as coaches shaped the way we look at movement, form, and performance. We talk about where our ideas came from, how they’ve evolved, and why what you think you know about perfect form might not tell the whole story. Some of what we cover might challenge what you believe — and that’s exactly the point.If you’re serious about training smarter, recovering better, and actually getting stronger, this one’s for you. And if you need guidance or coaching, reach out anytime at reddotfitness.net or rdftrainonline.com — we’re here to help you take the next step in your fitness journey.25% OFF! Red Dot Fitness Programs: rdfprograms.comFFA Program:  https://reddotfitness.net/fitforactionRed 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-Programs1(NEW) Iron Sights Podcast Website:ironsightspodcasts.comTimestamps:00:00 Intro03:48 Certifications & Experience09:00 Education Challenges16:44 Experience vs Textbooks33:22 Adaptive Techniques46:42 Corrective Exercise Myths56:20 Role of a Coach01:14:31 Effort vs RecoveryConnect With Us:Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

Welcome back to another After Dark episode of the Iron Sights Podcast. My guest today is my good friend John Valentine, who officially holds the record for the most appearances on the After Dark series. John’s been part of the show since the early days — from his philosophy on combatives and coaching to his role in shaping the Combatives Summit into one of the most respected gatherings in the training community.In this conversation, we debrief the 2025 Combatives Summit, recorded just a day after John returned from the event. We talk about what went down on the mats, the lessons learned, and how collaboration—not competition—drives progress in the combatives world. John also shares updates on his journey as a BJJ black belt, match director, and instructor, diving deep into his process, growth, and approach to teaching. If you care about performance, mindset, and purpose in training, you’ll take a lot from this one.Timestamps:00:00 Intro04:51 Summit Recap06:13 Training Mindset10:49 Facing Fear18:17 Realistic Scenarios40:55 Instructor Highlights50:30 Personal Updates55:29 Continuous Learning01:07:50 Future PlansRed 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/

Welcome back to another Iron Sights Podcast! I’m joined once again by the crew to dig into one of the most underrated tools in training — medleys. In this episode, we break down what medleys are, how to structure them, and the science behind why they’re so effective for building real-world strength and endurance. We’ll share practical examples for both gym and unconventional setups, plus tips to help you train smarter, not just harder. Whether you’re already using medleys or you’ve never tried one before, you’ll walk away with new insights to improve your performance, recovery, and overall capacity as an everyday athlete.25% OFF! Red Dot Fitness Programs: rdfprograms.comFFA Program:  https://reddotfitness.net/fitforactionRed 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-Programs1(NEW) Iron Sights Podcast Website:ironsightspodcasts.comTimestamps:00:00 Intro03:24 Intro to Capacity03:55 Medley Basics07:25 Safe Training21:20 Medleys vs Circuits43:36 Practical Examples52:42 Building Progress01:15:30 Key Benefits01:21:29 Wrap-UpConnect With Us:Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

Welcome back to another After Dark episode here on the Iron Sights Podcast. My guest today is Chris Urrutia from Vortex Optics and the Vortex Edge training team. Chris and I first met a few years back, and I’ll be honest—our time together on the range left a lasting impression. There was something about the way he approached his craft, his students, and his mindset that told me I had to get him on the show someday.In this episode, we dig into Chris’s story—his upbringing, his career in the military and law enforcement, and how those experiences shaped the way he trains and lives today. We get into his time as a competitive shooter, his philosophy on training with purpose, and what it takes to find balance between performance, business, and life.Chris is one of those guys who doesn’t just talk about discipline—he lives it. This one has lessons that go far beyond the range, and I think you’ll walk away with a few things to reflect on. So sit back and enjoy this After Dark conversation with Chris Urrutia from Vortex Optics here on the Iron Sights Podcast.Timestamps:00:00 Intro05:32 Early Life & Marines09:48 Law Enforcement Start22:00 Policing in Charlotte30:37 Joining SWAT Team35:30 Competitive Shooting39:12 Building SPECT Train47:53 Joining Vortex Edge01:05:22 Inside Vortex Edge01:09:26 Masterclass Journey01:16:20 Competition & BalanceLink to more info on our Warranty!:https://vortexoptics.com/vip-warranty VORTEX SOCIAL HANDLES:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vortexoptics/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/vortexoptics X:  https://x.com/vortexoptics Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vortexoptics Red 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/

Discover the power of heart rate zone training based on lactate threshold! Learn how to personalize your workouts for maximum efficiency and recovery. Dive into the science behind conditioning, including the importance of stroke volume and oxygen delivery. Explore the five-zone training model, from recovery to high-intensity sprints, and find out how to effectively structure your training week. Plus, gain insights into testing your own lactate threshold and monitoring progress for improved performance. Get ready to train smarter!

Welcome back to another After Dark episode here on the Iron Sights Podcast. My guest today is Justin Li, former law enforcement officer and co-founder of QORE Performance. QORE Performance builds thermoregulation solutions designed to enhance human performance, and today we’re digging into how it all started. Justin shares the story of how he and his partner, J.D. Wilcox, set out to solve a complex physiological problem with a surprisingly simple idea — helping people cool or heat their bodies in ways that actually improve output, endurance, and recovery.We talk through the science, the research, and the real-world applications behind products like the IcePlate and IceVents, and how these tools are used by military, law enforcement, and athletes alike. Whether you’re on duty, training hard, or just looking to perform better for longer, this conversation dives deep into the physiology of heat, cold, and performance. There’s a little product showcase, a lot of nerding out, and plenty of takeaways you can apply right away. Sit back and enjoy this After Dark episode with Justin Li of QORE Performance here on the Iron Sights Podcast.Timestamps:00:00 Intro07:12 Justin’s Background08:01 Core Story15:04 Early Lessons20:24 Performance Focus27:05 Military Use43:28 Cooling Science49:24 Hypothermia55:19 Teamwork59:52 Industry Impact01:11:03 Innovations01:27:17 Plate Carrier01:39:57 Gen 3 Reveal01:48:48 Civilian Use02:04:33 Philosophy & WrapRed 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/

Welcome back to another episode of the Iron Sights Podcast with the crew from Red Dot Fitness. Today we’re diving into one of the most underutilized yet powerful training methods out there — cluster sets. Most lifters stick to straight sets like 3x10 or 5x5, but cluster sets can be a game changer when it comes to improving strength, power, and muscle growth without adding junk volume. We break down what they are, how to set them up, and when to use them depending on your specific goals.As always, we bring some practical, real-world insight into how to implement these methods in your own training without overcomplicating things. Whether you’re chasing more power, muscle endurance, or just looking to get more out of your time in the gym, this episode is for you. 25% OFF! Red Dot Fitness Programs: rdfprograms.comFFA Program:  https://reddotfitness.net/fitforactionRed 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-Programs1(NEW) Iron Sights Podcast Website:ironsightspodcasts.comTimestamps:00:00 Intro04:11 Cardio & Conditioning05:04 Strength & Hypertrophy07:16 Cluster Sets Intro10:37 Using Cluster Sets17:08 Programming Tips33:09 Volume & Intensity36:27 Power Training46:32 Benefits for Lifters54:07 RDF Max ProgramConnect With Us:Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/