Iron Sights

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 Intro

04:17 Cliff’s Background

08:04 LAPD Experience

18:02 Law Enforcement Today

28:41 Training Mindset

38:60 Fitness & Growth

46:45 Policing Evolution

57:40 Grappling in Policing

01:17:46 Lessons & Mindset

01:29:29 Training Gaps

01:47:15 Closing Thoughts

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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 Intro

03:32 Panel Challenges

05:29 Jerry’s Background

06:31 Evolution of Martial Arts

12:47 Real-World Lessons

16:46 Coaching & Self-Defense

39:04 Coaches vs Instructors

42:40 Gym Culture & Community

51:06 Growth & Social Media

01:05:07 Integrity & Openness

01:24:03 Red Zone Program

01:31:30 Instructor Development

01:43:18 Combatives Community & Closing

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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.

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Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

03:48 Certifications & Experience

09:00 Education Challenges

16:44 Experience vs Textbooks

33:22 Adaptive Techniques

46:42 Corrective Exercise Myths

56:20 Role of a Coach

01:14:31 Effort vs Recovery

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• 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 Intro

04:51 Summit Recap

06:13 Training Mindset

10:49 Facing Fear

18:17 Realistic Scenarios

40:55 Instructor Highlights

50:30 Personal Updates

55:29 Continuous Learning

01:07:50 Future Plans

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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.

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Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

03:24 Intro to Capacity

03:55 Medley Basics

07:25 Safe Training

21:20 Medleys vs Circuits

43:36 Practical Examples

52:42 Building Progress

01:15:30 Key Benefits

01:21:29 Wrap-Up

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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 Intro

05:32 Early Life & Marines

09:48 Law Enforcement Start

22:00 Policing in Charlotte

30:37 Joining SWAT Team

35:30 Competitive Shooting

39:12 Building SPECT Train

47:53 Joining Vortex Edge

01:05:22 Inside Vortex Edge

01:09:26 Masterclass Journey

01:16:20 Competition & Balance

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Welcome back to another episode of the Iron Sights Podcast. Today we’re diving deep into heart rate zone training based on your lactate threshold heart rate (LTHR). 

In this episode, we’re bridging that gap so you can learn how to train smarter, recover better, and get more efficient results from your endurance and conditioning work.

We pulled a lot of what we discuss today straight from our brand new Heart Rate Zone Training Guide, which you can download for free at rdfguides.com. Inside, we break down how to test your own LTHR, calculate your personal zones, and apply that data to your workouts. If you’ve ever wondered how to get more out of your cardio without wasting time or burning out, this episode will help you understand exactly what’s happening in your body — and how to use that knowledge to train like a pro.

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Self-Guided Programs:
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(NEW) Iron Sights Podcast Website:
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Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

01:52 Intro to Conditioning

02:59 Capacity Training

08:14 Zone Training Basics

10:39 Lactate Threshold

18:57 Training for Performance

35:19 Zone Two Explained

38:54 Zone Three Insights

42:55 Zone Four Effort

49:41 Zone Five Push

01:00:33 Training Tips

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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 Intro

07:12 Justin’s Background

08:01 Core Story

15:04 Early Lessons

20:24 Performance Focus

27:05 Military Use

43:28 Cooling Science

49:24 Hypothermia

55:19 Teamwork

59:52 Industry Impact

01:11:03 Innovations

01:27:17 Plate Carrier

01:39:57 Gen 3 Reveal

01:48:48 Civilian Use

02:04:33 Philosophy & Wrap

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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. 

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https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership

Virtual Coaching:
https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching

Self-Guided Programs:
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(NEW) Iron Sights Podcast Website:
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Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

04:11 Cardio & Conditioning

05:04 Strength & Hypertrophy

07:16 Cluster Sets Intro

10:37 Using Cluster Sets

17:08 Programming Tips

33:09 Volume & Intensity

36:27 Power Training

46:32 Benefits for Lifters

54:07 RDF Max Program

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Welcome back to the Iron Sights Podcast. I’m in the studio today with CeCe and Ryan, and we’re diving into how to build real power in the gym—without Olympic lifts or endless box jumps.

A lot of people think power training is reserved for elite athletes or requires advanced lifts like cleans and snatches. While those are great tools, the truth is you can develop explosive strength and speed in safer, more practical ways that work for everyday lifters.

We’ll break down the key principles of power development, how to program it effectively, and how to train for explosive results without fancy tools or velocity-based devices. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or just someone who wants to move better and stronger, this episode will give you a clear roadmap for building power that lasts.

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Red Dot Fitness Training Programs:
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https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching

Self-Guided Programs:
https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1

(NEW) Iron Sights Podcast Website:
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Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

03:41 Lifting Challenges

04:35 Common Misconceptions

05:12 Power Training Methods

07:35 Training For Longevity

08:23 Training With Intent

26:61 Force Development

34:18 Coordination & Timing

37:04 Daily Performance Adjustments

41:27 Recovery & Adaptation

47:57 Warm-Up Techniques

55:13 Power Tools

01:02:53 Choosing Programs

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