Manny “Rod” Rodriguez is the founder of Tactical Calm, a specialized training program that equips professionals with the tools to stay sharp, steady, and in control when the stakes are highest.

A U.S. Army combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Manny’s 18-year recovery from life-threatening injuries, revealed the critical link between breath control and nervous system performance. Through years of healing and rehabilitation, he discovered that mastery of the breath was the foundation for clarity, composure, and focus under extreme pressure. His journey taught him that calm is not something found just in comfort, it’s also something you build through adversity.

Drawing from his recovery and Systema training, Manny adapted elite breathing methods into practical tools for high-stress professionals, teaching them to regulate adrenaline, restore clarity, and recover faster after intense events. Today, his approach bridges science and experience, combining combat-tested principles with modern performance psychology to help others reclaim control of their physiology and perform at their best when it matters most.