STRYKE 
Wilson “Stryke” Machado Jr.
Wilson “Stryke” Machado Jr. is a firearms instructor, executive protection professional, security consultant, martial artist, writer, and knife designer with decades of experience in firearms, defensive tactics, security, and personal protection.
His background is built on practical experience rather than theory. He has worked in executive protection and security in a variety of environments, providing close protection, security management, risk assessment, advance planning, and protective support for principals and their families. His approach to protection is centered on awareness, preparation, discretion, communication, and sound decision-making. He believes effective protection is not about being the most visible person in the room—it is about understanding the environment, identifying problems before they become emergencies, and having the ability to act when action is required.
Stryke has served as a firearms instructor and security professional across multiple disciplines and continues to train and teach professionals and responsible armed citizens. His instructional philosophy is straightforward: develop real capability through fundamentals, repetition, critical thinking, and the ability to make good decisions under pressure.
Certifications & Instructor Credentials
- NRA Pistol Instructor
- NRA Rifle Instructor
- NRA Shotgun Instructor
- NRA Chief Range Safety Officer
- USCCA Handgun Instructor
- Texas DPS LTC Instructor
- Texas DPS School Safety Instructor — Active Shooter
- Texas DPS First Responder Instructor
- Texas DPS Level II, III & IV Instructor
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt
- Judô Black Belt
- Krav Maga Instructor
- Knife Fighting Instructor
Stryke also serves as an instructor at participating 5.11 stores, teaching USCCA courses covering survival, basic medical skills, and everyday carry (EDC). His classes focus on practical skills that people can actually apply—whether they are preparing for an emergency, carrying a firearm, responding to a medical incident, or simply becoming more capable and aware.
Outside of instruction and executive protection, Stryke combines his experience in martial arts, defensive tactics, and edged-weapon training with a passion for functional design. He designs working knives with an emphasis on ergonomics, durability, purpose, and real-world usability. He approaches knife design the same way he approaches training: function over appearance, capability over hype, and purpose over excess.
He is also a writer, using his experience and perspective to explore firearms, training, executive protection, preparedness, mindset, discipline, and the realities of personal protection.
His philosophy is simple:
Train with intention. Think critically. Stay prepared. Do the job.