WARQ Helmets has posted a new video featuring USCG Veteran Buck Buckner on how the WARQ Pro helmet is revolutionizing law enforcement training protection. The WARQ Pro features advanced anti-fog technology and 210-degree wide field of view to makes force-on-force training even more realistic.
CAMP KINSER, Japan —
At 3:15 a.m., U.S. Space Force Capt. Peter Simon turns off his alarm, quickly checks his emails, puts on his uniform and heads to his car.
What’s different about his uniform compared to those of his fellow Guardians from the 161st Electromagnetic Warfare Combat Detachment, a unit within Space Delta 3 – Space Electromagnetic Warfare, is that his uniform doesn’t contain any nametape. No last name on the right side of his chest. No “U.S. SPACE FORCE” written in all blue letters. Nothing that would clearly distinguish his name, rank, or military branch from another Space Force Guardian.
But, in a group of 50 Marines, Simon stands out. Surrounded by Marines who are also nameless and rankless, it’s the difference in camouflage pattern, and perhaps the 10-year age difference, that clearly distinguishes Simon from the pack.
Simon, detachment commander of the 161st EWCD, and Staff Sgt. Clifton Trujillo, an Air Force reservist and expeditionary cyber lead for 161st EWCD, are deployed to Camp Kinser, Japan, with the intent of developing a larger Space Force presence on the primarily Marine Corps base.
While deployed, both Simon and Trujillo serve 12-hour shifts Monday through Friday but remain “on call at a moment’s notice” during the weekends. Despite the long shift, both Guardians have signed up to participate in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.
Delivered in various stages, the MCMAP functions as a combat system developed by the United States Marine Corps to combine existing and new hand-to-hand and close quarters combat techniques with morale and team-building functions as well as instruction in the Warrior Ethos.
Serving as a foundational pillar for the USMC, the MCMAP is comprised of learning armed and unarmed combative techniques while also forging mental and physical toughness amongst the ranks.
Like many martial arts disciplines, a servicemember’s qualifications are demonstrated by the color of belt he or she receives. The levels of qualification include tan, gray, green, brown and black; tan representing the earliest qualification and black representing the most senior level of proficiency a Marine can achieve.
“The program is so ingrained into USMC culture that it may become a barrier to promotion if a member doesn’t achieve a certain level by the time they are eligible for promotion,” explained Simon.
Simon first heard of the program from his brother-in-law, a former Marine who had spoken highly of the program.
“He described what the course was about and some of the drills they did, which made me want to get involved,” said Simon. “I reached out to the course instructor when I got settled at Camp Kinser and he agreed to include two Guardians in the course.”
From there, five days a week for three weeks, Simon and Trujillo woke up well before the sun or their fellow Guardians would rise, perfecting combative techniques and conquering various obstacle courses, only to then shower and make it to work on time for their 6 a.m. roll call.
“We would finish the day absolutely exhausted, said Trujillo. “Everything hurt for those entire three weeks.”
Despite the early mornings and the course’s physical toll, compounded by an already demanding deployment schedule, Simon and Trujillo stuck it out to the course’s culminating event: a four-hour test of participants’ physical and mental resilience.
“Through it all, I learned I’m a lot more resilient than I thought I was,” said Trujillo. “I’m more than 20 years older than most of the Marines in the course. To be able to keep up with them and see the course to its end was a great feeling.”
Upon completing the course, both Guardians received tan belts, symbolizing their level of proficiency in the MCMAP.
“It doesn’t look too different from the belts we wear every day in the Space Force,” admitted Simon. “Most people probably wouldn’t know the difference, but I’ll still wear it proudly.”
As for what’s next, Simon says he wants to continue working his way up the MCMAP ladder, eventually earning the highest level of proficiency: the black belt.
“The Space Force values unique experiences like this because it allows Guardians to approach problems differently and communicate more effectively across the Joint Force,” said Simon. “If I can continue to find programs such as the MCMAP, I can not only better myself, but create opportunities for the next generation of Guardians that I wish I had when I first joined the military.”
By Emily Peacock
To all those who have been victims of violence or who live with the constant fear of violence, this book is a tribute to your courage, strength, and resilience. The intent is that the principles and techniques of the SPEAR System presented in this book will provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to effectively protect yourself and your loved ones from potential danger.
Readers will find a wealth of information on the SPEAR System, including its history, principles, and techniques. They will also find valuable insights on how to apply the system in different situations, as well as strategies for ongoing training and practice. Whether you are a beginner looking to learn the basics of the system, or an experienced practitioner looking to refine your technique, this book is an invaluable resource that you will turn to time and time again.
About the Authors
Tony Blauer
Tony has spent 40+ years studying danger, violence and fear and has put together a simple and effective system that will help you manage fear and confrontations whether they’re in your head, the street or the boardroom. His research on physiology & fear, courage & mindset, has influenced over three decades of students and trainers from the self-defense, martial arts, combat sports, and military & law enforcement communities.
Erik Lawrence
Erik has known and worked with Tony over the past 20 years. Erik is a U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Beret) veteran and author over 50 books in a variety of topics including personal protection, preparedness, international travel, firearms usage, and world affairs. In his books, he shares insights from his time in the military and as a security consultant, highlighting the critical role of planning, preparation, and awareness in mitigating potential risks.
Available through VSS Books www.vssbooks.com
Founded by MMA fighter and Canadian Army Veteran Randy Turner, Direct Action Combat Performance provides training in the full spectrum of combatives from fighting with small arms, to edged weapons to hand-to-hand.
Studying around the world exposed Randy to a wide variety of styles and he fought professionally for 10 years in MMA, becoming the Canadian Bantamweight Champion in 2012. He trains military, LE and citizens in his methods and has developed a signature knife which we’ll cover soon.
I only got to spend about 20 minutes with Randy but his story is fascinating and I’ll be following up soon with him to tell more about what he and his company does.
Auburndale, Florida – The Combatives Association is proud to announce the first-ever Combatives Association Summit on September 22-24, 2023, in Auburndale, Florida.
This groundbreaking event will bring together combatives experts, instructors, and enthusiasts worldwide to share their knowledge and skills in studying combatives and entangled fighting.
The Combatives Association Summit is a must-attend event for anyone interested in studying combatives and entangled fighting. With over 17 of the world’s leading experts in the field, attendees will have the opportunity to learn from the best in the business.
This three-day event will include workshops, seminars, and demonstrations covering a wide range of topics related to combatives, including close-quarter combat, edged weapons defense, and ground fighting.
One of the unique aspects of the Combatives Association Summit is the focus on entangled fighting, which is an often-overlooked aspect of combatives. Attendees will be able to learn techniques for fighting in close quarters and entangled situations, which is critical for law enforcement officers, military personnel, and anyone who may need to defend themselves in a confined space.
The Combatives Association Summit, organized by the Combatives Association, promotes the study of combatives and entangled fighting.
Notable speakers and attendees include Craig Douglas, Matt Larsen, Cecil Burch, Cliff Byerly, Jon Hauptman, Nick Delgadillo, Cole Miller, Ben Aubin, Guy Schnitzler, Aaron Jannetti, Sam Ferguson, Jerry Wetzel, Chet Palumbo, Devin Crinklaw, Fletch Fuller, and David “Boon.”
Registration for the Combatives Association Summit is now open, and early bird pricing is available until July 5th, 2023.
To register or learn more about the event, please visit combativessummit.com. For media inquiries or to schedule an interview with event organizers, please get in touch with info@combativessummit.com
CAMP PENDLETON, CA, UNITED STATES —
Every U.S. Marine is taught the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, but less than 10 percent of those Marines are qualified to teach it. Eight Marines successfully completed Martial Arts Instructor Course 22-23 hosted by 1st Intelligence Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, pushing the Marines past their limits.
MAI courses include MCMAP techniques, combat conditioning, and in-class instruction on different topics from warfighting to the history of the Marine Corps. These courses certify Marines to instruct and monitor MCMAP training and advance Marines in the program, distinguishing them with different colored belts.
“I joined for the mental and physical challenge,” said Cpl. Cameron Gottschalk, a radio operator with 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and the honor graduate for MAI course 22-23. “I’m really hoping I can live up to the standard that our MAITs in the black shirts set for us.”
“In order to be successful out there on the battlefield, we need to put those Marines in the highest stress environment,”
Sgt. Avery Luengo, a martial arts instructor trainer with 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division.
MCMAP is a combination of mental, character, and physical disciplines. Training in these three disciplines while implementing Marine Corps leadership traits and principles, enhances a Marine’s capability on and off the battlefield.
“The character should already be in the individual, but we’re also going to emphasize the mental and physical aspects,” said Staff Sgt. Inain Torres, a martial arts instructor trainer with 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division. “We are going to teach them how and why you lead your Marines in any kind of war.”
The 1st Intelligence Battalion MAI course prepared future instructors through extreme physical and mental training. Marines must prepare for any fight they may encounter. It is necessary to prepare Marines for times of close-quarter combat.
“In order to be successful out there on the battlefield, we need to put those Marines in the highest stress environment,” said Sgt. Avery Luengo, a martial arts instructor trainer with 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. “It is crucial to maintain those leadership traits and principles in combat, even while facing fatigue. That is how we will come out victorious.”
Many Marines attend the course to better themselves and the Marines around them. It is essential to train future instructors properly. MAI’s are entrusted to pass on their knowledge and experiences to the next generation while maintaining the discipline and lethality of the Marine Corps.
LCpl Gadiel Zaragoza, I MEF Information Group
Cervello Global is offering Chiron-X1 CQC Armor with training by Redback One.
Chiron-X1 CQC Armor is made from carbon fiber and padded, allowing the wearer to train at full speed, protecting the wearer from injury due to strikes from blunt force weapons along with punches and kicks as well as the use of marking rounds. Additionally, it provides head, neck, throat and cervical spine protection against compression, hyperextension and whiplash.
To the left of this photo you see a full ensemble while to the right Redback One’s Jason Falla demonstrates that you can scale the armor to the level needed for the type of training being conducted.
This photo is said to be of Boy Scouts participating in the short-lived Master-at-Arms badge. It was one of the original 14 merit badges which debuted in the 1910 version of the Boy Scout Handbook and unfortunately, this one lasted just a year. The badge was missing from the 1911 version of the manual when it was released.
To earn the badge, a Scout had to master three of the following combat skills (the surviving manual says two):
-Single Stick
-Boxing
-Ju Jitsu
-Wrestling
-Gymnastics
-Quarterstaff Fencing
Kirk Lawson has introduced a reproduction of the original merit badge pamphlet. The drawings come from this manual and you can buy a print version here and download an ebook here.
Interestingly, the pamphlet is dated 1925 but it would not be unheard of for a merit badge pamphlet to continue to be published even after it was no longer a merit badge because they were printed by private publishers at the time, and not by BSA.
Can you imagine such a merit badge today?
