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1st Intel Bn MAI Course Pushes Marines to Their Limits

Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023

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.

HIGH GROUND

“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

Posted in Combatives, Guest Post, USMC | Comments Off on 1st Intel Bn MAI Course Pushes Marines to Their Limits

AUSA 21 – Chiron-X1 CQC Armor

Thursday, October 14th, 2021

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.

Posted in AUSA, Combatives, Training | 4 Comments »

Blast From The Past – The Master-at-Arms Discontinued BSA Merit Badge

Sunday, March 21st, 2021

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?

Posted in Combatives, Scouting | 6 Comments »

REORG x ThruDark Gi Now Available

Monday, December 21st, 2020

The Royal Marines REORG Jiu Jitsu Foundation and ThruDark clothing have collaborated to provide a distinctive Gi from Tatami Fightwear.

Description

The Gi itself features a 350GSM pearl weave jacket with curved side vents for a better fit and extra comfort. As a favoured modern style, this is a standard fitting Gi with a slightly shorter jacket that helps not only with comfort but with range of movement. The pants are made from a 9oz will cotton, making them durable for training and competition. The pants slightly taper to the ankle for better functionality. This make up of the Gi allows for a lightweight but strong option while rolling.

us.tatamifightwear.com/collections/reorg/products/reorg-thrudark-gi-black

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Hand Combat Course Reference Guide by MSG Dale Comstock (USA, Ret)

Monday, December 21st, 2020

MSG Dale Comstock (USA, Ret) has served the United States for 37 years, on both active duty and as a civilian. His individual accomplishments are too numerous to list here, but he describes his service as, “Paratrooper, Green Beret, Delta Force Operator, OGA Paramilitary Operative, and Freelance Soldier.” He brings a wealth of experience.

Having authored several books and working on even more, he recently offered the Hand Combat Course Reference Guide, a manual that he created along with Stephen Aragon in support of the combative course he developed to train 3rd Special Forces Group in Hand Combat back in 1997.

Dale describes the program:

My hand combat program is based on eclecticism – if it works use it approach. It combines western boxing, Ju Jitsu, Karate, Thai Boxing, wrestling, knife fighting, weapons retention and disarm techniques, pressure point control, and more.

I have 6th degree Black Belts in American Karate, Extension Fighting, and a 1st degree BB in Ju Jitsu; I boxed professionally, kick boxed, ran my own MA studio and trainings, and have applied my skills in and out of the ring (a lot).

Get your copy at tier1performancecoaching.com/books.

Posted in Combatives, SOF | 1 Comment »

Benchmade – SOCP Tactical Folder

Tuesday, January 21st, 2020

Like the earlier models in the SOCP line, the new tactical folder was designed by Greg Thompson, creator of the Special Operations Combatives Program.

This one is intended for on and off-duty carry. The rapid deployment ring and tip-down carry enhance the speed at which this knife can be deployed from concealment, and the smooth handle dimples allow for confident transition in your hand.

Redesigned with Benchmade’s AXIS-lock technology, this knife won’t leave you fumbling for functionality in stressful situations.

www.benchmade.com

Posted in Combatives, Knives, SHOT Show | 9 Comments »

Parry Control Shorts

Sunday, December 8th, 2019

Parry Control Shorts are designed for grappling, but feature a 7″ inseam which may be kind of short for some of you who want to cover down to the knee. They are made from an abrasion resistant fabric with just a bit of mechanical stretch.

While they are also available in Black, Blue, and Yellow, the Tigerstripe pattern is my favorite.

parryathletics.com/products/quality-control-short

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Soldiers Showcase Combatives Skills in Kuwait

Wednesday, July 24th, 2019

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait — Booming cheers and thunderous applause from the crowd of U.S. and Kuwaiti service members, police officers and civilians fill the air as two competitors grapple on an oversized blue mat in the center of the Camp Arifjan zone 1 gym, June 23, 2019.

Loud music combined with the crowd noise makes it difficult for people trying to hear the person sitting next to them. Through all that noise, one distinctive voice pierces through like a knife.

“Pass that knee, pass that bottom knee,” yells Sgt. Linsey Williams, a public affairs specialist with the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division, Minnesota Army National Guard, as veins bulge out the sides of her neck.

Williams is coaching Staff Sgt. Kenry Trowers to help him remember an evasive maneuver during his match with a member of the Kuwaiti navy in a friendly bout between the two nations.

The crowd noise softens during a less active moment in the match, then suddenly it erupts again as one competitor gains an advantage. The one constant through this fluctuating energy is Williams; even when the cheers subside she coaches.

“Control his knees man, he’s going to try and bring them in,” said Williams as she leans forward in her chair, edging as close to the action as possible.

Williams got her first taste of grappling in the basic combatives course during her initial entry training with the U.S. Army in 2011.

“While I was at Fort Meade, Maryland, I found a gym and kind of got hooked,” said Williams.

Not long after she completed initial entry training, Williams deployed to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, in 2011. While at Camp Arifjan, Williams joined a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu club.

“That’s where I really started, it was such an experience that I knew it was something I had to carry with me when I got home,” said Williams.

Williams is taking a coaching role in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu club and in the combatives tournament during her second deployment to Camp Arifjan.

“This was my time to help others as they started their competitive journey,” Williams said.

Captain Dylan Grayston, an assistant air officer with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, improved his grappling by cross-training with Williams.

“Sergeant Williams has taught me a lot,” said Grayston. “It has been great having that experience having that comradery and training.”

Trowers, an air movement request noncommissioned officer in charge with Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve, won his match with coaching from Williams. Trowers said he encourages others interested in combatives to come see Williams for coaching.

“If you guys want to get better at combatives, we train at zone 6 Monday through Friday at 7:30 p.m.,” said Trowers.

Once the matches were complete and medals were presented the crowd dispersed, but Williams remains to coach and mentor all eager to improve.

“It has been a really great experience … getting to coach in real time … it has been a cool way for me to link my understanding of competing with my understanding of helping others compete,” said Williams.

After her deployment to Camp Arifjan, Williams plans to return to Minnesota and continue to train and work toward a possible Ultimate Fighting Championship career.

By SSG Justin Hardin

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