SAN DIEGO -- Early in training, recruits are taught the fundamentals of Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. That baseline of knowledge is added throughout recruit training and ultimately leads to recruits, being tested on the skills and techniques they learned. If they pass, recruits then earn their tan belt.
On Training Day two, recruits of Company M, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, received their first lesson in MCMAP aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego March 13.
In their introduction, recruits learned the importance of a proper stance, putting their weight behind strikes and how to throw various punches such as the lead hand punch.
After stretching, recruits spread out in formation and practiced throwing the lead hand punch until drill instructors felt everyone perfected the technique. Things such as their stance, hand position and bringing their hands back quickly to guard their face were all areas drill instructors looked at for proper form.
“At first they don’t grab (the movements), but when they do it gives (recruits) confidence,” said Staff Sgt. Luis P. Magana, drill instructor, Co. M, Plt. 3263, 3rd RTBn.
Once recruits become Marines they will have the opportunity to increase their MCMAP level. Marines can advance their belts starting from gray, green, brown and then black belt; which is the highest belt to obtain. Each belt level includes additional techniques and knowledge. For example, gray belt introduces Marines to ground fighting.
Many drill instructors carry a deep passion for the program and continually increase their MCMAP knowledge in order to earn their black belt.
“The more knowledge we have, the more knowledge we can pass on,” said Magana, a black belt instructor.
Magana explained it is also every Marine’s responsibility to make themselves available to others who wish to learn.
Co. M recruits soaked up all the facts, techniques and instructions like sponges. Some recruits of smaller stature, however, had specific reasons why they were intently following the MCMAP lesson.
At approximately five feet two inches, Recruit Mitchell E. Parks, Plt. 3266, Co. M, is likely the smallest recruit in his company.
Prior to recruit training Parks said he was attacked by two men much bigger than himself.
“Some of what I’ve learned could have helped me defend myself,” said Parks. “Especially the part about pivoting your back foot to throw weight into your punches for more power. I didn’t know about that.”
Parks explained that prior to recruit training he had no experience in any form of martial arts.
At the end of his first MCMAP lesson, Parks and his fellow recruits learned the basic warrior stance, angles of movement, upper body strikes and other various valuable pieces of information such as the importance of not telegraphing your punches.
Violent situations are not limited to combat environments. Instances such as Parker’s are everyday occurrences in the world. However with the recruits’ new techniques in MCMAP, they now have skills applicable to a combat situation or self defense.