San Diego -- When it comes to recruit training, having fun isn’t what many would expect to occur while learning techniques for hand-to-hand combat. But that is exactly what happened for many recruits from Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion.
Recruits of Company K learned unarmed manipulations as part of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, July 11.
Recruits learned moves such as the arm-bar take down, basic wrist lock and reverse wrist lock. After a quick demonstration, recruits were paired up to practice the moves on each other.
Although there were a few grimaces of pain from being taken to the ground with force, many of the recruits appeared to be enjoying themselves.
“Besides it being important to know, this class helps us because it’s something we enjoy,” said Recruit Angle M. Shott, Platoon 3226. “It’s a chance to get the stress out that comes from all the yelling and getting up early. I love MCMAP because when I’m done I feel refreshed and ready to carry on the rest of the day.”
Prior to recruit training, many of the recruits were avid followers of professional boxing and mixed martial arts.
“On a one-to-ten on an interest level, I’m at a ten,” said Recruit Douglas Manzano, Platoon 3226. “I’ve always been interested in mixed martial arts, but I’ve never had the money for classes. This is a great opportunity to learn how to defend yourself. I want to be changed and learn as much as I can from the program.”
Recruits practiced the moves until there was a fluidity and thorough understanding of each technique. It was a common place sight to see recruits advising their partners on what they were doing right and wrong.
However, despite the enjoyment of the training exercise, recruits still realized they were learning the techniques for possible future combat operations.
“I’m learning things that I never thought I’d learn,” said Manzano, a Downey, Calif. native. “I believe I could defend myself effectively with these techniques, and the more we practice the better we will get.”
Over the remainder of their training, recruits will learn many more MCMAP techniques such as air chokes, blood chokes and break falls. They will also receive additional hours of practice and ultimately be given a practical application test to ensure they understand all the moves covered in recruit training.
By the time Company K is ready to graduate, the MCMAP training will have given them a foundation of hand-to-hand combat skills to build upon in the Fleet Marine Force.