Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego -- For some recruits, learning the fundementals of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program is more of a pleasure than required training. Instead of it being just another training requirement, some recruits see it as an opportunity learn how to effectively defend themselves..
Over the course of training, recruits are given numerous periods of insturction on MCMAP that teach all the techniques included in tan belt, the lowest level belt earned. Some of the movements learned are break falls, counter to chokes and the combat roll.
It was time for recruits of Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, to be tested on their knowledge of MCMAP tan belt techniques at Marine Corps Recurit Depot San Diego, April 15. The MCMAP test was to certify the recruits understood and retained the information taught and that they could perform all the movements in the tan belt curriculum.
“I was picked on as a kid, so I really enjoy learning how to defend myself,” said Recruit Noe Salas-Bernal, Platoon 2146. “(MCMAP) was one of the reasons I joined the Marine Corps. This gives me a sense of security knowing I can react to a physical situation better now.”
Company G was broken down into groups of approximately 10 and were asked to demonstrate various moves. If a recruit performed a techique incorrectly, he was given a second chance to correct the error.
“We’ve practiced so many hours it wasn’t hard ,” said the 19-year-old Salas-Bernal proudly.
Although Salas-Bernal passed easily and feels confident in his new abilities, he explained he would never abuse his MCMAP skills.
“I know what it’s like to be bullied. I would never use these skills to bully someone,” said Salas-Bernal, a Harvard, Ill., native. “ I wasn’t raised like that, and the Marine Corps has taught me to only use it when necessary.”
Salas-Bernal was not the only recruit to enjoy his training. Recruit Roger E. Ventura, Platoon 2146, said his favorite move to perform was the reverse wrist lock takedown.
“Honestly, this is awesome,” said Ventura, a Oakland, Calif., native. “ It’s one of the things I’ve looked forward to. I’m pretty excited about learning more MCMAP techniqes and earning higher belts.”
Although Ventura enjoys doing MCMAP, he ackowledges that it teaches more than just how to take down an opponent.
“I think that MCMAP teaches you discipline,” said Ventura. “You have to learn when it is appropriate to use these techniques and have the discpline to only use them in necessary situations.”
After finishing their MCMAP test, recruits quickly shifted their focus to the next task at hand – practicing their combat care techniques. Although one test has been completed, many more await these recruits and no time is waisted in preparing for the next test evaluation.