Fight Training for Marines
As of 2001, the Marine Corps has offered a comprehensive martial arts program that combines new and old fighting techniques for hand-to-hand and weapon-based combat. The program is called the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) and includes unarmed combat, weapons of opportunity, bayonet techniques, rifle techniques and edged weapons.
Other People Are Reading
-
History
-
The MCMAP was officially implemented in 2002, but many of the techniques taught there date back to World War I. Bayonet fighting and hand-to-hand unarmed combat, first developed for trench warfare, are still taught today. Between the wars, Col. Anthony J. Biddle constructed a standardized training program incorporating boxing, fencing, wrestling and bayonet techniques. Eventually, fighting techniques from the martial arts traditions of China and Japan were also incorporated into the training, according to the History Channel.
The Belt System
-
The MCMAP employs a belt system to signify progress in training. The belts include: tan for basic defensive fundamentals; gray for advanced beginner defensive techniques; green for beginning offensive maneuvers; brown for advanced bayonet and knife techniques, throws, firearm disarmament and retention and ground fighting; black belt first degree for advanced bayonet and knife techniques, ground fighting, pressure points, improvised weapons, chokes, holds and throws; and black belt second degree for rifle versus rifle, unarmed versus rifle and short weapon versus rifle techniques, according to the U.S. Marine Corps.
-
Character
-
A large part of the MCMAP training is character-based. The Marine Corps considers discipline and mental strength as important as physical ability. Character MCMAP training includes guided discussions, a mentoring program, band of brothers bonding opportunities, combat leadership panels and training in the responsible use of force.
Physical Training
-
In addition to fight training in specific combat techniques following the belt system, Marines are trained in overall physical strength and conditioning. Basic strength-training and endurance tests are combined with water survival and rough terrain training to create a complete Marine fighter.
Synergy
-
The end goal of MCMAP Marine fight training is to achieve a synergy between the mental and physical training to create a complete individual "gentlemen warrior." Much of the training focuses on instilling Marine Corps values of respect, discipline, strength and patriotism. The horizontal integration of all of these skills did not exist before the MCMAP program.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Marine Corp Memorial image by dwight9592 from Fotolia.com
