San Diego -- One mind, any weapon; the motto for the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program defines the purpose and goal of its training. Those wishing to excel must start with the basics, the fundamentals, of the program to eventually master.
Recruits of Company H, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, were introduced to the fundamentals of MCMAP aboard the depot, Sept. 18.
The purpose of the class was to introduce recruits to the basic moves. They will be learning more in-depth techniques throughout recruit training. Becoming a proficient warrior in the program doesn’t happen overnight and neither does the opportunity to train in the more technical and advanced techniques.
“Every recruit needs a strong foundation to build on,” said Recruit Elijah C. Sanchez, Platoon 2163, a Beeville, Texas native. “This training will help us build it so that we can, in the future, incorporate more technical maneuvers.”
According to the Marine Corps Order, the focus of MCMAP is the personal development of each Marine in a team framework using a standardized, trainable, and sustainable close combat fighting system. As a weapon-based system, all techniques are integrated with equipment, physical challenges, and tactics found on the modern battlefield.
One of the goals of MCMAP is to be able to send Marines into combat with the ability to defend themselves both with their weapon and through hand-to-hand combat. Ensuring recruits leave recruit training with the basic skills necessary to accomplish that is a critical priority.
“In combat there are situations where you may need close-quarter-combat skills,” said Sgt. Richard P. Bowen, drill instructor, Plt. 2161. “Most recruits haven’t been in a fight for their life or needed to defend themselves. The basics are enough to keep them alive.”
During basic fundamentals training, MCMAP instructors gave demonstrations on the introductory techniques including the basic warrior stance, angles of movement, lead and rear hand punch and upper cuts. After watching the demonstration, recruits are instructed to “setup the dojo,” where recruits form up in a rubber pit double-arms-distance away from each other to execute the techniques.
“Tan belt through black belt, you always revert back to the basics,” said Bowen, a Grants Pass, Ore. native. “It’s the building blocks for all of MCMAP.”
Though the recruits are learning the physical maneuvers of MCMAP, they are also given additional training on core values and morals.
“MCMAP ties in with the warrior ethos, which is the whole Marine concept,” said Bowen, a 2nd degree black belt instructor. “It will help develop them to be Marines and instill discipline in them to only utilize these techniques when necessary.”
Co. H recruits have begun their journey to becoming experienced and efficient close-quarter-combat fighters. It is an essential training tool for all Marines to become proficient warriors.
“We’re all rifleman, no matter what Military Occupation Specialty you are,” said Sanchez. “Marines need to be ready in a combat environment.”