MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Service members from all branches of the military challenged each other’s fighting skills during the 6th Annual Pankration Tournament at Camp Pendleton’s Paige Fieldhouse, May 15.
Pankration is a competition where members of different teams battle each other utilizing styles often seen during Mixed Martial Arts events.
The competition was originally scheduled to take place at the Del Mar Fitness Center, but due to the increased number of fighters, the rumble was moved to, the larger Mainside facility.
“The turnout this year was better than ever,” said Cari Gordonne, fitness programming director, Marine Corps Community Service’s Semper Fit Division, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.
The event had more than 1800 spectators and volunteers and 154 fighters.
Most of the Marines in the competition represented the U.S. Marine Corps Fight Team.
The team unofficially started back in 2005, but they received official endorsement by Marine Corps Community Services in May 2006, said Corey Bennin, coach, Marine Corps Fight Team.
“It’s a good way to see how hand-to-hand combat truly works,” said Bennin. “The more Marine fighters we get, the more confident I am in their ability to fight in real combat.”
The team partakes in different competitions every year, sometimes as many as 30 fights, ranging from Jujitsu and Mau Thai contests to combination events, such as Panckration and MMA matches.
“Being a member of the Marine Corps team is a great opportunity to be competitive and meet other fighters from all over,” said Cpl. David Torres, supply clerk, Alpha Company, 1st Marine Logistics Group, who took first place for weight class 146-155 pounds.
All fighters were separated into eight weight classes and the winner of each class received a gold medal along with bragging rights. Marines took first place in all categories.
For more information on fighting on joining the Marine Corps fight team, call Corey Bennin at (760) 458-3316. For additional information on upcoming MCCS Semper Fit events, call Cari Gordonne at (760) 763-0657.