MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- According to the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program official Web site, today’s MCMAP course was developed using the experiences and lessons learned by the country’s earliest and latest fighting Marines.
Eager to draw from those lessons, approximately 10 Combat Logistics Company 36 Marines participated in a MCMAP gray belt course at the IronWorks Gym dojo here Aug. 9-13.
Sgt. Sean Regan, CLC-36 training chief, instructed the Marines on the proper execution of gray belt level techniques during the program.
“(MCMAP training is important) for combat reasons,” said Regan. “It‘s pretty much self-defense. Even if you‘re out in town and someone tries to take advantage of you by showing force, MCMAP is a good way to get the advantage over that situation.”
The Marines started the week-long training course reviewing basic tan-belt level techniques preparing them for the higher level gray-belt methods.
After ensuring they were ready to move forward, Regan trained the Marines in various forms of self-defense techniques.
The Marines were instructed on how to defend themselves using a range of chokes, throws, strikes, knife and bayonet techniques, and how to handle weapons of opportunity.
CLC-36 Marines reviewed and executed the same techniques over and over again.
Regan said repetition during training makes it easier for the Marines to learn the techniques by heart.
To ensure they remembered the various movements, Regan constantly questioned the Marines on proper technique execution.
Regan said while he was reviewing each movement with the Marines, he also learned and improved on his own techniques.
“When you’re teaching (MCMAP), you’re teaching yourself over and over again,” said Regan. “You’re learning as you’re teaching. When you‘re doing this constantly, you‘re able to remember, okay, this technique is from this belt and this technique is from that belt.”
Many of the Marines participating in the grey belt course believe MCMAP is an important part of combat training.
Pfc. Wesley Harold, a CLC-36 warehouse clerk and gray belt course participant, said he believed the Marine Corps should offer more MCMAP training and every Marine should take advantage of the training opportunities the Marine Corps offers.
“Learning the techniques correctly is hard, but once you get it, it’s not hard,” said Harold.
Pfc. Natalie Shovan, a CLC-36 warehouse clerk and gray belt participant, was the only female Marine participating in the course.
Shovan said although the male Marines were stronger, she didn‘t really consider it an issue and was able to fight back.
Anyone wanting to learn about MCMAP philosophies and belt requirements can refer to the MCMAP official Web site www.tecom.usmc.mil/mace.