Marines Start Mixed Martial Arts

May 11, 2009

The air station has started an official grappling and pankration team open to all Marines and sailors here and at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego to compete with other military teams and in civilian tournaments.

Pankration is a type of mixed martial arts that comes from the ancient Greek olympics.

The team, sponsored by Marine Corps Community Services, developed its first roster with a single-elimination grappling tournament at the Miramar Sports Complex April 30, where competitors weighed in on official scales and fought five-minute rounds. Judges determined the winners using traditional scoring criteria, but fighters also won matches by submission or choke holds.

The team, which consists of two male and female fighters for each weight class, will train at least twice each day, Monday through Friday.

"I grew up playing sports and can still say that this is the most physically demanding thing I have ever encountered," said Gunnery Sgt. James Davis, one of the team's two coaches. "Most civilians who fight train four or five hours each day. As Marines, we can't do a block of training like that so we have to split it up."

Check out "Honing Martial Arts Skills"

Fighters on the team will start each day at 6 a.m. with an hour cardio session, and will train in grappling and striking each day from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Only team members are required to attend training sessions. However, the team will also offer open training sessions each week to all skill levels. The goal of both coaches is to create an open forum for less experienced fighters to advance their skill.

"There is always room for improvement, and anyone can challenge active team members and take their spot," said Davis. "Knowing a newcomer can take their spot keeps our fighters working hard and training hard. It doesn't allow room for complacency."

The team plans to host open challenge matches each month. To participate, service members must complete a registration form at least one week in advance. Forms are available from Gunnery Sgt. Davis or most unit family readiness officers.

Coaches expect all fighters to compete in both grappling and striking tournaments. However, if a fighter proves dominant in one opposed to the other, he can compete exclusively in one style.

Because Marines are often physically fit and athletic, the team coaches hope this new concept will be a welcome addition to the already robust selection of sports available to service members aboard Miramar.

"I think this is a great addition to the opportunities available on station," said Master Sgt. Fancisco Noda, the team's other coach. "Right now, we have many Marines participating in martial arts off base. This is a great opportunity for those Marines and others to hone their skills and be part of a team representing this station."

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