The Grappling Eagles?

NousDefionsDoc · 08-13-2004, 19:18

Brazilian jiujitsu gives 101st battle options without rifles

By CHANTAL ESCOTOThe Leaf-Chronicle

Every soldier learns hand-to-hand combat during basic training. But the Army has stepped up its "combatives" by teaching life-saving techniques through Brazilian martial arts.

Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division's 327th Infantry Regiment took over the Clarksville Mixed Martial Arts studio on Fort Campbell Boulevard this week to learn this brand of South American fighting.

Because it takes the fight to the ground, Brazilian jiujitsu looks like grappling or Olympic-style wrestling, but it's actually much more sophisticated.

Brazilian jiujitsu teaches choking and holding down at the joints of the body. It follows three progressive levels.

Rangers at Fort Benning, Ga., started learning the technique in 1995, and it has been standard practice for special operations troops. The 101st is taking it on as a way for soldiers to get control of situations without using a gun.

Rio de Janeiro native Carlson Gracie Jr., who, along with his family has taught the technique and owns two studios in Chicago, visited the Clarksville storefront this week to watch the soldiers grip and hold their opponents to the mat.

"I'm very impressed," said Gracie, who has studied martial arts for 37 years and helped teach the first level of Brazilian jiujitsu. "They paid attention and learn fast."

Staff Sgt. Francisco Hernandez, 26, of Fort Collins, Colo., said although he's had no prior training in this type of fighting, it was easy to pick up. He plans to take what he learned back to his unit, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment.

"It puts us in the right frame of mind and makes our soldiers more aggressive," said Hernandez, an Iraq war veteran. "This kind of training will help them make smarter decisions."

Spc. Brent Schneider of Tulsa, Okla., who wrestled as a child and took tae kwon do classes while stationed in Korea, said he used similar methods to restrain uncooperative Iraqis. But the new techniques he's learning now will enhance his and every soldier's fighting ability.

"It's something everyone will need even if they do paperwork," the 21-year-old said.

"You never know when you might need it."

Chantal Escoto covers military affairs and can be reached by telephone at 245-0216 or by e-mail at chantalescoto@theleafchronicle.com.

**Bill Harsey** · 08-15-2004, 09:38

The Gracies have earned every bit of the reputation they have. They are amazing. My concern here is that going to the ground with one guy doesn't work well against multiple attackers.

**Team Sergeant** · 08-15-2004, 10:01

Quote:

Originally posted by Bill Harsey
My concern here is that going to the ground with one guy doesn't work well against multiple attackers.

This is the reason we have guns...

Good read BTW.

NousDefionsDoc · 08-15-2004, 11:14

The thing I find interesting is the re-learning of lessons. One of the advantages I see to having a program, really not critical which program, like MCMAP or this, is it instills a different mindset. A mechanism for increased aggression and confidence. Improvement of body mechanics, etc.

There are kids today that have never had a fist fight and aren't used to contact.

Soldiers can be taught in a very short time if the training is done correctly. You can use the same technique over and over because you won't face the same opponent again. If I was King, I would take Kill or Get Kilt or Get Tough! and use it as a POI. Teach chin jab and axe hand and move out.

I think these programs make for better warriors. It wouldn't surprise me at all if it helps their shooting as well.

**Bill Harsey** · 08-15-2004, 12:37

Quote:

Originally posted by NousDefionsDoc
The thing I find interesting is the re-learning of lessons. One of the advantages I see to having a program, really not critical which program, like MCMAP or this, is it instills a different mindset. A mechanism for increased aggression and confidence. Improvement of body mechanics, etc.

There are kids today that have never had a fist fight and aren't used to contact.

Soldiers can be taught in a very short time if the training is done correctly. You can use the same technique over and over because you won't face the same opponent again. If I was King, I would take Kill or Get Kilt or Get Tough! and use it as a POI. Teach chin jab and axe hand and move out.

I think these programs make for better warriors. It wouldn't surprise me at all if it helps their shooting as well.

Well said NDD. Good point about some kids never being in fist fights. The orientation to contact is good.

DanUCSB · 08-15-2004, 13:04

All I can say is thank God. Beats the hell out of the 'don't train combatives because you'll get too many profiles!' mindset that was rampant when I was in the 327th.

**Razor** · 08-17-2004, 14:20

NDD, I can't agree more about mindset. While it sucked at the time, the mandatory boxing classes I received in college certainly helped overcome the normal uneasiness one feels when toe-to-toe with someone intent on hitting you. 'Course, so did the years of football I played as a kid. Anyone know if they still do the 'bear pit' boxing in Ranger School?

I don't have any experience in Gracie jiu-jitsu, I have heard some people question the aims of submission vs. death or grave injury as a system taught to soldiers. Given limited training time, does the current operational environment (peace-making) call for more LE-type submission training than lethal technique?

**Roguish Lawyer** · 08-17-2004, 14:22

What's the name of that goofy Brazilian martial art where you literally jump around like a monkey?

08-17-2004, 14:35

Quote:

Originally posted by Roguish Lawyer
What's the name of that goofy Brazilian martial art where you literally jump around like a monkey?

Capoeira

**Bill Harsey** · 08-17-2004, 15:47

Quote:

Originally posted by Roguish Lawyer
What's the name of that goofy Brazilian martial art where you literally jump around like a monkey?

Monkey Stomping

Air.177 · 08-17-2004, 15:53

Quote:

Originally posted by Bill Harsey
Monkey Stomping

I think that's American, although right now it does have that SOTB flair.

LMAO

NousDefionsDoc · 08-17-2004, 15:55

I've done a little jiu-jitsu (or rather Kel Dog has done it to me). You need some grappling to round out whatever you doing if it doesn't already have it.

I wouldn't have picked it as THE system to teach soldiers because you mostly get tied up with one guy and you're usually on the ground. They may have something else going on as well.

Having said that, anything is better than nothing. If you turn a corner and have to go hand to gland, you're probably grappling almost from the 1st second anyway.

Like I said, I would have used Get Tough! It will work with armor, etc. and is very easy to learn. Probably too old to be considered. Not cool enough. Maybe Defendu should change the name to Offendu and try again. John Kary (American Combatives) teaches monkey stomping to east coast Marines, or did.

**Bill Harsey** · 08-17-2004, 16:21

NDD, My dad wrestled for Oregon State and the US Army, he went to the Olympic trials as a wrestler. Growing up wrestling with him really sucked. I agree, all bets are off no matter what kicking-punching martial art you study when you hit the ground tangled up with someone too close to strike.