Courtesy Photo | Sgt. Jonathan Medeiros of 3rd Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 1st...... read more read more
Subscribe
FORT BRAGG, N.C. – Paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division took to the mat for this year’s All American Week Combatives Tournament May 19-20 at the Funk Physical Fitness Center.
The tournament began with an elimination round using standard competition rules. This allowed the competitors to only use non-striking moves such as takedowns and submissions. The rules changed once the competitors reached the semifinals. There, the fighters competed using intermediate rules, which allowed them to throw closed-fist punches to the body. They were allowed to kick an opponent anywhere on the body with the exception of the groin area and knees.
The fighters wore shin guards to prevent injury. In the final round of the competition, the the fighters competed using advanced rules, fighting inside of a tactical enclosure. They were allowed to strike the body and head with closed-fist punches.
Sgt. 1st Class David Reid, the noncommissioned officer in charge of the division’s Combatives and Advanced Tactics School, said many of the competitors who took part in the competition have trained with the school.
“We’ve seen competitors who come in during lunch to train. They train on their own time only to get better,” he added.
The competition was open to any paratrooper in the division regardless of occupation or gender.
For Sgt. Diane Charlesworth, a food service specialist with the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, this is the second All American Week Combatives Tournament that she has participated in. Last year, she reached the semi-finals in her weight class.
Charlesworth has participated in seven tournaments. She said she would like to see more female participants, but she doesn’t mind being put up against males in the competition.
“At first, I competed against a few females, but I’ve lost some and won some against the males,” she said. “I’m a rough and aggressive female, so I like it.”
In the weeks leading up to All American Week, Charlesworth said she spent all of the time she could in the gym to hone her skills. She credits that extra time and effort with making her more comfortable and confident on the mat.
“I have definitely progressed since day one,” she said, “I’m proud of myself.”
Charlesworth said she was overwhelmed by reaching the finals; a goal that she had set for herself for this year’s tournament.
“It felt incredible and amazing,” she said. “Even though I lost, I felt like I won.”
Combatives has not only made her a tough competitor, but also a better paratrooper, she added.
“I remember when I first came out and even now I’m still nervous, but I am more confident on the mat,” she said. “It also helps keep me in shape. It teaches me different ways to overcome obstacles, and it makes me more aware of my surroundings.”
Spc. Jodoniss Edwards, who is assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd BCT, and another competitor in the tournament, said he takes every one of his matches as a learning experience. Regardless of the level of experience of his opponent, he still strives to compete at their level.
“I feel more of a drive to meet their expectations,” said Edwards, who defeated Charlesworth in the finals of the 125 pound and under weight class. “I always want to give them a challenge.”
Like Charlesworth, this is Edwards’ second All American Week Combatives Tournament. He placed fourth in last year’s competition.
Reid said this tournament has given the opportunity for many of the competitors to show what they had learned. Despite the outcome of their matches, many of the competitors continue to work hard at becoming one of the best in the division, added Reid.
“Those who lost in the first round, they don’t stop training for that reason. They work harder for the next tournament,” added Reid. “That never-quit mentality is part of what the Combatives program is all about.”
Edwards agrees.
“Win or lose, I’m always ready for the next match and I’m always striving to improve,” said Edwards.
Edwards was bullied as a young kid and cites that fact as his motivation for wanting to be the best fighter that he can be.
Reid feels that Edwards, Charlesworth, and all of the competitors who took part in this year’s tournament exemplify the true spirit of the paratroopers who serve in America’s Guard of Honor.
This tournament is about pride, camaraderie and competitiveness, and these warriors put all of that on display this week, said Reid.
| Date Taken: | 05.21.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 05.21.2014 18:39 |
| Story ID: | 130705 |
| Location: | FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 7,200 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Paratroopers fight for the top prize during All American Week Combatives Tournament, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
