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MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, VA.- Major Martin O. Thomas, Director of the Martial Arts and Fitness Center of Excellence, Training Command, Training and Education Command, won gold in his division at the 2024 International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation No-Gi World Championships on December 14, 2024.
Competing with over 10,000 athletes from around the world, Maj. Thomas secured the World Champion title in the super heavyweight division. A black belt in BJJ and a Marine with two decades of service, Maj. Thomas's journey to the pinnacle of the sport is a testament to his unrelenting dedication to physical and mental excellence.
His foundation in Greco and Folkstyle wrestling in his early years, coupled with years of martial arts training within the Marine Corps, prepared him for this achievement. Having become a Martial Arts Instructor in 2008 and later a Martial Arts Instructor Trainer in 2010, Maj. Thomas exemplifies the ethos of continuous self-improvement and leadership which led him to achieve the rank of black belt in BJJ.
“Our success at the IBJJF No-Gi World Championships reflects the ethos we strive to instill in every Marine we train at MAFCE,” said Maj. Thomas. “We are committed to leading from the front, showing that mastery of mind and body is not just a goal but a way of life for Marine leaders.”
Also competing from MAFCE, Master Sergeant Marlon A. Cajina, Senior Enlisted Advisor, placed second in the medium heavyweight division and third in the open weight division. Competing as a purple belt, Master Sgt. Cajina embedded the warrior ethos, underscoring the caliber of martial artists trained at MAFCE.
The IBJJF, founded in 1994 by Carlos Gracie Jr., is a globally recognized organization dedicated to the promotion and regulation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The Marine Corps Martial Arts Program combines traditional hand-to-hand and modern close quarters combat techniques, emphasizing physical, mental, and ethical development. The MAFCE trains and certifies instructors to teach MCMAP, focusing on performance, resilience, and unit readiness. This holistic approach integrates physical fitness, martial arts, and mental toughness, ensuring Marines are equipped to be more lethal and adaptable in combat, enhancing overall combat effectiveness and operational readiness.
| Date Taken: | 01.10.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 01.15.2025 14:22 |
| Story ID: | 488910 |
| Location: | QUANTICO, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 13 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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