Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Jonathan Word | Service members pose for a photo with local area high school youth wrestlers and...... read more read more
Current and retired mixed martial artists, and coaches, held a workshop for U.S Navy Sailors, U.S. Marines and local area high school youth wrestlers in the hangar bay of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS New York (LPD 21) as a part of Fleet Week Fort Lauderdale (FWFL) 2025 April, 24.
Among the mixed martial artists in attendance were seven-time World International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation, Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Champion Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu, Ohio State champion wrestler Georgio Poullas and Ultimate Fighting Championship competitor Héctor Lombard.
The fighters met with the service members and school children offering mixed martial arts demonstrations, drills and coaching.
“It is a true gift, through the instrument of martial arts, to meet real heroes like the ones we met here,” said Abreu. “This is a super fun day and an amazing experience for everybody. I am just extremely grateful to be here.”
The Navy and Marines Corps are dedicated to developing each of its members into warfighters capable of handling everything from actual combat, to overcoming the normal stress of everyday tasks. Service members are encouraged to develop their “Warrior Toughness” to remain resilient in the face of adversity, and to take some time to focus on their own inner well-being. Some Sailors and Marines have found that martial arts serve as an excellent tool to de-stress and remain strong.
“As we go into the battle-space we demonstrate honor in the way we fight,” says U.S. Marine Sgt. Maj. Forrest Allen, sergeant major for 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division. “We demonstrate courage by stepping into the battlefield whether that be in the ring, on the mat or in actual battle.”
"These professional fighters have offered their skillsets to mentor us and develop us a little bit", said Allen. "While participating in the workshop, I encourage each Sailor and Marine to look inward, because if we master ourselves, that’s how we master our enemies. I am excited to have these professionals and the lessons they bring with us here today."
FWFL celebrates a time-honored tradition of the sea services. It is an unparalleled opportunity for the citizens of Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding areas to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen and witness the latest capabilities of today's maritime services. More than 1,100 service members will showcase their capabilities and equipment, participate in various community service events, and enjoy the hospitality of the Fort Lauderdale area.
Broward Navy Days and other military support organizations are the hosts of Fleet Week Fort Lauderdale. U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard ships moor at Port Everglades and support activities designed to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy, as well as an opportunity for the citizens of South Florida and visitors to meet nearly 2,000 Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and firsthand see the latest capabilities of today’s sea services while increasing the awareness of the Navy’s role and purpose in our national defense.
Information and registration for all Fleet Week Fort Lauderdale events open to the public can be found at www.browardnavydaysinc.org.
| Date Taken: | 04.24.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 04.25.2025 09:47 |
| Story ID: | 496143 |
| Location: | FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 61 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, MMA Fighters Conduct Workshop Aboard USS New York, by PO1 Jonathan Word, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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