Photo By Master Sgt. Dorian Gardner | Staff Sgt. David Donaldson, a forward observer and brown-belt instructor with...... read more read more
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CAMP DELARAM II, Afghanistan – Inside a humid tent, lined with mats, striking pads, rubber knives and rifles are a number of young Marines sustaining previously taught moves in preparation for their upcoming test for the next belt.
As a young Marine, an individual may strive to know oneself and improve upon one’s own abilities to perform to the standards expected of a U.S. Marine. Whether it is physical fitness, Marine Corps instruction, or Marine Corps Martial Arts; a program which forges the two together, Marines throughout the Corps continue to develop themselves mentally, physically and spiritually.
The Marine Corps Martial Arts Program is fairly young, and the techniques used are continuously being refined as the program continues to be woven into the Marine Corps’ war-fighting culture.
Though its key purpose is to instill a fighting spirit as well as a basic knowledge of hand-to-hand combat that will grow with the level of training, MCMAP also focuses on strength, both physical and mental.
Introduced to all Marines during recruit training, MCMAP continues throughout their time in the Fleet Marine Force. In a time of war, it is important to instill a warrior mentality in every Marine, according to Staff Sgt. David Donaldson, a MCMAP instructor and forward observer with Regimental Combat Team 2.
“MCMAP gives Marines that warrior instinct to go out and attack that opponent,” said Donaldson. “It reinforces those ideals of bravery and confidence instilled in boot camp.”
According to Cpl. Mary Walls, this program is something that can help motivate her Marines.
“Seeing others strive to improve their MCMAP level can inspire young Marines to do the same,” said Walls.
Donaldson became an instructor when he was a young corporal.
“It was another challenge,” said Donaldson. “Learning Marine Corps martial arts seemed to be interesting at the time. I love to ground fight; I love to fight. I was a corporal and this gave me another way to lead by example.”
While deployed to Camp Delaram II, Afghanistan, Donaldson, along with many other MCMAP instructors and instructor-trainers, have been holding courses for Marines aboard the camp.
“[MCMAP] gives Marines a chance to get that aggression out,” said Donaldson. “It helps a lot of Marines to build confidence.”
Though the courses are open to all, it is not a course that caters to those who aren’t prepared.
“You go to the course knowing beforehand that it’s going to challenge you every day, not just physically but mentally,” said Donaldson.
According to Donaldson, the Marine’s biggest misconception is that they think the tan belt syllabus is all there is to it.
“As you go on, you learn why you have to start small,” said Donaldson. “You can’t learn to counter a round kick without first learning the angles of movement.”
Many of the Marines who are taking courses have already received their grey belts. In the green belt and brown belt course, moves that were taught in the grey belt and tan belt syllabus are now reinforced with follow-on techniques and different end-states.
“The techniques make a lot of difference,” said Walls, a student of Donaldson. “You can’t muscle everyone. You need technique.”
Cpl. Rosemarie Epiti, a Female Engagement Team member, seconds that notion.
“I have to learn the technique very well in order to overcome my small frame,” said Epiti.
In a combat zone, it is more important to maintain a combat mindset, and with the training dojo to make his classroom, Donaldson is doing so.
“As long as you have a soft-footed area, you can take MCMAP there,” said Donaldson.
Whether the courses are held in the mountainous terrain of Afghanistan or in grassy fields aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, the warrior mind-set will continue to thrive as Marines continue to train.
| Date Taken: | 07.02.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 07.22.2010 01:39 |
| Story ID: | 53200 |
| Location: | CAMP DELARAM II, AF |
| Web Views: | 547 |
| Downloads: | 153 |
This work, Marine Corps Martial Arts Reinforces Warrior Mindset, by MSgt Dorian Gardner, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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