Photo By Lance Cpl. Mike Granahan | Service members with the Military Alliance Fight Team watch closely as Gunnery Sgt....... read more read more
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CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa, Japan - The air fills with anticipation, and the crowd roars with excitement as the bell rings to begin the mixed martial-arts competition.
Cpl. Michael S. Schlageck, Petty Officer 1st Class Christopher J. Demetrulias and Cpl. Marc Jimenez, members of the Military Alliance Fight Team, competed in the Tenkaichi Super Fight “The Clash in Okinawa” at Kozo Music Town in Okinawa City Aug. 28.
“Not only is it great for us to get recognition for winning, but it shows the rest of the service members that there is always more they can do to maintain the combat-ready mindset and be physically fit, said Capt. Alan L. Brittingham, assistant aircraft maintenance officer, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.
“It offers my Marines an alternative to just lifting weights and running,” said Brittingham. “Most people are drawn to it because they like to wrestle and learn new moves that essentially make them an all-around warrior.”
MMA is also a mental challenge that helps service members realize they can overcome any obstacles, said Schlageck, Combat Logistics Battalion 4, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III MEF.
“It’s a good stress reliever, hobby and discipline,” said Schlageck. “It makes Marines more confident in what they do.”
Demetrulias, a command career counselor for 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, said not only does he enjoy MMA, but it shows that he is able to keep up with his Marines in combat, and that he will be there for them when needed.
“Marines are already in great condition normally, but they need to always be ready for combat,” said Demetrulias. “I would suggest martial arts not only because it keeps you in great shape, but it keeps the Marines in their warrior mentality.”
Although the training is intense, it is still a good time enjoyed by all of the participants, according to 1st Lt. David B. Gottlieb, adjutant for Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III MEF.
“Everyone is here to train and have fun,” said Gottlieb. “I like getting better. We, as Marines, strive to be the best.”
MMA continually keeps the service members’ combat-ready mindset fresh, according to Gunnery Sgt. Christopher J. Kessler, G-6, Telephone Systems Branch, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, and an MMA coach/tactician.
Along with physical conditioning, MMA helps service members build bonds regardless of rank and service, according to Kessler.
“We are coming together as a military,” said Kessler. “There is camaraderie and team building. It’s a band of brothers. It doesn’t matter if you are in the Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, or if you are a dependent; we all come together to fight and have fun.”
| Date Taken: | 09.01.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 09.01.2011 02:24 |
| Story ID: | 76276 |
| Location: | CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 600 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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