LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
Sweat beads on a young man's forehead as his opponent locks his right forearm snug into his throat, applying torque with his left, and clutching the seemingly helpless victim with his legs. The encumbered man grimaces in near-defeat as spectators watch from the sea of blue athletic mats.
Suddenly, the tables turn, as the man once locked in a submission vice buckles his body around, jettisoning his assailant from him and onto the padded floor.
What looks like a pick-up amateur wrestling match is actually a comprehensive study in combatives, the art of self-defense that has become popular with military personnel.
Staff Sgt. Adam Negron, a 438th Supply Chain Operations Squadron stock control supervisor, developed a mixed military combatives class, now being offered on Langley Air Force Base. Negron holds classes Mondays and Wednesdays at the Air Combat Command Fitness Center's combatives room.
The classes are beginner-friendly, opening with basic instruction. Warm-ups include familiar exercises, such as push-ups and sit-ups, to develop strength and conditioning. According to Negron, ground grappling is an excellent supplement to exercise regimens, as it provides an intense cardio and core workout.
While hand-to-hand and close-quarters combat has been an emphasis on military training for decades, the drive toward developing the combatives program began in 2001, when then-Army Sgt. 1st Class Matt Larsen founded the U.S. Army Combatives School at Fort Benning, Ga. Larsen's courses taught small, simple drills, helping students learn the fundamentals of ground grappling and clinch fighting.
The next year, the U.S. Marine Corps began the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, or MCMAP, and the Army founded its Modern Army Combatives Program, or MACP, establishing the precedent for organized CQC training in the U.S. military. The Air Force, using the Army's MACP, began development of its own combatives program in 2008.
"This training teaches consciousness, of your weapon, your opponent's weapon and with weapons aside," he said. "It's all about self-defense. Any time the Army deploys, they teach combatives in MACP - it goes hand in hand with combat readiness."
Negron said the courses are equally beneficial for those not in uniform.
"Virginia is an open-carry state," he said, referring to the Commonwealth's weapon law. "We teach the students how to not have weapons used against them."
The instructor explained the toughest aspect of the training is the ability to move your hips during ground grappling, an element he calls "your strongest weapon." He also explained that novices may initially struggle with footwork in standing positions.
While getting the hang of it may take time and practice, Negron insisted that safety is his highest priority.
"We go through and inform everyone to wear protective gear, like cups and mouth guards," he said. "Because the room is small, we limit the class to 18 to 20 students, so we ensure we have enough room and can give individual attention."
Negron said he looks forward to hosting more classes as interest in the program develops.
"The class is open to everybody, including civilians, dependents and contractors. We hold our classes from 3:30 to 4:30, and 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays," Negron said. "We have a really good program with knowledgeable, well-rounded instructors. We hope to expand to more classes soon."
EDITOR'S NOTE: For more information about the Mixed Military Combatives class, email Staff Sgt. Negron at adam.negron@langley.af.mil.