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MCMAP still going strong after retirement
Lance Cpl. Franklin E. Mercado
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Fighting is a way of life in the Marine Corps, but not all Marines are born Warriors. That’s where the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program comes into play.
The Marine Corps Martial Arts Program or MCMAP is designed to teach Marines and Sailors how to defeat the enemy in close combat and defend themselves in crucial situations. Some Marines choose to just learn the basic MCMAP moves, while others take full advantage of the wide range of techniques the program has to offer.
Col. George Bristol, MCMAP founder, created the program in 2000. It was designed as an integrated fighting system for Marines.
Not only does it build physical and mental strength, but it also builds character, said Retired Gunnery Sgt. Leon Wright, a co-founder of the MCMAP program.
“Character is what sets us apart as warriors,” said Wright. “Without character you’re like a three legged chair, you’re useless.”
These three things, along with hard work and dedication, are what Marines need to be successful in MCMAP, said Wright.
Learning new moves with each belt, Marines must have a certain amount of sustainment time in moves and techniques they’ve already learned in previous belts.
“It’s not just about learning or teaching how to fight,” said Wright. “It’s about the intangibles you need to develop a Marine for his whole career.”
Although he’s known as one of the three Marine Corps subject matter experts in MCMAP, Wright still believes the basics are the most important part of honing your skills in MCMAP.
“Everyone can fight and beat someone up,” said Wright. “It isn’t just about that. It’s about tie-ins and making sure you don’t forget the basics.”
Although his knowledge of MCMAP is vast, Wright always returns to the fact that it’s about dedication and character. This is a testimony to the commitment he has for the program and for the people he’s worked with along the way.
“I can say without hesitation that the success of MCMAP is due in no small measure to the efforts of Marines such as Wright,” said Bristol. “He is still active in the development in the program. He’s what I wanted MCMAP to be.”
With Marines like Wright working on the program, MCMAP is reaching a new level among service members, and with former instructors and service members such as Wright leading the way, it will continue to grow and from where it began a decade ago. |
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Last Edited On: 2010-03-14 00:11:40 By urbanw for the Reason |
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