Modern Army Combative Tourney And WCS Join Forces

Written by Paul Fladten

Friday, 20 November 2009 22:34

Wisconsin Combat Sports normally sponsors events in Milwaukee, Madison, or somewhere in the Badger state; however, on December 19, WCS will provide funds for a Modern Army Combatives tournament 7,000 miles away in Southern Iraq.

In mid December, the Second Battalion, 127^th Infantry Regiment of the Wisconsin Army National Guard will host a standard to intermediate Modern Army Combative style tournament. The competition will be broken down into six different weight classes within a double elimination tournament.

Modern Army Combatives is a hand-to-hand fighting style that is relatively similar to well-known mixed martial arts. According to Captain Daniel Peterson, who is currently stationed oversea, the technique is a blending of “Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and boxing”.

Peterson said that the moves one would see in Combatives are extremely similar to those of MMA. However, “the moves that were selected from those arts were driven by the fact that you could do it with your combat gear on,” said Peterson.

Tournament Rules

The tournament is split into three different levels of intensity. The standard rule fights do not allow strikes and are based entirely on grappling, submissions are the key, but a point system for improving position is also enforced.

The intermediate level allows for open palmed strikes to the face, punches and kicks to the neck and below, and knees to below the waist along with the aforementioned grappling rules.

The advanced bracket incorporates nearly the exact rules as present day MMA, except elbows are not allowed. Depending on who hosts the tournament, rounds can last anywhere between four and six minutes.

The upcoming tournament, which will be open to all of the branches and services from Southern Iraq, will serve as a tryout for the All-Army Tournament in 2010. This particular contest will be hosted by Wisconsin’s 127^th Regiment, which is based in the Appleton area, with units in Ripon, Fond du Lac, Green Bay, Marinette, and Appleton.

Bragging Rights

Along with individual championships, team titles will also be awarded to the most successful teams based on submissions and decisions matches. However, Peterson said that bragging rights are what is most important.

“It’s huge bragging rights to win,” said Peterson. “It’s a big deal to guys that fight because some guys are trying to settle scores slash prove themselves because we train with the same guys back and forth…There’s a little pride here and there’s a little trash talk there…”

As the soldier combatants vie to become known as the toughest hand-to-hand fighters in their divisions, they are also able to do things as simple as alleviating stress and exercising.

“It’s a good way to relieve some much needed stress,” said Peterson. “Also, it is a great way to stay in shape over here.”

While struggling for bragging rights, staying in shape, and relieving stress are all important aspects of the Modern Army Combatives, none are near as significant as reinforcing the warrior ethos.

“The whole purpose of the system is not to allow you to walk into the room and clean up, it’s to give you the tools to survive long enough until your buddy shows up and helps you. The biggest thing is that it gives you the confidence to do the techniques and do the job you need to do regardless of the situation.”

On December 19, Wisconsin Combat Sports gets the opportunity to sponsor a unique and extremely exciting tournament. The Modern Army Combatives is a style and event that is both intriguing and practical. WCS could not be more thrilled to be involved with the event.

Photo courtesy of newsblaze.com

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