Combatives classes offered at FOB Kalsu

Photo By Sgt. Kevin Stabinsky | Two Soldiers spar at the Forward Operating Base Kalsu gym. Boxing, Tae Kwon Doe and Army Combatives are all offered at the gym for Soldiers looking to add a little kick to their workout regiment.  

ISKANDARIYAH, IRAQ

10.29.2007

Story by Sgt. Kevin Stabinsky 

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

by Sgt. Kevin Stabinsky
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – To help stay in peak physical condition, several Soldiers are taking the fight to each other with Tae Kwon Doe, boxing, and Army combatives, or hand-to-hand combat training.

Several times a week, in the morning and evening, martial arts-based classes are offered at the Forward Operating Base Kalsu gym.

"There's something for everyone to learn," said Staff Sgt. Timothy Eye, chaplain assistant, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, out of Fort Stewart, Ga.

Eye, who has a martial arts background in Tae Kwon Doe and kickboxing, said it was natural for him to want to continue his martial arts training while here.

The Army combatives system has four levels, and since Eye is already certified in the first, he decided to continue training on the second level.

To gain his certification, Eye said he had to perform 80 hours of training and learn various moves, escapes, grapples and throws.

Although finding time was often difficult, Eye said the instructors were very friendly, flexible and willing to work around Soldiers' schedules and missions.

Pfc. Logan Forbing, personal security detail for 2nd BCT commander, Col. Terry Ferrell, also attended the Army combatives class, earning his level-one certification.

Like Eye, Forbing said he plans to continue his "fighting education" by pursuing a level-two certification.

"I really liked combatives; it is a more fun version of wrestling," Forbing said. "Everyone should get at least level-one certified."

One of the good things about combatives is that anyone can do it, Eye said. His class consisted of Soldiers across a variety of job skills, ranging from communications, administration, and infantrymen.

Army combatives aren't just for men; there were a number of females present in all the classes.

The only limitation is the availability of instructors. Eye said that due to a lack of instructors, he could not pursue a level-three certification.

In the meantime, Eye may pursue boxing.

"It feeds into combatives," Eye said.

Besides the skills taught, both Eye and Forbing agreed that martial arts are a great way to shed extra pounds.

• Date Taken: 10.29.2007
• Date Posted: 10.30.2007 10:00
• Story ID: 13465
• Location: ISKANDARIYAH, IQ