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    Submission artists of Ronald Reagan

    PACIFIC OCEAN

    10.21.2015

    Courtesy Story

    USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76)   

    By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class James Lee
    USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs

    WATERS SOUTH OF JAPAN - On some days, as you transit the hangar bay of the Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) you might see a battle where intelligence and skill triumph over brute strength and aggression; Sailors maneuvering for leverage on blue mats among an orchestra of aircraft.

    Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) or “the gentle art” is a grappling art based on leverage and technique, which the smaller and weaker practitioner uses chokes and joint locks to submit a larger, stronger opponent.

    “Martial arts make you calm and humble,” said Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Eric William Wright, from Montgomery, Texas, a BJJ instructor and competitor. “I’ve been tapped out by white belts while I’m wearing a purple belt. It’s kind of embarrassing to lose, but it’s the reality I have to face. It controls my pride and teaches me to respect everyone and not underestimate people.”

    Belt color reflects the experience level of an artist; the ranks starting from lowest to highest are white, blue, purple, brown and black. In BJJ it takes an average of 10 years to earn a black belt.

    According to Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Hugo Marquezarroyo, from Largo, Florida, he enjoys taking lessons and training with other Sailors.

    “I started training with my friends when I was a kid and I continue to train while in the Navy,” said Marquezarroyo. “I met Wright in my second command on USS George Washington (CVN 73) and found he was a good teacher and training partner. He taught me some takedowns, armbars and all that fun stuff.”

    “BJJ has given me confidence,” said Wright. “A lot of people have never been in a fight or have martial arts training, so they tend to get timid when someone gets disrespectful. I’m not too worried about a physical confrontation because I’ve learned how to defend myself.”

    According to Marquezarroyo, BJJ also helps him deal with the stress of being a Sailor and working as a master-at-arms (MA).

    “The MA rate is very stressful. Being able to train relieves stress and takes your mind off everything else,” said Marquezarroyo. “MA’s don’t have their own martial arts program so BJJ is a hobby that helps me in my career and also keeps me healthy.”

    According to Wright, grappling is a sport that attracts people from all walks of life because of its safety and efficiency.

    “I’ve trained with all kinds of people; officers, senior enlisted, civilians and many others,” said Wright. “ We all get together, roll and have a good time.”

    Ronald Reagan and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 10.21.2015
    Date Posted: 10.21.2015 08:20
    Story ID: 179486
    Location: PACIFIC OCEAN
    Hometown: LARGO, FL, US
    Hometown: MONTGOMERY, TX, US

    Web Views: 160
    Downloads: 1

    PUBLIC DOMAIN