Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Oposnow | U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers, assigned to 318th Press Camp Headquarters, participate in...... read more read more
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FOREST PARK, Ill. – Most broadcasters, journalists, and photographers don’t start their days with martial arts training. For Soldiers in the 318th Press Camp Headquarters, combat training is just another part of their job.
Last Saturday, Sgt. 1st Class Peter Vines invited Sensei Frank J. Roman and Professor Luis Alejandre to come to the Forest Park Armed Forces Reserve Center to train Soldiers in the 318th Press Camp Headquarters.
Roman is military veteran with 30 years of experience teaching children take downs, punches, kicks, pressure points, throat chops and more.
Alejandre teaches Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu differs from other martial arts in that it provides solutions for common engagements with aggressors. Other disciplines typically focus on striking and rely on a person’s strength and speed to deliver damage, but speed and strength doesn’t matter when you’re on your back.
Vines talked with Roman and Alejandre a few years ago about teaching a self-defense class to Soldiers. It took awhile to iron out the details. Vines had contacted Roman and Alejandre again after he transferred into the 318th Press Camp Headquarters.
“There is no feeling like teaching Soldier a skill they’ll need and seeing the light bulb go off when they figure it out,” said Vines. “Martial arts can protect you when you’re in danger, but it can also build confidence that helps in the rest of your life.”
After doing some warm up exercises, Soldiers paired up to practice reacting to an attacker. Alejandre demonstrated some of the moves.
“Combative training makes Battle Assembly fun,” said Spc. Christopher Madkins. “It’s the type of training my friends and family want to hear about. I was excited to be here.”
“Everybody asks if I use it at work. I say I use it every day,” said Alejandre. “It doesn’t mean I’m choking people out. It’s about containing your composure. It’s about knowing take on what comes at you.”
The martial arts also was a team building exercise said Madkins. Soldiers with different ranks and jobs sparred to help rehearse self-defense skills.
The 318th Press Camp Headquarters plans on to increase training combative training for Soldiers between training them to communicate the Army story.
| Date Taken: | 02.07.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 02.07.2016 16:45 |
| Story ID: | 188160 |
| Location: | FOREST PARK, IL, US |
| Hometown: | CHICAGO, IL, US |
| Web Views: | 169 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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