Way of the warrior

UNITED STATES

12.07.2021

Courtesy Story

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)   

PACIFIC OCEAN – U.S. Marine Cpl. Joshua M. Robinson, assigned to the “Black Knights” Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, trains both Marines and Sailors in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP), a combination of hand-to-hand fighting techniques, aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).
Robinson, a brown belt tan tab, is the lead martial arts MCMAP instructor on board and the ground safety manager of VMFA-314.
Robinson always had an interest in martial arts because he grew up watching it on television. When he was first introduced to MCMAP in boot camp, it peaked his interest. As soon as he joined the fleet, a sergeant in his shop explained that one of the prerequisites to attend the course required a promotion to E-4 at the rank of corporal.
“I made sure I was competitive enough to go to that course,” said Robinson. “I’ve always had an interest in learning different styles of fighting, and I want to be the best.”
MCMAP training includes techniques most used in war like boxing, taekwondo and jiu-jitsu.
“At the moment, we’re trying to gather enough support to get thicker mats so we can do more throws and more grappling,” said Robinson.
Robinson and his students meet in the hangar bay before 5:50 p.m. and split the group based on skill level. Marines earn the tan belt while in boot camp and are able to advance to additional belts such as grey, green, brown or black.
“If you just showed up on a whim, you would see different groups of Marines and I’d separate them according to the belt they’re trying to achieve,” said Robinson. “I have four Marines and a Sailor going for grey belt, another six Marines going for their green belt and five Marines going for their brown belt.”
Robinson will continue to train Sailors and Marines throughout deployment. Walk-ins are always welcome.
“I’ve trained people who’ve never fought a day in their life, and now they’re able to defend themselves,” said Robinson “The opportunity is there and, currently, anyone on the ship can participate in MCMAP.”
Sailors and Marines wanting to join in on MCMAP training can get in contact with Robinson via email: [e-mail].
“Give it a chance and come see what it’s about,” said Robinson. “It could save your life one day.”

• Date Taken: 12.07.2021
• Date Posted: 12.07.2021 19:26
• Story ID: 410668
• Location: US