According to Marine Corps Orders 1500.54, the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) is an integrated martial art designed for and executed by all Marines throughout their careers.
Since 2001, MCMAP has combined hand-to-hand, close-quarters and unarmed combat, edged weapons, weapons of opportunity, and rifle and bayonet techniques to train the bodies and minds of Marines in the Warrior Ethos.
The Warriors Ethos is a set of principles and rules that a warrior — anyone who faces a conflict that they must overcome through trial and effort — must follow. Whether it is an internal personal conflict or a physical confrontation, MCMAP develops warrior skills to help distinguish between right and wrong. The MCMAP instructor customarily culminates each drill with a tie-in discussion to reinforce the Marine Corps core values of honor, courage and commitment.
“To me the Warriors Ethos is having an empowering attitude at all times and working to improve and develop yourself in every aspect possible,” said U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Dylan Vargas, a MCMAP instructor with Marine Aircraft Group 14, “It is a state of belief that you are worth defending.”
MCMAP offers offensive and defensive techniques that range from basic kicks, punches, throws and grappling techniques to training Marines in advanced fighting and defensive techniques for hand-to-hand combat situations.
Marines can take different MCMAP courses to attain different belt levels, starting at tan and making their way up through grey, green, brown and black. As Marines make their way up and increase in belt levels, they learn more advanced techniques meant to aid them in controlling or removing themselves from more complex situations.