The Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP): From Beginner to Black Belt: Current Edition, Complete & Unabridged - Build Your Warrior Ethos! MCRP 3-02B

Ebook Introduction

Since 2002, the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) has provided Marines with the tools not only to defeat an aggressor in armed or unarmed close combat, but also to build their confidence, character, and warrior ethos.

MCMAP is the ideal foundation for any self-defense or close-quarters combat (CQC) training program: rigorously designed by the USMC's world-class Close Quarters Combat experts to enable anyone of any ability to achieve lethal hand-to-hand fighting skills easily and rapidly, MCMAP takes martial arts from around the world and distills them into an unbeatable combination of core disciplines that will, with training, repetition and cultivation, enable you to defeat any opponent.

This ebook is presented as an alternate format for accessing the publication. It has been modified to meet the requirements of the ebook format, but is as far as possible unabridged.

Because of the very large quantity of information contained within this ebook, it is beneficial that the listener becomes familiar with the structure of the contents.

This ebook, and the manual on which it is based, consists of an introduction, followed by an overview chapter, followed by five subsequent chapters, one for each of MCMAP's belts: tan belt, gray belt, green belt, brown belt, and black belt. Each of these chapters is comprised of sections, one section for each category of technique (for example, upper body strikes, lower body strikes, etc.) Finally, there is an appendix dealing with training safety, a glossary of terms, and a list of references.

Please bear in mind at all times that the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program is not a sport martial art. It consists of techniques intended to deliver massive trauma and death to an opponent. The safety precautions and warnings contained within this book are to be taken deadly seriously.

Any action you take is at your own risk.

Foreword

Warning!

Techniques described in this manual can cause serious injury or death. Practical application in the training of these techniques will be conducted in strict adherence with training procedures outlined in this manual as well as by conducting a thorough operational risk assessment for all training.

Marine Corps Reference Publication (MCRP) 3-02B, Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP}, is designed for Marines to review and study techniques after receiving initial training from a certified Marine Corps martial arts instructor or martial arts instructor trainer. It is not designed as a self-study or independent course. The true value of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program is enhancement to unit training.

A fully implemented program can help instill unit esprit de corps and help foster the mental, character, and physical development of the individual Marine in the unit. This publication guides individual Marines, unit leaders, and martial arts instructors and instructor trainers in the proper tactics, techniques, and procedures for martial arts training. MCRP 3 dash 02B is not intended to replace supervision by appropriate unit leaders and martial arts instruction by qualified instructors. Its role is to ensure standardized execution of tactics, techniques, and procedures throughout the Marine Corps. Although not directive, this publication is intended for use as a reference by all Marines in developing individual and unit martial arts programs. For policy on conducting martial arts training, refer to Marine Corps Order 1500.59, Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP).

This publication supersedes MCRP 3-02B, Marine Corps Martial Arts (formerly Close Combat), dated 18 February 1999.

The techniques in this book are written for right-handed execution. To train left-handed, reverse the lefts and rights in the descriptions. To be truly proficient at all techniques, develop each technique both right-handed and left-handed (strong side and weak side) during sustainment training. Each technique has its general applicable safeties numbered in its introduction. The numbers correspond to the safeties listed in Appendix A. εβοοκ ςοδε ςορλяιgнτ ςαяℓιℓε мεδια

Chapter 1: Overview

The focus of Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) is the personal development of each Marine in a team framework using a standardized, trainable, and sustainable close combat fighting system. As a weapon-based system, all techniques are integrated with equipment, physical challenges, and tactics found on the modern battlefield. The MCMAP is designed to increase the warfighting capabilities of individual Marines and units, enhance Marines’ self-confidence and esprit de corps, and foster the warrior ethos in all Marines. The MCMAP is a weapon-based system rooted in the credo that every Marine is a rifleman and will engage the aggressor from 500 meters to close quarter combat. The MCMAP:

• Enhances the Marine Corps’ capabilities as an elite fighting force.

• Provides basic combative skills for all Marines.

• Applies across the spectrum of violence.

• Strengthens the Marine Corps warrior ethos.

The motto of MCMAP best states the essence of the program: One mind, any weapon. This means that every Marine is always armed even without a weapon. He is armed with a combat mindset, the ability to assess and to act, and the knowledge that all Marines can rely on one another.

The Marine Corps was born during the battles that created this country. Drawing upon the experiences of the first Marines, we have developed a martial culture unrivaled in the world today. This legacy includes not only our fighting prowess but also the character and soul of what makes us unique as Marines. This training continued to evolve up to World War II. During these early years, the leadership and core values training that are our hallmark today developed in concert with the martial skills.

As World War II burst upon the Corps, individuals and units were developing specialized training based upon experiences of Marines from the interwar years. This included exposure of Marines to far eastern martial arts systems such as judo and karate. These various systems such as combat hitting skills, the O’Niel System, and those of the Marine Raiders were employed by Marines during the island-hopping campaigns. Additionally, the rapid expansion of the Marine Corps saw a refinement of character and leadership development programs. This trend continued after World War II through the post Vietnam war period. Marines tested and refined new techniques adapted to the technologies and the innovation of a new generation of Marines. In response to societal changes after Vietnam, professional military education and structured leadership training became the focus during the 1970s and 1980s.

The 1980s saw the development of the linear infighting neural-override engagement (LINE) system. The LINE system, developed in response to a perceived need for a standardized close combat system, was an important step in the evolution of a Marine Corps specific martial arts program. In 1996 a review of the LINE system, combat hitting skills, pugil stick training, and lessons learned from past programs were combined with the input of 10 subject matter experts from numerous martial arts disciplines to develop the Marine Corps Close Combat Program. This program combined all aspects of close combat into one program. In June 1999, Commandant James L. Jones detailed his vision of a martial arts program and, with his guidance, the close combat program underwent a period of testing and review that resulted in MCMAP. The MCMAP evolved into its present day form by combining the best combat-tested martial arts skills and time-honored close combat training techniques with proven Marine Corps core values and leadership training.

Structure

The MCMAP consists of three disciplines: mental, character, and physical. Each discipline is divided and presented systematically to Marines at each belt level. Those disciplines taught at lower belt levels are then reviewed and reinforced during follow-on training and at the next belt level. Many skills specific to one discipline reinforce the strengths of the other disciplines. Martial culture studies strengthen the mental character of Marines through the historical study of war, at the same time reinforcing the importance of character to a warrior and a martial society.

What makes this a complete program is the synergy of all three disciplines, which are inextricably linked to each other, and to the advancement process within the belt ranking system. Commanders are required to certify that the Marine meets annual training requirements and the prerequisites of each specific belt level and possesses the maturity, judgment, and moral character required for advancement. This ensures that as a Marine develops increased levels of lethality with additional physical skills, he also develops a commensurate level of maturity and self-discipline.

Mental Discipline

Mental discipline has two main components, warfighting and PME, that encompasses the following:

• Warfighting:

•The study of the art of war.

•Tactical decisionmaking training.

•The tactics, techniques, and procedures of expeditionary maneuver warfare.

•Marine Corps common skills training.

•Force protection and operational risk management.

• PME:

•The professional reading program.

•Martial culture studies.

•The historical study of war.

•The study of Marine Corps history, customs, courtesies, and traditions.

Mental discipline creates a smarter Marine, who is capable of understanding and handling the complexity of modern warfare—a Marine who is tactically and technically proficient. This training begins with the transformation at recruit training and serves as the foundation of the future leadership of the Corps.

Character Discipline

Character discipline encompasses the study of the human dimensions of combat and has two main components: the Marine Corps core values program; which consists of honor, courage, and commitment, and the Marine Corps leadership training program; which consists of mentoring, and leadership schools and courses. This discipline is designed to instill the Marine Corps ethos into every Marine. Character discipline is the spiritual aspect of each Marine and the collective spirit of the Marine Corps. The components of the character discipline instill the warrior spirit in every Marine and emphasize the best traditions for developing esprit de corps, camaraderie, and a warrior mindset. By building the character of a Marine, the Marine develops as a warrior-defender who embodies the core values and who is self-disciplined, confident, and capable of making the right decision under any condition, from combat to liberty. The proverbial ethical warrior.

Physical Discipline

Physical discipline consists of two main components: fighting techniques and the combat conditioning program. The fighting techniques are trained as part of MCMAP, a weapons-based system beginning at assault fire and moving to the four elements of the fighting component (rifle and bayonet, edged weapons, weapons of opportunity, and unarmed combat). All four elements have a role across the entire spectrum of combat. The various armed and unarmed combat techniques are combined with physical preparedness into the Marine Corps combat conditioning program. It is the sinew of the Corps and prepares every Marine for his role as a basic rifleman—to seek out, close with, and destroy the enemy by fire and movement or repel his assault by fire and close combat. The Marine Corps combat conditioning program:

• Is battlefield oriented.

• Is based on being equipped for combat and develops the Marine’s ability to overcome physical hardship and physical obstacles under any climatic condition and in any geographic location.

• Is designed on the philosophy that there are no time limits, level playing fields, or second chances in combat.

• Develops a physical toughness in every Marine that will translate into mental toughness.

• Produces Marines who possess combat fitness and the ability to handle any situation that confronts them.

Belt Ranking System

The MCMAP consists of a belt ranking system with five basic levels: tan, gray, green, brown, and black belt (see table 1-1 on page 1-4). The colored belt levels are identified as user levels and are designed to progressively develop the physical skills and lethality of the individual Marine so that he becomes a stronger link in the Marine Corps chain. The user’s responsibilities include participating in all technique classes, tie-ins, warrior studies, and sustaining techniques. Marines must also participate in the appropriate belt-level drills and free sparring. Marines are responsible at all times for their individual actions and conduct. α ςαяℓιℓε мιℓιταяλ ℓιβяαяλ βοοκ

Table 1-1. Marine Corps Martial Arts Program Belt Ranking System.

Testing

Advancement in the belt ranking system includes meeting mental and character discipline requirements and the prerequisites for each belt level. Each Marine will be required to show that he has maintained proficiency in the physical disciplines of his current belt and the physical disciplines of the next belt level.

Martial Arts Instructor

The martial arts instructor develops users at the small unit level and is responsible for teaching up to their own belt certification. An instructor teaches the physical techniques that are the building blocks of our physical discipline and develops a unit’s character and mental training to positively influence cohesion, esprit de corps, and readiness.

Martial Arts Instructor Trainer

The martial arts instructor trainer (MAIT) develops instructors within his unit, develops a unit level plan, and coordinates the resources and abilities of the instructors within the unit. The MAIT course is a 7 week, military occupational specialty (MOS) 0917-producing course held at the lead school in Quantico, VA. A MAIT can run the instructor courses at the unit level and also train and test Marines up to black belt instructor. Course attendance requirements are Green Belt instructor or higher, sergeant or above with appropriate level PME completed, commander’s consent, a first class physical fitness test, and medical screening.

Tactics and Techniques

The MCMAP provides the individual Marine with a set of weapons-based and unarmed techniques for engaging in close combat across the spectrum of violence. Individual techniques can be combined into various procedures to fit the tactical situation. The MCMAP techniques, in the following subparagraphs, are key Marine Corps tactical concepts that are not standalone ideas but are to be combined to achieve an effect that is greater than their separate sum.

Achieving a Decision

An indecisive fight creates a loss of energy and possibly Marines’ lives. Whether the intent is to control an aggressor through restraint or defend themselves in war, Marines must have a clear purpose before engaging in close combat and act decisively once engaged.

Gaining an Advantage

A basic principle of martial arts is to use