MCMAP ( Marine Corps Martial Arts Program) is a combination of hand-to-hand CQC ( Close Quarters Combat) technique developed by the US Marine Corps that they call the "Warrior Ethos". This program trains Marines and US Navy personnel attached to Marine Units in unarmed combat, edged weapons, weapons of opportunity and rifle and bayonet techniques. It also teaches them the mental and character development including responsible use of force, leadership and teamwork. It has been given some nicknames like semper fu (a portmanteau of the USMC's motto "semper fi" and "kung fu"), MCSlap, MCNinja, and the New Bushido.
This is how the fighting style came about:
The goal of the USMC in combat is to close with, and destroy the enemy, by fire and maneuver, and assault by fire and close combat. A Marine has always been feared for his aggressiveness and lack of fear no matter the circumstances. All this are taught to all men and women upon recruit training, where they will also learn MCMAP.
This Training continued to evolve up to World War II. As World War II called upon the Marine Corps, individuals developing specialized training based upon the experiences of Marines from the inter-war years, including exposure by Marines that were stationed overseas, who had the opportunity to study far eastern martial arts systems such as judo, karate, and jujitsu. The techniques of Major Dermot O'Neill and Lieutenant Colonel Rex Applegate were introduced to Marine units and all of these were employed by Marines during the Island Hopping Campaigns in the Pacific. Additionally, the rapid expansion of the Marine Corps saw a refinement to the Marine's character and leadership programs.
During the post-Vietnam War, the Marine Corps needed to make changes and develop a new martial arts system. In 1980, the USMC developed the LINE System (Linear Infighting Neurological Overriding Engagement). The Line System,was an important step in the evolution of a Marine Corps specialized martial art. The concept of the LINE system was that when attacked the defender would destroy the enemy's attack by manipulating joints, breaking joints, and damaging nerves. The pain that was inflicted on the enemy would cause his Central Nervous System to go into break down, disrupting all continuous thought process.
In 1996, a review of the LINE system was conducted on how effective it was from lessons learned and due to the mission of the Marine Corps changing from combat operations to Missions Other Than War (MOTW), and peace keeping missions, there was need for a new system that would adapt to different situations and fit the mission that the specific unit has. There would be a difference of a Marine between defusing a conflict during peace time and defusing it during hostile environment. General Jones, the Commandant of the Marine Corps at that time, gave specific orders on his vision of a Martial Art Combat Program, as well as other programs outside the Marine Corps that would best fit the needs and mission of the Corps. General Jones wanted a martial art program that could be used in any environment, terrain, or situation. He also wanted something that would keep a Marine naturally competitive. General Jones chose 10 subject matter experts from numerous martial arts disciplines to develop the Marine Corps Close Combat Program currently used by the Marine Corps.
The 3 Disciplines of MCMAP:
MCMAP is a synergy of mental, physical and character disciplines. MCMAP was implemented to increase combat efficiency, as well as to increase the confidence and leadership abilities of Marines. Marines are required to develop the mind, body and spirit simultaneously and equally. Safety is also important, so equipment such as mouthguards and pads are used in conjunction with techniques such as half-speed practice and break-falls to prevent injury during training.
Mental
Warrior Studies focus on individuals that have shown exemplary service on the battlefield, as well as discussion and analysis of combat citations. Martial Culture Studies focus on societies that make the Marine warriors either primarily or exclusively. Some of the martial cultures that are studied are the Marine Raiders, Spartans, Zulu and Apache. By studying these cultures, Marines learn fundamental tactics and methods of the past and reconnect themselves with the warrior ethos of the Marine Corps. Combative Behavior studies interpersonal violence, as well as Rules of Engagement and the Force Continuum, which dictates when and how much force can be used in response to the mission, up to and including lethal force.
Character
Development of this discipline involves discussion on Marine Corps core values, ethics, and good citizenship. An instructor can fail a Marine if he or she feels that the student does not adequately possess honor, courage, and commitment. Some belts also require the approval of the commanding officer before awarded. The force continuum is discussed, allowing a Marine to responsibly use the minimum amount of force necessary, including lethal force. Leadership qualities are also stressed.
Physical
In MCMAP, only a third of the training involves techniques and physical development. The physical discipline includes the training of fighting techniques, strength, and endurance. This discipline also includes sustainment of skills and techniques already taught, in order to improve skill as well as develop weak-side proficiency. Ground fighting, grappling, pugil fights, bayonet dummies, and other techniques are used to familiarize Marines with the application of the techniques used. In addition, physical strength and endurance are tested and improved with various techniques that often require teamwork or competition, such as calisthenics, running with full gear, log carries, and boxing matches. Techniques can also be practiced in water or in low-light conditions to simulate combat stress.
Techniques
Tan Belt
The tan belt syllabus focuses on the development of the basics of armed and unarmed combat. Students start with the Basic Warrior Stance and break-falls are taught for safety, then move to:
- basic punches, uppercuts, and hooks
- basic upper-body strikes, including the eye gouge, hammer fists, and elbow strikes
- basic lower-body strikes, including kicks, knee strikes, and stomps
- bayonet techniques
- basic chokes, joint locks, and throws
- counters to strikes, chokes, and holds
- basic unarmed restraints and armed manipulations
- basic knife techniques
- basic weapons of opportunity
Students must prove proficiency with 80% of 50 techniques to pass and earn their belt. The tan belt syllabus is part of The Basic School and recruit training curriculum.
Gray Belt
The gray belt syllabus expands on the basic techniques with:
- intermediate bayonet techniques
- intermediate upper-body strikes including knife-hands (karate chops) and elbow strikes
- intermediate lower-body strikes including kicks, knee strikes, and stomps
- intermediate chokes, joint locks, and throws
- counters to strikes, chokes, and holds
- intermediate unarmed restraints and armed manipulations
- intermediate knife techniques
- basic ground fighting
- intermediate weapons of opportunity
Green Belt
The Green belt technique shifts focus from defensive to offensive techniques with:
- intermediate bayonet techniques
- muscle gouging
- intermediate chokes, joint locks, and throws
- counters to strikes
- intermediate unarmed manipulation
- intermediate ground fighting
- advanced weapons of opportunity
Brown Belt
- advanced bayonet techniques
- advanced ground fighting and chokes
- advanced throws
- unarmed vs. hand held weapons
- firearm retention
- firearm disarmament
- advanced knife techniques
Black Belt 1st Degree
- advanced bayonet techniques
- advanced chokes, holds, and throws
- advanced ground fighting
- basic counter firearm techniques
- advanced upper-body strikes, including strikes and smashes
- advanced knife techniques
- pressure points
- improvised weapons
Black Belt 2nd Degree
- rifle vs. rifle
- short weapon vs. rifle
- unarmed vs. rifle
This is MCMAP. MCMAP, for the USMC, could be the decisive factor between life or death. These men and women sacrifice their lives to make the world safe so never belittle them in any way.
*a special thanks to wikipedia for the information regarding the disciplines and the techniques of MCMAP*
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