Hey folks, I'm a rising junior who's considering the military as an option after high school. I've been passionate about martial arts, specifically Judo, for the longest time now. I'm wondering if any of the U.S. military branches offer Judo or other martial arts training? I think it could be a unique blend of my interests if that's possible. Appreciate any insights you guys can provide!
Sure, the good news is that several branches of the U.S. Military do incorporate martial arts into their training programs! For instance, the Marine Corps has the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP), which combines elements from various disciplines, including judo, to create a unique combat system.
The Army also incorporates hand-to-hand combat training in its regimen through the Modern Army Combatives Program (MACP). This includes skills from several martial arts, like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and judo. Although the primary focus is on ground grappling, the program does encompass various aspects of other forms of combat.
The Air Force and Navy also offer self-defense and hand-to-hand combat training, but they might not be as formally structured as MCMAP or MACP. They generally utilize a mix of different martial arts styles, including techniques from judo, to ensure personnel are well-rounded in their self-defense abilities.
Of course, it's worth noting that the main focus of these programs is to prepare service members for combat situations, so the training might differ from the traditional Judo training that civilians receive in terms of focus and techniques.
If you're interested in continuing your martial arts training while serving, many bases have martial arts clubs or academies where personnel can train in various styles, including Judo, in their free time.
Remember, the specifics may vary depending on the base or the specific career path you'd be pursuing in the military, so it's advisable to research thoroughly or speak to a military recruiter for the most accurate information. I hope this helps!
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