Brazilian jiujitsu gives 101st battle options without rifles
By CHANTAL ESCOTOThe Leaf-Chronicle
Every soldier learns hand-to-hand combat during basic training. But the Army has stepped up its "combatives" by teaching life-saving techniques through Brazilian martial arts.
Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division's 327th Infantry Regiment took over the Clarksville Mixed Martial Arts studio on Fort Campbell Boulevard this week to learn this brand of South American fighting.
Because it takes the fight to the ground, Brazilian jiujitsu looks like grappling or Olympic-style wrestling, but it's actually much more sophisticated.
Brazilian jiujitsu teaches choking and holding down at the joints of the body. It follows three progressive levels.
Rangers at Fort Benning, Ga., started learning the technique in 1995, and it has been standard practice for special operations troops. The 101st is taking it on as a way for soldiers to get control of situations without using a gun.
Rio de Janeiro native Carlson Gracie Jr., who, along with his family has taught the technique and owns two studios in Chicago, visited the Clarksville storefront this week to watch the soldiers grip and hold their opponents to the mat.
"I'm very impressed," said Gracie, who has studied martial arts for 37 years and helped teach the first level of Brazilian jiujitsu. "They paid attention and learn fast."
Staff Sgt. Francisco Hernandez, 26, of Fort Collins, Colo., said although he's had no prior training in this type of fighting, it was easy to pick up. He plans to take what he learned back to his unit, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment.
"It puts us in the right frame of mind and makes our soldiers more aggressive," said Hernandez, an Iraq war veteran. "This kind of training will help them make smarter decisions."
Spc. Brent Schneider of Tulsa, Okla., who wrestled as a child and took tae kwon do classes while stationed in Korea, said he used similar methods to restrain uncooperative Iraqis. But the new techniques he's learning now will enhance his and every soldier's fighting ability.
"It's something everyone will need even if they do paperwork," the 21-year-old said.
"You never know when you might need it."
Chantal Escoto covers military affairs and can be reached by telephone at 245-0216 or by e-mail at
chantalescoto@theleafchronicle.com.
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