Marine Headline News
Recon
trains forward observers to destroy enemy front, Marines
attend Training Set Fire Observation School
CAMP HANSEN,
OKINAWA, Japan — Using slide projectors to display a
simulated enemy front in an attack position, Marines of 3rd
Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, conducted
artillery support, close air support and naval gunfire
training here May 25-27.
Marines,
sailors sharpen stick fighting skills, Service members learn
ancient discipline -The sound of cracking
sticks filled the room as opponents sparred to enhance their
fighting ability through the art of Filipino stick fighting at
The House of Pain gym here June 2. More than 2,000 years old,
the martial art originated in the Philippines and is still a
thriving form of tactical fighting that teaches students how
to end a fight quickly, explained Filipino stick fighting
instructor Romy S. Ansotigue.
The
weapons used in Filipino stick fighting are rattan sticks,
which are 25 inches long and made of hardwood. They are fairly
lightweight and give martial artists the ability to attack
their offender with speed.
“Using
rattan sticks is not the only method to defeat an opponent; we
also do a lot of grappling,” said Ansotigue,
who’s studied several other martial arts and includes
Judo, Jujitsu, Aikido and Muay-Tai in his
lessons.
With
more than 28 years of experience, Ansotigue teaches his
students how to execute the moves precisely.
“In
dangerous situations where you have little time to react,
these techniques will teach service members how to react
quickly without hesitation,” Ansotigue said. “I also
incorporate some of the skills Marines learn in the Marine
Corps Martial Arts Program.”
To
help service members hone their MCMAP skills, Ansotigue
teaches his students to implicate practical applications of
stick fighting into their warrior training.
“I
want to teach the Marines to handle themselves not only in an
alley way somewhere, but also teach them how to remain calm
when in a stressful combat situation,” Ansotigue said.
Students
with minimal or no previous martial arts training often come
to the class and notice results within a few months,
Ansotigue explained.
“I’m
not saying I can catch bullets with my teeth, but I have
definitely become more focused,” said Lance Cpl. Ted L.
LaBrake, ammunition technician, Headquarters and
Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, who
has been training with Ansotigue for more than seven months.
“With the help of great instructing, this has been an
excellent learning experience.”
The
class is held every Monday and Wednesday and costs $38 a
month, but the first lesson is always free.
“I
want the Marines in my class to gain a sense of understanding
and comfort in this form of fighting,” Ansotigue said. “I
hope my students have a new insight on self preservation in
order to have a good fighting chance in the real world.”
For more information
about Filipino stick fighting please contact The House of Pain
gym at 623-4831.
CAMP
HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan – Pfc. Christopher A. Lin,
surveillance sensor operator, uses a submission hold on Lance
Cpl. Ted L. LaBrake, ammunition technician, during a Filipino
stick fighting lesson at the House of Pain gym here June 2.
Lin is with 3rd Intelligence Battalion, and LaBrake is with
Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp
Butler.
