What Martial Arts Do Navy SEALs Learn?
The Navy SEALs are the elite special forces of the United States Navy, responsible for conducting covert operations and missions. When it comes to hand-to-hand combat and martial arts, the Navy SEALs require a specialized skillset to take on any situation. In this article, we’ll dive into the specific martial arts that Navy SEALs learn and the philosophy behind their training.
Navy SEAL Training: The Foundation of Combat Skills
Before delving into the specific martial arts, it’s essential to understand the foundation of Navy SEAL combat training. The Navy SEALs, like other special forces, follow a structured training program that focuses on building overall fitness, discipline, and combat skills.
The basic training, also known as Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) Training, is 12 weeks long and pushes trainees to their limits both physically and mentally. Throughout this period, they’re taught various martial arts disciplines, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and Hand-to-Hand Combat (H2HC).
Martial Arts Disciplines Taught to Navy SEALs
While there’s no single "official" martial art taught to Navy SEALs, their training is heavily influenced by various combat systems. Here are the key martial arts disciplines:
• Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ): BJJ is a significant component of Navy SEAL training. Instructors like Steve Scott and Rick Hiebert, who have extensive experience with Navy SEAL training, incorporate BJJ into their instruction. BJJ teaches ground fighting techniques, enabling Navy SEALs to defend themselves in tight spaces or against multiple attackers.
• Judo: Judo is another martial art emphasized in Navy SEAL training. It teaches take-downs, submission holds, and grappling techniques essential for hand-to-hand combat.
• Hand-to-Hand Combat (H2HC): H2HC focuses on close-quarters combat and basic self-defense techniques, such as striking, takedowns, and clinching.
• Kapap (Israel’s Hand-to-Hand Combat System): Kapap is a highly effective close-quarters combat system that involves striking, grappling, and tactical disarming techniques. Navy SEALs often integrate Kapap into their training.
Table: Combat Skills Coverage in Navy SEAL Training
| Discipline | Coverage (weeks) | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| BJJ | Weeks 6-8 | Ground fighting, submission holds, chokes |
| Judo | Weeks 4-6 | Takedowns, submission holds, throws |
| H2HC | Weeks 1-4 | Basic self-defense, striking, takedowns |
| Kapap | Weeks 9-12 | Striking, grappling, tactical disarming |
Combining Martial Arts for Real-World Effectiveness
Navy SEALs recognize that combining different martial arts disciplines allows them to develop a unique skillset for real-world combat. By incorporating Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and H2HC, they build a robust foundation for ground fighting, clinch, and submission. Kapap and other hand-to-hand combat systems augment their training by providing expertise in close-quarters combat and tactical disarming.
Navy SEAL Combat Philosophy: Flexibility and Adaptability
The Navy SEALs’ combat philosophy emphasizes flexibility and adaptability. Trainees are encouraged to:
• Blend techniques from different martial arts to create a personal style.
• Think creatively when facing opponents in real-world situations.
• Stay agile and adjust strategies as the situation evolves.
• Maintain discipline and respect for opponents.
Significance of Combat Training
The Navy SEALs’ martial arts training is instrumental in developing:
• Combat readiness: Trainees learn to overcome physical and mental exhaustion while maintaining effectiveness in combat situations.
• Confidence: Combining martial arts disciplines and focusing on realism builds trainees’ confidence in their abilities.
• Practical application: Training involves scenarios that require effective use of techniques, not just theory.
In conclusion, the Navy SEALs learn a variety of martial arts disciplines, combining them to create a well-rounded, effective combat system. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Hand-to-Hand Combat (H2HC), and Kapap form the foundation of their combat training. Understanding the emphasis on flexibility and adaptability in Navy SEAL combat philosophy helps to better appreciate the importance of effective martial arts training in developing elite operators.
