What martial arts does the military use?

What Martial Arts Does the Military Use?

The military has been utilizing martial arts for centuries to train soldiers in combat and self-defense techniques. While most people associate martial arts with civilian schools, the military has its own unique versions of martial arts that are designed to serve specific purposes. In this article, we will explore the different martial arts that the military uses and the reasons why they are valuable for soldiers.

The History of Martial Arts in the Military

The use of martial arts in the military dates back to ancient times. In the Middle Ages, knights and warriors were trained in sword fighting and wrestling, which are considered some of the earliest forms of martial arts. In more modern times, the United States military adopted martial arts as part of its training program in the 1940s. The Navy SEALs and other Special Forces units have been known to use Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and Krav Maga as part of their training.

Martial Arts in the Military Today

There are several martial arts that the military uses today. Here are a few examples:

• Krav Maga: Developed in Israel, Krav Maga is a self-defense system that emphasizes quick and effective techniques for neutralizing threats. The US Army, Navy, and Marine Corps all use Krav Maga as part of their training program.
• Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: This martial art focuses on grappling and ground fighting. The Navy SEALs and other Special Forces units have been known to use Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as part of their training.
• Judo: Judo is a grappling-based martial art that emphasizes throws, takedowns, and submissions. The US Air Force and US Marine Corps use Judo as part of their training program.
• Hapkido: Hapkido is a Korean martial art that focuses on joint locks, throws, and grappling. The US Army uses Hapkido as part of its training program.

Why the Military Uses Martial Arts

So why do the military uses martial arts? There are several reasons:

• Self-Defense: Martial arts teach soldiers how to defend themselves against armed and unarmed attackers. In a combat situation, self-defense is critical for soldiers to survive and complete their mission.
• Combat Effectiveness: Martial arts can be used in combat situations to gain a tactical advantage. For example, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques can be used to quickly take down and submit opponents.
• Physical Conditioning: Martial arts training improves physical conditioning by increasing cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility. These physical fitness benefits are critical for soldiers who must perform at high levels in challenging environments.
• Mental Discipline: Martial arts training emphasizes mental discipline, which is critical for soldiers to maintain their composure in high-pressure situations.

Martial Arts vs. Hand-to-Hand Combat

Martial arts and hand-to-hand combat are often confused with one another. Here’s a breakdown of the differences:

• Martial Arts: Martial arts are a specific system of self-defense and combat techniques that are trained and practiced over time. Martial arts, such as Krav Maga, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Judo, have their own unique styles and techniques that are designed to be effective in different situations.
• Hand-to-Hand Combat: Hand-to-hand combat is a generic term that refers to any physical altercation or fight between individuals. Hand-to-hand combat can be a combination of martial arts techniques, boxing, wrestling, and other forms of combat.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the military uses martial arts as a critical part of its training program. Martial arts provide soldiers with valuable skills in self-defense, combat effectiveness, physical conditioning, and mental discipline. While martial arts and hand-to-hand combat are often confused with one another, martial arts are a specific system of self-defense and combat techniques that are trained and practiced over time.

Here is a summary of the martial arts used by the military:

Remember that the military’s use of martial arts is specific to their needs and training requirements. While civilians can learn and benefit from martial arts, the military’s martial arts programs are designed to serve specific purposes and provide soldiers with valuable skills in combat and self-defense.