pictures: US marines teach Cambodian soldiers the art of fighting.
PHNOM PENH, Kingdom of Cambodia (December 14, 2007) -- Marines and Cambodian troops took to the dirt with fury as they practiced their fighting skills during a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program demonstration Nov. 29.
Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit hosted the event for members of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces as part of a three-day professional military exchange at the National Defense University in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Nov. 27-29.
The Marines gave lessons on unarmed restraints, joint manipulations and ground fighting during the professional military exchange meant to foster good relations with the Cambodian service members.
The lessons served as tools to educate the Cambodians about Marine Corps culture, according to Staff Sgt. Claudio G. Casanova, a martial arts instructor with the 31st MEU.
"We wanted to show them MCMAP so they could gain an appreciation for how Marines prepare for combat," said the New York native.
The event kicked off with three MCMAP instructors demonstrating techniques from the tan, grey and green belt syllabi.
"MCMAP is good because it shows the Marines know how to protect themselves," said Royal Cambodian Army Warrant Officer Rattana Chann.
The Marines also taught Cambodians the purpose of MCMAP, its belt structure and how the fighting style is unique. Then they led the Cambodians in the hands-on portion of the event.
"They took to it with a lot of excitement and enthusiasm," said Staff Sgt. William J. Rulli, a martial arts instructor with the 31st MEU.
As the RCAF troops practiced the techniques, Marines provided additional help and answered their questions.
The ground-fighting portion of the demonstration clearly highlighted the event as laughter and cheers of excitement filled the air.
Casanova and Sgt. David Wilson, also a martial arts instructor with the 31st MEU, conducted a quick exhibition match to help explain the rules of MCMAP-style grappling.
Following the match, MCMAP instructors pitted RCAF troops against each other in one-minute rounds.
"Having them actually get on the ground and experience what fighting is like helps teach them the movements," Casanova said.
The Marines selected RCAF soldiers, sailors and airmen of similar height and weight to grapple during the matches under the instructors' supervision.
"I really like fighting," Chann said. "I'm going to remember what they taught me today."
At the end of the event, most of the RCAF service members expressed a desire to learn more MCMAP.
"We all loved our Marine instructors," said Royal Cambodian Army Capt. Sopeatra Khem. "I hope the Marines come back so we can learn more MCMAP techniques."
Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit hosted the event for members of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces as part of a three-day professional military exchange at the National Defense University in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Nov. 27-29.
The Marines gave lessons on unarmed restraints, joint manipulations and ground fighting during the professional military exchange meant to foster good relations with the Cambodian service members.
The lessons served as tools to educate the Cambodians about Marine Corps culture, according to Staff Sgt. Claudio G. Casanova, a martial arts instructor with the 31st MEU.
"We wanted to show them MCMAP so they could gain an appreciation for how Marines prepare for combat," said the New York native.
The event kicked off with three MCMAP instructors demonstrating techniques from the tan, grey and green belt syllabi.
"MCMAP is good because it shows the Marines know how to protect themselves," said Royal Cambodian Army Warrant Officer Rattana Chann.
The Marines also taught Cambodians the purpose of MCMAP, its belt structure and how the fighting style is unique. Then they led the Cambodians in the hands-on portion of the event.
"They took to it with a lot of excitement and enthusiasm," said Staff Sgt. William J. Rulli, a martial arts instructor with the 31st MEU.
As the RCAF troops practiced the techniques, Marines provided additional help and answered their questions.
The ground-fighting portion of the demonstration clearly highlighted the event as laughter and cheers of excitement filled the air.
Casanova and Sgt. David Wilson, also a martial arts instructor with the 31st MEU, conducted a quick exhibition match to help explain the rules of MCMAP-style grappling.
Following the match, MCMAP instructors pitted RCAF troops against each other in one-minute rounds.
"Having them actually get on the ground and experience what fighting is like helps teach them the movements," Casanova said.
The Marines selected RCAF soldiers, sailors and airmen of similar height and weight to grapple during the matches under the instructors' supervision.
"I really like fighting," Chann said. "I'm going to remember what they taught me today."
At the end of the event, most of the RCAF service members expressed a desire to learn more MCMAP.
"We all loved our Marine instructors," said Royal Cambodian Army Capt. Sopeatra Khem. "I hope the Marines come back so we can learn more MCMAP techniques."
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