Combative tourney wants maximum registration

By Jim Dresbach Pentagram Staff WriterApril 12, 2013

Combative tourney wants maximum registration
Sgt. Marcus Boehler (left), Fort Belvoir, wins against Ssg. Karam Angulo, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), in the light heavyweight category during the Military District of Washington Combatives Tournament hosted by Fort Belvoir Headquarter... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL - National Capital Region/Military District of Washington organizers of the 5th Annual Combatives Tournament are attempting to bolster late registration for the event, which will be held on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall April 16-19.

"I think anything with 50 or over [registered combatives] would be an excellent turnout," said Fort Belvoir Headquarters Battalion Lt. Col. Brian P. Zarchin, who also acts as a tournament organizer. Last year, 42 participants (40 male and two female) took part in the combatives tournament.

This year's tournament is open to all active duty service members and Department of Defense civilians, who are based in the NCR/MDW. Bouts will be held in seven weight classes (heavy, light heavy, cruiser, middle, welter, light and fly).

The All-Army combatives tourney in July has been cancelled, but JBM-HH winners will still be named to the Military District of Washington's All-Army team.

"What has been done in the past under different budget constraints, the Army has an All-Army competition. Last year's was at Fort Hood, Texas. The winners would be offered an invitation to join the MDW combatives team," Zarchin explained.

A number of changes have been made for this year's tournament. The event has been moved from Comny Hall to the JBM-HH Fitness Center (Bldg. 414) and a standard rules (no striking) format has been adopted with a focus centered on grappling and takedowns.

"We want an emphasis on Army skills sets," said tourney official Billy E. Cook Jr., operations officer at Fort Belvoir Headquarters Battalion. "As service members train for this, we want them to train toward the basic strengths."

According to tournament officials, though online registration ended April 11, the tourney will accept warrior service members up to bout time on a case-by-case basis.

Preliminary bouts begin at 2 p.m. April 18. The final day of the tournament, April 19, championship bouts begin at 6 p.m. and awards presentations commence at 7:35 p.m.

For the latest JBM-HH combative tournament and registration news, contact Cook at 703-806-5176/6446.