WIESBADEN, Germany - Instilling confidence and courage into community members is a primary objective of the Combat Sports Program.
For that reason, the program brought in renowned martial arts expert Sidney Silva to teach a Combative Sports Martial Arts Seminar highlighting the techniques of Brazilian jiu-jitsu self-defense for the community Oct. 11.
"(Combat sports) is how we're building up our community," said Sgt. 1st Class Adam Martinez, operations noncommissioned officer for USAG Wiesbaden's Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security. "We're utilizing this as an ideal way to get community members united."
About 20 people participated in the hands-on seminar that engaged them in various situations and taught them how to counter the opposition and defend or evade.
"Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the only martial art where you can defend yourself with your back on the ground," said Silva, who specifically chose the training because it fundamentally was most like a real fight.
Silva, who holds a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and judo, said jui-jitsu's proven effectiveness is because its central tenets are balance, control and leverage.
"I try to make them understand the importance of leverage," he said. "No matter how small or big you are you should always use leverage."
Martinez said this is the first of many seminars the program hopes to offer the community. Community members can make suggestions to the program about training and other opportunities one can get through the program. Contact Sgt. 1st Class Adam Martinez at mil 337-6383 or civ (0611) 705-6383 for more information.
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