FORT RILEY, Kan. - Fans dressed in civilian clothes, ACUs and dress uniforms alike roared from the stands as the fighters entered the ring. Rock music played over the speakers, drowned out by the sound of the crowd. The air was tense in anticipation of the first blows, the takedowns and the final decision.
It sounds like a pay-per-view event, but the fights were free and live for the "Big Red One" spring combatives tournament.
Combatives, the Army's close quarters combat system based off the popular mixed martial arts disciplines of today, is taught to Soldiers as an alternate means to defend themselves when a firearm is not available or would hamper more than help.
Soldiers in seven weight classes ranging from featherweight (less than 125 pounds) to heavyweight (more than 205 pounds) strived for victory in the two-day tournament. The top two fighters in each class faced off in the championships looking for victory, either by submission or by knockout.
Hundreds of Soldiers cheered on their fellow troops throughout the tournament. The 1st Infantry Division Victory 8 rock band also performed.
The event was put together by noncommissioned officers from around Fort Riley, including Staff Sgt. Nathaniel McClure and Sgt. 1st Class Antonio Lynn of 1st Inf. Div. G-3 Operations. Hosting the tournament with the same division that won the All-Army Combatives Tournament last year was a point of pride for Lynn.
"We plan on winning it again this year," Lynn said. "We had some pretty good fighters out at the tournament."
Soldiers, officers and NCOs of all ranks took part in the championship to determine the winners for the tournament. To Sgt. Shawn Keen of 1st Inf. Div. G-3 Operations, who placed second in the welterweight class, the championship bout had its own lessons.
"You can learn a lot by getting punched in the head," said Keen. "You learn that you can get back up."
The tournament helped Soldiers improve themselves as well, Lynn said. "Put it all together, combatives not only builds a stronger Soldier, but it builds a stronger individual, helping him push himself to a limit he never thought he could push himself to."
The next scheduled tournament in July will allow more Fort Riley Soldiers the opportunity to qualify to compete in the All-Army Combatives Tournament at Fort Benning, Ga. in October. Soldiers who place first or second in either tournament are allowed to compete.
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