Combatives tournament kick-starts European series

BAMBERG, Germany - Soldiers from all over Europe competed in a compelling series of close battles Feb. 26-27 at Warner Barracks, in what was U.S. Army EuropeAca,!a,,cs first combatives tournament.

Twenty competitors representing five European garrisons were matched according to individual weight and skill in competitive matches.

The ultimate goal for the tournaments is to create a team of top-trained Soldiers from Europe-based garrisons to compete in the Army-wide combatives tournament, said Steve Van Fleet, a retired professional fighter and level IV combatives instructor who facilitated the tournament and prepped fighters in BambergAca,!a,,cs February combatives clinic.

The tournament kicked-off a series of competitions scheduled to rotate monthly to different USAREUR locations as part of an initiative to better develop Soldiers with the skills needed to succeed in combat, while further certifying and improving their mixed martial arts-style fighting.

Soldiers in Europe deserve the chance totrain and gain that edge for the Army-wide tournament, Van Fleet said.

Shon Farley, facility manager at a Stuttgart Fitness Center, attended BambergAca,!a,,cs February combatives clinic and assisted throughout the tournament.

Aca,!A"This was a good turnout for the first tournament,Aca,!A? Farley said.

Van Fleet opened the tournament by explaining the rules and regulations for the three competitive categories: submission grappling, kickboxing and mixed martial arts-style fighting.

Aca,!A"I want you guys doing what you need to do to compete in a real fight,Aca,!A? Van Fleet said. Aca,!A"I want to develop you so you train like youAca,!a,,cre going to fight and mold you into a fight pattern that would help you fight in a real combat situation.Aca,!A?

The submission grappling competition ran in seven minute rounds. Though competitors were divided into five weight classes, they were also paired at the discretion of organizers, due to the low number of fighters.

Pfc. Ashley Powell, the only competing female, was paired with a Soldier below her weight class, Sgt. Omar Ramirez. Powell and Ramirez were first up in the lightweight category; Powell tapped out of the match in 27 seconds when Ramirez held her in a hard armlock, making Ramirez the lightweight champ.

Though the first fight ended quickly, other matches kept audience members on the edge of their seats. Cruiser weight competitor Spc. Randel Hollingsworth beat Spc. Ched Valle with two seconds to go in the match. Light heavyweights Spc. Nathan Baker and PV2 Josh Serdian kept close points the entire seven minutes, with the resulting score 7-5 in favor of Serdian.

Aca,!A"IAca,!a,,cm really impressed with the quality of athletes out here,Aca,!A? Van Fleet said. Aca,!A"EveryoneAca,!a,,cs obviously been training. I saw some technique and killer instincts.Aca,!A?

Day two kicked off with a brief review of the previous dayAca,!a,,cs fights. Van Fleet explained some techniques that could have been improved upon, but was satisfied with the level of competition.

Aca,!A"Yesterday, I was impressed,Aca,!A? he said. Aca,!A"There were quick submissions. The guys were moving; it was lively, exciting, especially for the educated viewer.Aca,!A?

Kickboxing and MMA-style fighting competitions started early Feb. 27. Due to work commitments and injuries from the previous dayAca,!a,,cs fights, the number of competitors dropped from 20 to 13.

The biggest upset of the day was Sgt. Abdur KhanAca,!a,,cs kickboxing win over seasoned fighter and submission grappling cruiser weight champion Spc. Joseph Martin. Khan sent Martin to the ground with a hard kick to the face, resulting in a referee stoppage of the match. Martin received medical treatment for a broken nose.

MMA-style fights were set based on the weight of remaining contenders. Some competitors fought despite large weight differences to increase the number of matches. Five minute rounds were longer than most competitors needed to finish fights. Champions were Staff Sgt. Lemonte Armstrong, Ramirez, Jernagan, Serdian, Kahn and Spc. Frank Guerra, Jr. With a win in the final round, Kahn earned the title of Outstanding Male in the overall tournament. Powell was awarded Outstanding Female.

Bamberg took first place for team awards, having the most competitors of all installations represented. Mannheim was awarded second place and Schweinfurt third.

Attendees reviewed the two-day event with satisfaction and suggestions for future tournaments.

Aca,!A"Certification is hard to get in the Army because you have to be trained by someone two levels above you,Aca,!A? Martinez said. Aca,!A"Steve was kind enough to take the time to certify us through the clinic.Aca,!A?

Martinez said he enjoyed the tournament and will definitely compete at the next opportunity.

Powell said she was disappointed more women didnAca,!a,,ct sign up for the tournament, but not surprised.

Aca,!A"This is not typically a female sport,Aca,!A? she said.

Farley suggested that for the next tournament competitors completed both submission grappling and kickboxing rounds on the first day, leaving more time for MMA-style fighting on day two.

Van Fleet said he could offer a weekend of his time every month to assist organizers as monthly competitions begin. The plan is to host an elimination qualifier at a garrison before returning a few weeks later for a big MMA-style night show with big lights and a big crowd.

Aca,!A"This is our first combatives championship here in Europe, not the last,Aca,!A? Van Fleet said. Aca,!A"We have finally gotten things off the ground.Aca,!A?

For more information on upcoming tournaments, contact your local fitness center.

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