Warriors of 6th Battalion, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment overpowered the competition during the 35th ADA Brigade-wide combatives tournament at Osan American High School, March 19.
Team Iron Horse took five of the seven championship bouts, losing only the lightweight and heavyweight divisions to the 2nd Battalion, 1st ADA Regiment, based at Camp Carroll.
The tournament featured 34 contenders in seven weight divisions from across the Republic of Korea, each vying to represent the Dragon Brigade at the upcoming 8th Army combatives tournament to be held April 3 - 5.
Sgt. Jorge Huizar, Iron Horse's battalion schools non-commissioned officer, combatives trainer and coach, won the welterweight division.
"It's impressive to have so many of our Soldiers [going on to represent] the brigade," said Huizar. "But I'm even more proud to see these guys improve both on and off the mat."
Combatives training helps develop well-rounded Soldiers, improving not only their physical fitness and combat readiness, but also their confidence and self-discipline, said Huizar. He was introduced to combatives while deployed to Iraq in 2009 and has trained in a variety of fighting techniques, mainly focusing on Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
"I wouldn't have made it as far as I did in the tournament if it weren't for Sgt. Huizar and his coaching," said Spc. Laura Duran, a communications specialist with Delta Battery who placed second in the lightweight division.
The winners will continue to train alongside Huizar in preparation of the 8th Army combatives tournament next month.
"I'm thrilled," said Lt. Col. Norman Spivey, commander of the 6-52 ADA Battalion. "I can't wait to see our Soldiers dominate the mat at Yongsan."
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