FORT STEWART, Ga. -- Soldiers throughout 3rd Infantry Division (3rd ID) competed in a combatives tournament hosted by the 3rd ID Combatives School House May 12, 2017 at Jordan Fitness Center on Fort Stewart, Ga.
The tournament was broken down into five weight classes, each participant wore either a red or blue belt to identify the difference between them and their opponents from afar. With every participant anxious to compete against a new opponent each round, they came rough-and-ready.
"Being a Soldier, you face different situations where you don't know what can happen next," said Staff Sgt. Thomas Housewright, an infantryman from the 3rd ID Combatives School House on Fort Stewart. "Combatives helps prepare Soldiers for that."
Anyone was able to participate in the tournament regardless of rank or gender.
"I train at the combatives gym everyday, so I was very eager to participate in the tournament," said Staff Sgt. Jennifer Page, a construction equipment supervisor at 526th Engineer Company, 92nd Engineer Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd ID. "I'm the only female competing in this tournament and I believe that the tournaments I compete in today will be a fair fight."
Participants had their family or units come to cheer on their Soldiers.
"This tournament helps give Soldiers mental toughness and the units that came to support them help brings that Soldier a bit more confidence," said 1st Lt. Ian Concannon, a field artillery officer from 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd ID.
The winner of the fight will advance to the next round until the winner of that bracket is announced. Winners from each weight class will be awarded at the next Marne award ceremony.
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