From ancient times, warriors have relied on martial arts to protect their people and conquer their enemies. Fast forward to today, and the same rings true for modern military forces. One question that often comes up is: what martial art does the army use? In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating world of military martial arts, with a special focus on the techniques employed by the U.S. Army.
The Art of War: Military Martial Arts in History
To understand what martial art the army uses today, we need to take a step back in time and examine the rich history of martial arts in warfare. From the Roman legions to the samurai warriors of feudal Japan, countless civilizations have honed their skills in hand-to-hand combat.
For example, in ancient Greece, the martial art of pankration was practiced by soldiers to develop physical strength and tactical thinking. It involved grappling, striking, and submission techniques, much like modern mixed martial arts (MMA).
Modern Military Martial Arts: Combining the Best of the Best
While traditional martial arts continue to play an important role in the armed forces, today’s armies have adopted a more comprehensive approach, combining elements from various disciplines to develop a versatile and effective fighting system. This brings us to the topic at hand: what martial art does the army use?
Krav Maga: The Israeli Defense Forces’ Martial Art of Choice
Krav Maga, which means “contact combat” in Hebrew, is the martial art employed by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Developed in the 1930s and 1940s, Krav Maga focuses on practical self-defense, with techniques designed to neutralize threats quickly and efficiently. It combines elements of boxing, wrestling, judo, and street fighting, making it a versatile and highly effective martial art for military applications.
The U.S. Army Combatives Program: Modern Army Martial Arts
When it comes to the U.S. Army, the martial art of choice is the Modern Army Combatives Program (MACP). Established in 1995 by Matt Larsen, a former Army Ranger and martial artist, MACP is an ever-evolving system that seeks to develop well-rounded soldiers capable of defending themselves and others in a variety of combat situations.
MACP borrows techniques from numerous martial arts, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, judo, wrestling, and Muay Thai. The program emphasizes ground fighting and submission techniques, as well as strikes, kicks, and weapon disarms.
Real-Life Example: The Story of Sergeant Tim Kennedy
To truly grasp the effectiveness of MACP, consider the story of Tim Kennedy, a decorated U.S. Army Green Beret and professional MMA fighter. Kennedy’s experience in the military and MACP training allowed him to excel in the MMA world, competing at the highest level against some of the world’s best fighters.
Kennedy’s ability to seamlessly transition between striking and grappling, as well as his mental toughness and strategic thinking, exemplifies the power and versatility of the martial arts employed by the U.S. Army.
The Global Perspective: Martial Arts in Other Armies
While the focus of this article is on the martial arts used by the U.S. Army, it’s worth noting that other countries have their own unique fighting systems. For example, Russia’s Spetsnaz forces train in Systema, a martial art that emphasizes fluidity, adaptability, and psychological manipulation.
Similarly, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army practices Sanda (or Sanshou), a martial art that combines traditional kung fu with modern combat sports like boxing and kickboxing.
See: Jiu Jitsu Vs Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Frequently Asked Questions: Military Martial Arts
What is the primary martial art used by the U.S. Army?
The U.S. Army’s primary martial art is the Modern Army Combatives Program (MACP), which combines techniques from various disciplines, such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, judo, wrestling, and Muay Thai, to create a versatile and effective fighting system.
What martial art does the Israeli Defense Forces use?
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) use Krav Maga, a martial art that focuses on practical self-defense and combines elements of boxing, wrestling, judo, and street fighting.
Do other countries have their own unique military martial arts?
Yes, many countries have their own distinct military martial arts. For example, Russia’s Spetsnaz forces train in Systema, while the Chinese People’s Liberation Army practices Sanda (or Sanshou).
How have military martial arts evolved throughout history?
Military martial arts have evolved significantly over time, reflecting changes in warfare and technology. While traditional martial arts continue to play an essential role, modern military forces have adopted a more comprehensive approach, developing versatile and adaptable fighting systems that combine techniques from various disciplines.
Why is it important for military martial arts to continue evolving?
As warfare and technology continue to evolve, it’s crucial for military martial arts to adapt to meet the changing demands of modern combat. Developing well-rounded and highly effective fighting systems ensures that soldiers are prepared for the challenges they face on the battlefield.
Final Thoughts: The Evolution of Military Martial Arts
So, what martial art does the army use? The answer, as we’ve seen, is not as simple as naming a single martial art. Instead, modern military forces, such as the U.S. Army, have developed comprehensive and adaptable fighting systems that draw upon techniques from various disciplines, creating a well-rounded and highly effective martial art for military applications.
As warfare continues to evolve, so too will military martial arts. With advancements in technology and an ever-changing global landscape, it’s essential for the armed forces to stay ahead of the curve and adapt their combat techniques accordingly. In this regard, the U.S. Army’s Modern Army Combatives Program, as well as other military martial arts systems around the world, will continue to grow and develop to meet the demands of modern warfare.
Ultimately, the martial art employed by the army is one that prepares soldiers for the harsh realities of combat, instilling in them the physical skills, mental resilience, and tactical thinking needed to protect and serve their country. And as history has shown, the art of war is an ever-changing and dynamic landscape, with new challenges and techniques emerging with each passing generation.