Mixing it up with martial arts

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Sarah Gregory
  • 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (ACCNS) --  Several Beale Airmen took top honors at the annual mixed martial arts Armed Forces Pankration Invitational at Camp Pendleton, Calif., May 17. 

Mixed martial arts, made popular by shows like the Ultimate Fighter Championship is gaining in status among servicemembers.

Among the 125 participants in the military-only competition were first place super heavyweight winner Senior Airman Rich Simons, 9th Maintenance Squadron; second place heavyweight winner Tech. Sgt. TJ Wimbs, 9th Maintenance Operations Squadron; and third place lightweight winner Tech. Sgt. Brandon Martin, 9th Maintenance Group. 

First place winner Airman Simons, who began training consistently for a year for the competition, compared getting ready for the fight to getting set for a war. 

"I went in to win. That's the mentality you have to have. You prepare for a competition kind of how you prepare for a war - to win the battle," he said. 

Similar in style to UFC, Pankration fighting differs only in that fighters can't strike opponents from the neck up. Leg and body shots are legal and so are various submission holds such as arm bars and rear naked chokes. As with the UFC, Pankration fighting consists of MMA, with everything from judo to wrestling. To learn the various techniques involved, Sergeants Wimbs and Martin and Airman Simon, train informally with a group of friends and co-workers twice a week. 

"We're a bunch of guys with the same interest. Everyone has got a different MMA specialty, so it's a way for us to teach each other and learn new techniques," said Sergeant Martin, who has competed in both judo and Brazilian ju-jitsu tournaments. "The core group of guys each go to a different school [of fighting] and two times a week get together for training and staying in shape. Everyone brings something to the table and helps make everyone better " 

The group, which trains together Tuesdays and Fridays at 4 p.m. at the Omni Fitness Center, is open to anyone who is interested in learning more about MMA. 

"The biggest thing is that anyone can come out. We're not exclusive. Come watch, ask questions and get involved," said Sergeant Martin, who added that the group likes when new people attend because it helps dispel the reputation of brutality often associated with MMA fighting. 

"Everyone in here is really into technical moves, not hurting each other," he said. "We're not in here beating each other up. It's very technical sport, a good stress reliever and it helps you stay in great shape. Some people play baseball, some play basketball; we choose to do this." 

Airman Simon added that despite the fighting element, the group training is actually a great place to make friends while learning appreciation for other people's skills. 

"I love the competition and the camaraderie. You learn respect for others," he said. "I also love the workout since it's more of a complete body work out. It really helps with my physical fitness test. Running is easy now," he said. 

Whether just to stay in shape or get ready for competitions, everyone in the group has their own reason for participating in the bi-weekly training sessions. For some, it's the appeal of learning new skills that brings them back. 

"For me it's a challenge. It's easy to become proficient in one area [of fighting], but with MMA, you have to know multiple techniques," said group member Zach Lefler, who brings a 14-year kickboxing background to the mix. "It's one of the few pure sports left."