The evolution of MCMAP

Staff Sgt. Jeff J. Vandentop performs a sweeping hip throw on Sgt. Sarina A. Young. The Corps is developing plans for MCMAP's second decade in existence, which may mean better martial arts facilities, opportunities to earn higher belts sooner and more medical trainers to help those injured get back on the mat faster.


The evolution of MCMAP
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Feb 23, 2009 22:22:01 EST

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. — The Corps began rolling out its Marine Corps Martial Arts Program in October 2002, giving birth to an entire generation of “Semper Fu” Marines.

To say the program took off would be an understatement.

More than 196,000 active-duty leathernecks and 96,000 reservists — about 98 percent of the Corps — are currently trained in tan through black belt. Celebrities ranging from singer John Mayer to mixed martial arts legend Ken Shamrock have sought out the program, and militaries around the world have asked for MCMAP tutoring.

Now, the Corps is developing plans for MCMAP’s second decade in existence. For thousands of rank-and-file Marines, that may mean better martial arts facilities, opportunities to earn higher belts sooner and more medical trainers to help those injured get back on the mat faster.

In April, a Course Content Review Board at the Martial Arts Center for Excellence, at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., is expected to review a proposal to “bump up the requirements” for MCMAP, said retired Lt. Col. Joseph Shusko, MACE director. The plans aren’t finalized, but officials will address the Corps’ need to train more green-belt instructors and black-belt instructor trainers, Shusko said.


Rest of article at: http://marinecorpstimes.com/news/2009/02/marine_mcmap_022309w/%2e