MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- With the Marine Corps putting emphasis on hand-to-hand combat in recruit training and beyond, it’s no surprise many Marines train in Mixed Martial Arts and watch the fights on television.
Marines at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar had the opportunity to meet and grapple with some of the same stars they watch on TV.
More than a dozen mixed martial arts fighters, including two former Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight champions Tim Sylvia and Bas Rutten, visited here July 30.
Tom Atencio, the vice president of Affliction clothing company, brought the mixed martial arts fighters to the base to meet Marines.
“We planned the visit to Miramar to promote an upcoming fight that was canceled, but we decided to come anyway to give our support to the troops,” said Atencio.
The first stop for the fighters was to train with the MCAS Miramar Submission Grappling Club at the MCAS Miramar Sports Complex racquet ball court.
Hermes Franca, a lightweight fighter for the UFC, Rafaello T. Oliveira, a Strikeforce fighter, Tracy Hess, the founder of Subfighter Training Academy Inc., Brett Cooper, an Affliction fighter, and Vince Ortiz, an Affliction fighter, trained with and gave pointers to the Marines.
“I learned a lot rolling around with Hermes, he isn’t only a good grappler but he is a great teacher.” said Sgt. C.J. D’Alessandro, a test cell operator for Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11 power plants section. “These guys are like vice grips and sledge hammers.”
Many Marines in the club are fans and were happy to train with the fighters they normally only see on television.
“Me and my trainer, Cpl. Rios, worship these guys,” said D’Alessandro. “It’s a dream come true for the U.S. forces to get to work with the civilian side of grappling and fighting.”
After training with the Marines, the fighters spent time talking and taking pictures.
“It’s great grappling with the Marines,” said Ortiz, a former active duty Marine. “They looked like they loved every minute of it and that’s what makes you want to train with someone, when they enjoy it and are eager to learn.”
After spending time with the team, the fighters were joined by Rutten, Sylvia, Benji Radach, a Strikeforce fighter, Albert Rios, an Affliction fighter, Sunny Garcia, a six-time Triple Crown of Surfing Champion, Jason Lambert, an International Fight League fighter, Antonio McKee, an IFL fighter, at the Marine Corps Exchange on base to meet service members and take autographs.
“It was an honor to come here today,” said Franca. “Not just to support the troops but to make more friends. I know how tough the guys’ lives are, so it’s a pleasure to be here today.”
Lt. Col. Steven R. Cusumano, the executive officer of the air station, and Sgt. Maj. Roger E. Jenness, the base sergeant major, came to the exchange to thank each fighter and present them with a coin and a plaque from Col. Frank A. Richie, the air station’s commanding officer.
The submission grappling club is open to all active-duty service members here at no cost from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mon. through Fri. For information on the club, e-mail Chief Warrant Officer 2 Christopher Diem at christopher.diem@usmc.mil.