In 2005, the United States Army would host its first ever Combatives tournament. This Army wide MACP event would draw in competitors from all installations and units (including Reserves and National Guard) to determine who the best fighters were in seven different weight classes.
This two day tournament, at Ft. Benning Georgia, would feature preliminary rounds that utilized Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition rules. As soldiers advanced into the Semi-Finals they would fight using Pancrase or Japanese Shooto rules, all while in combat uniform. The finals matches would determine a champion via Pro MMA rules.
Our head instructor here at Pennsylvania Combat Sports, BJJ Black Belt Casey Leonard, was serving with the West Virginia National Guard as a member of 19th SFG in 2005.
The opportunity to compete in this inaugural event was something he couldn't pass up.
To sum up the event, Professor Casey commented
"I can easily say that winning the 155lb division, of the first ever All Army Combatives Tournament, was my proudest achievement in martial arts competition and one of the Top 3 in my military career.
In 2005, my 16 man bracket had what the Army determined as their best, most capable fighters, all representing units and installations from around the world.
The competition would take 2 days to complete, with the MMA finals being on Sunday at the gymnasium right beside Airborne school.
Nothing like this had ever taken place in the history of the world's most powerful Army, so the motivation and desire to win was exceptionally high.
In my MMA match I was able to secure the armlock after being taken down by an experienced former Iowa wrestler with a few MMA fights to his credit. The entire fight lasted :90 seconds.
To go into all the details of what it took to win that Gold medal, is something I'll save for another time...but it was truly a struggle.
To this day I thank God for the opportunity provided and for the favor He granted me in victory!"
