Back in the Corps back in training

[znorris]

First off i will be stationed at Camp Lejeune North Carolina soon enough and wanted to know about nearby dojos. I trained in Shorin-Ryu during high school then had the wonderful opportunity to train in Okinawa between deployments. I am however looking for something a little less "traditional" and more towards practical application (i don't know how else to word it, i don't mean to be offensive)

<Babbling>
Its funny how we differentiate goals and dreams. For instance i have always enjoyed martial arts, the hard work of training, the combative element, and knowing my body on a deeper level to name a few. Even after saying this i never thought of making it a way of life. While in the Marine Corps i was a Comm bubba, i am good with computers, always have been. The problem is that it detaches you from being a warrior and carrying with you a warriors mindset. I decided not to re-enlist at the end of 2006 and since my transition into the life of a civilian i have had a few epiphanies. I am holding myself back from what i truly want to be. I do work with computers because I'm good at it, i do get enjoyment out of it sometimes but its the same enjoyment i get anytime i have accomplished a task set before me. My dream is to be a warrior. Mind & Body. I went back to a recruiter and submitted my re-enlistment package, just waiting to sign a contract now. You may be asking, "why is this guy saying all of this? I don't even know him."
Accountability.
Speaking your goal aloud is far different from strictly internalizing it. I have decided to abandon a lot of what i do now to peruse what i know will be a deeper more fulfilling lifestyle, for me. My hope is to use my first year of re-enlistment to get into peak physical shape while concentrating on my military studies, advancement in rank and MCMAP. However i wish to use my professional benefits to save money and coordinate training in different parts of the world. I would love to train Krav Maga in Israel, get bushcraft/survival training in Canada etc.
Anyway if you have read this far i appreciate it and welcome any constructive criticisms or advice you may have. Please do not misinterpret my writings, i don't have great skill as a martial artist, just great goals.

[TonyU]

Anyway if you have read this far i appreciate it and welcome any constructive criticisms or advice you may have.
No criticism, just good luck in your future endeavors.

[DragonMind]

As Socrates said, "The unexamined life is not worth living." Sounds like you've started a process which will serve you well throughout your life. Good luck with your pursuits.

[devildog_jim]

Oooh-rah devil, welcome back.

If you're looking for a badass MCMAP instructor, try to hook up with SSGT Chance Vann. I think he's out of Cherry Point these days. Get your MCMAP training from him, or someone he recommends, and you'll know you earned it. Just remember: pain is good, love the pain.

[Sorros]

We need more people like you. People of character. It's what made this country great.

[znorris]

We need more people like you. People of character. It's what made this country great.

Wow thats an awfully nice comment. For those of you that are/were in the military it always depressed me to see quality Marines get out. (then i go and do it :confused: ) I find a lot of Marines with good common sense, and leadership ability are easily distraught by leadership of an unequal caliber. This leads to them getting out and is the exact opposite of what they should be doing.

Jim, thanks for the recommendation. I was just reading that the east coast was going to expand by 11,000 Marines so it shouldn't be hard getting stationed over there.

[chandlerp]

I was at Lejeune until 1999. I trained at Larry Isaac's Martial Arts Center in Jax, although it may not be what you are looking for. Last time I checked he taught Kenpo and Kobudo, but I don't know what is taught there now. He is very nice and will help you find what you are loking for, if you call him. I do know there is a BJJ school in Fayetteville, NC.

Good luck to you. I was a communicator too, the kind that humped a radio and called for arty & naval guns. Not too much CAS. It was fun while it lasted. :D

[Jeff C.]

Wow thats an awfully nice comment. For those of you that are/were in the military it always depressed me to see quality Marines get out. (then i go and do it :confused: ) I find a lot of Marines with good common sense, and leadership ability are easily distraught by leadership of an unequal caliber. This leads to them getting out and is the exact opposite of what they should be doing.

Zach, we have the exact same problem in my unit too (Army National Guard). Problem is, if they are easily distraught by poor leadership, they are lacking a quality that will truly make them a superb leader. They have to be able to suck it up and drive on, and focus on having a positive effect on their own little corner of their own branch of the military. I have said this many times to good people thinking about ETSing.

Jeff Cook