Jiu Jitsu Schools some Army Combatives Troops

**Jeff C.** · 07-02-2004, 20:02

Well, since I've been at Ft. Bliss since May, I have been jones'n to roll with somebody, anybody! I finally got that chance today, with some spirited Army troops.

Every quarter or so Ft. Bliss has a "sports day" where the AIT privates, transition students, Officer Basic Course students, and cadre get together to compete against each other in various sports. Army Combatives was one of those events - basically BJJ-style randori.

Being an "old guy" transition student I initially was "strongly discouraged" from participating in any Army Combatives for fear that I would "get hurt" and not be able to graduate. But I went over to their area anyway, to snap some pictures, holler some encouragement, and just be around a bunch of troops rolling.

The privates did pretty good; at least they showed control and didn't hurt each other. I would put any two-month BJJ white belt in the ring against any of them though, and I would bet on the white belt. But for the limited training they get, they did pretty well, and seemed to enjoy themselves immensely.

Well, after the privates were done they called an "open mat" for anyone who wanted to get out there. I wandered back over to watch, and I guess the instructors running the event got tired of me giving advice from the sidelines, so I was asked to suit up.

I had the priviledge of rolling with a couple of officers. The first one went down to three consecutive arm locks before he called it a day. So a captain stepped forward, a tabbed Ranger who is an instructor. He gamely fought three times, succumbing to an armbar, a shoulder crank, and then I finished off the last match from the mount with a sleeve strangle. I played him just a little bit; after sweeping him I went from side mount to knee on chest to side mount to full mount, before grapevining in and setting the choke. I wanted to rack up some points just to show the young guys I could move.

Everybody was very gracious and had great attitudes, exactly what you experience in the dojo. I spent the next couple of hours giving some impromtu instruction in the grass.

At any rate, it was a blast, I've had my rolling fix, and got to meet some pretty good people today.

By the way, the picture below is a couple of the privates going at it. Note the logo on the back of the referee/instructor's shirt.

Jeff Cook
Wabujitsu

**John Bennett** · 07-03-2004, 06:26

HAHAHA! Outstanding Jeff!!!

Score one for the "Old Guys"!

> "But I went over to their area anyway, to snap some pictures, holler some encouragement, and just be around a bunch of troops rolling."

I call Bullshyte! I knew the instant I read this, there was no way you could resist. I read the rest of your post just waiting for the part where you would say...

> ...I guess the instructors running the event got tired of me giving advice from the sidelines, so I was asked to suit up."

Standing around watching BJJ randori is like standing around watching people fish. If there's an extra fishing pole laying around, you ARE gonna throw a hook in the water just to see how you do. Expecially if you suspect you can do it better.

I know about the "Rolling Jones". Even though I'm on self-imposed hiatus, I still get it bad sometimes. BJJ Rocks!

**Jeff C.** · 07-03-2004, 07:26

Well John, I guess I was just a tad louder and a bit more critical with my advice than usual.

Funny thing was by the time they fingered me to step into the ring, people were damn near pushing me in there.

I guess I can't shyte a bull-shyter!

Jeff Cook
Wabujitsu

**Dennis Monk** · 07-03-2004, 13:08

Jeff, be careful not to break one of those "brass bars" your playing with.

I know you had fun.

**Cliff Hargrave** · 07-03-2004, 19:16

Sounded like a blast! Good job!

**Jeff C.** · 07-03-2004, 20:11

Thanks guys!

Dennis, some of these butter-bars are pretty tough out here. But the worst part about rolling with these guys was when I suited up. I was wearing the IPFU (Improved Physical Fitness Uniform), but we had to wear BDU's to roll. So I had to borrow a set from one of the combatants - another butter bar.

Hopefully that was the first -and last- time that I put on a uniform with lieutenant's rank on the collar.

Blyche! Aacccckkk! Deceased NCO's were probably spinning in their graves! I just hope those departed NCO's forgave me when I put some NCO mojo on those guys!

By the way, Cliff and Dennis, it looks like when I depart out of here on 10 August that I will probably try to make my first leg a straight run for Baton Rouge; I haven't firmed up my plans yet. If I do that, I will be in your AO probably after midnight, and it will be during the week. Any way to hook up for some coffee on the way through? How many hours are you guys away from B.R.?

Jeff Cook
Wabujitsu

**Dennis Monk** · 07-04-2004, 06:43

Baton Rouge should be a little less than 3 hours from us. I'm not exactly sure on the mileage. I know that when we rode motorcycles to Lafayette a couple of years ago it was just over 100 miles or so. I just checked my work schedule and I am working nights on August 10th. Basically, that means when you hit the Orange County line you can give me a call at (409)883-0942 (Orange County Sherff's Office) and my second in command can mind the store for a few minutes while we have a cup somewhere. I'm sure Cliff will make it if he can.

**jabonn** · 07-04-2004, 07:04

Boys boys boys.....

Be nice to the butter bars, you never know who you may lunch with some day.

Cadet Flurry
Class 05-005 OCS
TX ARNG
49th Armor Div.

Good to see you have some fun down at Ft. Bliss. Too bad we don't have a good picture of you, 2Lt. Coo...... I mean SFC Cook to put up for your Re-Up picture back at your unit. J/K.

**Jeff C.** · 07-04-2004, 09:10

Jabonn,

The proper term is "Cadidiots," not "Cadet." Surely your cadre told you that??? (Besides, I thought OCS candidates are called "Candidate" - "Cadet" being reserved for an ROTC student or ring knocker student?)

Seriously, I'm one of those crusty NCO's who actually likes my lieutenants. Good luck with OCS! When do you get your commission?

Jeff Cook
Wabujitsu

**Jeff C.** · 07-04-2004, 09:12

Dennis, got your number stored in my cell phone. Mine is (941) 730-5649. Still waiting to hear from Cliff.

Do you by chance have Nextel? If so, let me know and I will send you my private ID.

Jeff Cook
Wabujitsu

**Cliff Hargrave** · 07-04-2004, 10:24

I am off August 9, 10, and 11th..........

**jabonn** · 07-04-2004, 13:12

Jeff,

I have heard it both ways but you are correct that ROTC soldiers are referred to as Cadets. I should have used Candidate. The N.G. program was 18 months long but seems to have been shortened (due to the war on terror) to 12 months. We are taught now in block sessions. I will have my commission late 2005 - then off to OBC.

Hey I'll be one of those Lt's that listen to the Platoon Sgts.

I feel guilty - my unit has been called up for a 2 year tour in Iraq. They leave mid-July for 3 months at Ft. Hood then off to the beach in September. So as they depart I stay here in Texas. They are not taking our Tanks, we had been going through Cavalry Scout training since Feb. gearing up - Their new job convoy support.

**Dennis Monk** · 07-04-2004, 16:04

Jeff, Nextel doesn't seem to work too well in our area, so the county got rid of it a couple of years ago. That would have made things easy though.

**peacefulwarrior** · 07-05-2004, 01:45

Originally Posted by jabonn

Jeff,

I feel guilty - my unit has been called up for a 2 year tour in Iraq. They leave mid-July for 3 months at Ft. Hood then off to the beach in September. So as they depart I stay here in Texas. They are not taking our Tanks, we had been going through Cavalry Scout training since Feb. gearing up - Their new job convoy support.

What unit? They may just be with some of our convoys,we leave here in a few more days(sigh) to go back to the beach as you put it.

**DragonMind** · 07-07-2004, 16:07

Originally Posted by Jeff C.

...when I depart out of here on 10 August...

Jeff Cook
Wabujitsu

Hey buddy! That means you'll be swinging through Tally. Call me and we'll do something...coffee, eat, my treat. Cell is 850-559-0779.

**Jeff C.** · 07-07-2004, 17:59

Barry, that sounds like a good idea! Hasn't it been about three years since our last meal together? Will let you know what my travel schedule is like, closer to that time. I'm going to stop at Robert's for a night and let his students beat me up, then next day I should make the panhandle. Will give you a buzz. Did you get my cell phone number from previous post?

Jeff Cook
Wabujitsu

**jabonn** · 07-07-2004, 19:27

Sorry to hijack this post.

Ed,

I am with the 49th Armor Division 2nd Bt. 112th out of Denton, TX. We just got notification that we are becoming Infantry and will be replacing our Lone Star patches with the 36th Infantry Patches.

We will more than likely miss each other as both yours and their tour come to a close mine will start to begin. We may run into each other on the field in another battle. Good luck on your adventure as we will be in Iraq for 10 years or so.

We were originally going to Bosnia or so it seems from a brief back in Feb. I got my dental records together met with JAG support for POA and Wills and what not.

**Jeff C.** · 07-07-2004, 19:36

Ed and Jabonn,

Good luck brothers! Stay in touch if you can.

My battalion is on it's second year of ONE. Just got word the other day that we are slated in a year or two after coming off of this one to go "somewhere overseas." Our sister battalion is in Afghanistan right now, so we are making some educated guesses.....

Jeff Cook
Wabujitsu

**DragonMind** · 07-08-2004, 08:01

Originally Posted by Jeff C.

Barry, that sounds like a good idea! Hasn't it been about three years since our last meal together? Will let you know what my travel schedule is like, closer to that time. I'm going to stop at Robert's for a night and let his students beat me up, then next day I should make the panhandle. Will give you a buzz. Did you get my cell phone number from previous post?

Jeff Cook
Wabujitsu

Hmm...had I already had my first knee repair by then? Gads, I can't believe how time flys. Since Robert is Baton Rouge, you'd be hitting Tally by late afternoon or dinner with another 5 hours to go. Yep, you'll be needing a good meal

I checked my cell phone and your number hadn't changed. Looking forward to seeing you again old friend.