Ohio National Guard News
Inaugural OHARNG Combatives Tournament
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CAMP RAVENNA JOINT MILITARY TRAINING CENTER, Ohio — (03/01/14) The Ohio Army National Guard hosted its first statewide Modern Army Combatives tournament March 1 at Camp Ravenna, as 64 competitors took to the mats to test their grappling and submission skills. The competition, open to both male and female Soldiers and Airmen meeting physical fitness and health requirements, was gender neutral, as several female Soldiers faced off against males in their comparable weight classes. In all, Ohio National Guard members competed in seven weight classes, ranging from flyweight (males, 125 pounds and under; females, 134 pounds and under) to heavyweight (males, 206 pounds and over; females, 220 pounds and over). There was a wide array of competitors at varying skill levels, as some of Ohio’s newest, youngest guard members as well as some older than 40 participated. Some matches ended in submissions with others being decided by technical points scored during the matches. Korean War veteran and martial artist Ronald F. Balas was the guest speaker and related his experiences in the war and as martial artist to the participants before the event. Ohio National Guard senior leaders attended the event and awarded medals to the top three placers in each weight class. “I believe there is no better tool for instilling confidence, discipline and the warrior spirit in our Soldiers than combatives training and competition,” said Brig. Gen. John C. Harris Jr., Ohio’s assistant adjutant general for Army. One highlight of the tournament occurred in the final bout, as Spc. Jesse P. Maloy, of the 211th Maintenance Company, landed a flying arm bar on Spc. Dustin Nolan, of the 812th Engineer Company, to win the tournament heavyweight championship. The impressive submission maneuver brought those in attendance to their feet, and was an exciting conclusion to the day’s competition. |
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