March 26, 2008 - Source: EVLiving.com
Scottsdale, AZ - Ken Shamrock's Lion's Den Scottsdale received a call from the U.S. Army, requesting a submission training clinic for the Army Combative School at Arizona based Fort Huachuca. Lions Den Scottsdale was honored by the request and immediately agreed to send one of their lead MMA trainers, Edwin Dewees, a jiu jitsu style combat training expert. Lion's Den athletes Shawn David, Scott Peters and Kenny Lester, who train at the Scottsdale location, also volunteered to assist with the clinic.
SFC Mark Day, Small Group Leader at the Fort Huachuca NCO Academy, learned about the Martial Arts (MMA) clinics taught by the legendary Ken Shamrock, UFC Hall of Fame member and founder of the Lion's Den, through other members of the military. Ken is currently a subject matter expert for integration and combat conditioning in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP). Day was impressed by the impact that the clinic had on the soldiers and recognized that MMA fighters like Ken, who know the difference between sport fighting and close quarters combat, could possibly bring new striking skills and take down techniques to the table.
“The principles taught in clinics hosted by Ken Shamrock and members of his Lion's Den team are directly related to what we do. When we are engaged in hand-to-hand combat, we need to close the distance, gain and maintain the dominant position and finish the fight quickly. One of the key lessons that troops are required to memorize at the Army Combative School, is that the winner of the hand-to-hand fighting combat will be the one whose buddy shows up with the gun first. MMA experts like Ken Shamrock and Edwin Dewees can possibly teach us new and effective techniques that can be incorporated into our training”, states SFC Mark Day, U.S. Army.”
SFC Eugene Yockey, Post Combatives Instructor at Fort Huachuca expressed his gratitude, ”Edwin Dewees is an exceptional instructor. One particular “arm bar” technique that Edwin demonstrated is one that we have not seen before. It would be very beneficial to our troops in the field. I am going to personally contact our training center at Fort Benning, as I strongly believe it should be integrated into our MACP training.”
Upon completion of the submission training clinic instructed by Dewees, both Day and Yockey are convinced that Army Combative School instructors and students benefit from having MMA experts from Lion's Den Scottsdale attend their training sessions. They would like to schedule additional clinics in the near future, as Lion's Den MMA experts can provide unbiased feedback on the training program and can make possible recommendations on how to improve it.
Ken Shamrock and the elite training staff of his newest Lion's Den in Scottsdale share a passion for supporting the U.S military. Lion's Den MMA experts hold free submission clinics for military personnel as often as possible. The clinics are tailored to suit the modern war fighter, stressing quick and lethal moves that are best suited for combat.
The next free submission clinic for military personnel will be held May 28th from 7 to 9 pm at Lion's Den Scottsdale, located at 2954 N. Hayden Road to celebrate the facilities grand opening. Please visit www.lionsdenaz.com or call 480-941-LION for more details. Participants must register, as space is limited.
About Modern Army Combative Program
In 1995 when a reinvigoration of army combative training was ordered, it was apparent that the traditional methods taught in the combative program were not very effective in the modern training environment or battlefield. A committee was formed to create a new system. After examining successful programs around the world, members agreed that in order to train soldiers efficiently, they must develop a systematic approach to both fighting and training. Over the coarse of the last 10 years, the Modern Army Combative Program (MACP) has laid the foundation for the Army‘s train the trainer program. The program combines the grappling of Brazilian Jujitsu, throws and takedowns from wrestling and judo, stand-up fighting skills of boxing and Muay-Thai and the weapons fighting skills of Kali and the western martial arts.
About Ken Shamrock's Lion's Den Scottsdale
Scottsdale based Lion’s Den Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) training center located at 2954 N. Hayden Road in Scottsdale is the only training facility of its kind in Arizona. This state-of-the-art facility has over 3,000 square feet of grappling and striking mat space, a full weight and cardio room, professional size boxing ring, and a competition octagon for mixed martial arts. Lion's Den Scottsdale employs a world renowned team of instructors, hand selected by the legendary Ken Shamrock to ensure that every member exceeds their personal goals in each selected discipline. Programs are offered in Muay Thai/Kickboxing, Jiu Jitzu, Boxing, Grappling, Mixed Martial Arts and Sports Conditioning. Lion's Den also offers the best in child martial arts programs. Classes are set up to accommodate all ages and skill levels, from entry level students to world class athletes. Private lessons are available. At Lion’s Den Scottsdale you don’t have to be a world Champion to train like one. For more information call 480-941-LION or visit www.lionsdenaz.com.
