EODMU 8 Sailors Learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (AW) Brian A. Goyak, Fleet Public Affairs Center Detachment Sigonella

SIGONELLA, Sicily (NNS) -- Sailors from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 8 received training in self defense from two world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructors, July 7-11.

Ricardo "Franjinha" Miller and Aurelio Gallegos Jr., both black belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Pan- American champions, run Paragon Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu facilities in California and Texas.

"Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gives these Sailors the skills needed to control a person without hurting them," said Miller, founder and operator of the Paragon Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu facility out of Santa Barbara, Calif.

"[It] gives them the skills to control the guy by putting him in some kind of choke hold or lock his elbow in a way that you don't need to break his arm or kill him."

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art that focuses on grappling and especially ground fighting with the goal of gaining a dominant position and using joint locks and choke holds to force an opponent to submit. Additionally, the students learned how to search detainees and how to control both compliant and non-compliant detainees.

"We're teaching these Sailors self-defense," said Gallegos, who also runs a Paragon Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu facility in Corpus Christi, Texas.

"In the event that they find themselves without a weapon, they will have tools available to defend themselves. We also teach prisoner control and how to pat down a person and make sure you get them down on the ground without having to use excessive force."

The class was made up of not only EOD technicians and officers, but support personnel as well. EODMU 8 deploys throughout U.S. Central Command, U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command. Due to the nature of the command's missions, it is necessary for all personnel assigned to have a basic knowledge of self defense and unarmed combat.

"The course here over the past week was fantastic," said Lt. j.g. Jonathan Swearingen. "These guys are world champions, and not only are they at the top of their game, but they are excellent instructors.

"I've worked with some guys that are fantastic fighters, but they can't teach at all and that doesn't do you any good. I loved the course and am really excited that the unit is supporting it."

EODMU 8 Executive Officer Lt. Cmdr. Daniel Malatesta said the visit from Paragon Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was a great learning experience.

"This was a good opportunity to learn some new skills," Malatesta said. "Our community has recognized it as a good way to stay in shape and provide guys with skills to use in a combat environment, if necessary.

"Not only does it help keep you in shape, but it teaches the mental toughness and aggressiveness that you'll need if you ever get put in a situation where you might need to use it."

PARAGON BJJ
6313 Wooldridge Suite #8
Corpus Christi, TX 78414
(361) 549-3597
www.ccparagonbjj.com
www.myspace.com/ccparagonbjj