A mixed martial arts group recently signed a one-year contract to team with Luke Air Force Base Bryant Fitness Center personnel and establish a combat discipline-specific program at the Combat Training Center.
Team Ill Brasil is from the Mixed Martial Arts Lab in Glendale and started their first training session at Luke June 23.
"This is an elite group of martial arts instructors, and the first time martial arts instructors have partnered with Luke Air Force Base," said Pernell Stoney, 56th Force Support Squadron Bryant Fitness Center director.
Shane Dalton, Team Ill Brasil Muay Thai head coach, worked with Stoney to create a program at the Combat Training Center containing individualized martial arts disciplines in a combative-type setting.
"We are teaching techniques as close to the actual discipline as possible and applying them in a combative setting, creating a Muay Thai hybrid, so to speak," Dalton said. "Part of that training is learning how to use each movement more intelligently so it's one strike, one finish.
He said in paid sports, the viewers want to see massive contact and guys trying to damage each other. That is not the goal in these classes. Everyone wants to train and go home at the end of the day. With this kind of close-combat class, the trainers are able to provide that training effectively.
When coming into a controlled environment, people warm up, stretch and then go into battle, said Lance Cosby, Team Ill Brasil combatives training head coach and Level 4 Krav Maga practitioner.
"The difference with this type of training is one has to go through three hour-long classes which test mental ability," he said. "Unlike typical physical training, MMA training also challenges trainees in unexpected scenarios, so they are able to handle any situation mentally and physically.
Team Ill Brasil brings a new style of martial arts to the base.
"Our intent is to bring the best instructors and best program possible to Luke Air Force Base," Dalton said. "And our goal is to produce the best warriors possible."
For more information about the program, call the fitness center at 623-856-6421.