This past week, i had the pleasure of training a group of United States Marines, at the Boot Camp in San Diego. I say pleasure, in that it was fulfilling to work with the fighting men of the United States, and share with them the techniques that I have learned over 15 years of competing in MMA.

I’ve taught hundreds of seminars in my life, but this one had a special vibe to it. I normally run my practices like a drill sergeant, but it was a bit futile, as almost all of the guys I was training were Actual Drill Sergeants. They listened intently as I explained each move, and were very receptive to coaching.

When we hit a snag and many of the guys were having trouble with one of the techniques, I burst into shouting and everyone snapped to attention from their place on the mat. I…