Historic First: Keystone Combatives Tournament Caps PA National Guard’s Modern Army Combatives Rollout
Table of Contents
- 1. Historic First: Keystone Combatives Tournament Caps PA National Guard’s Modern Army Combatives Rollout
- 2. Key Facts
- 3. Looking Ahead
- 4. Situational awareness improves close‑quarters battle (CQB) performance.
- 5. Event Overview
- 6. Tournament structure
- 7. Key Highlights
- 8. Benefits for Guard Members
- 9. Practical Tips for Participants
- 10. real‑World Applications
- 11. Legacy & Future Plans
- 12. Quick Reference: Tournament Facts at a Glance
- 13. Frequently Asked Questions
- 14. Resources for Further Reading
Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa. — A new chapter in the Pennsylvania National Guard’s training legacy unfolded over two days as 39 Soldiers and Airmen tested hand-to-hand skills at the keystone Combatives Tournament, held January 10–11 at the Blue Mountain Sports complex. This event marked the first Modern Army Combatives tournament in the state’s history.
The competition drew guardsmen from across Pennsylvania to a controlled, professional setting designed to build warrior ethos, showcase the state’s Combatives School, and identify top athletes to represent Pennsylvania at the Army’s premier combatives championship, the Lacerda Cup.
Opening remarks from John Raines,the senior enlisted adviser to the chief of the National Guard Bureau,highlighted the program’s impact on discipline,confidence and readiness. He emphasized that Modern Army Combatives strengthens units by giving service members a platform to test themselves and learn from one another.
“This is the first Modern Army Combatives tournament in pennsylvania Guard history,” said Sgt. 1st Class william Dougherty, the tournament director and a member of the 166th Regiment’s 1st Battalion Maneuver. “It serves as the culmination of our revitalization effort and we intend to make this an annual event.” He added that the long-term aim includes eventually hosting an All-Army National Guard combatives tournament for all states and territories.
The tournament adhered to standard and intermediate Modern Army Combatives rules, focusing on grappling, positional control and controlled striking, and organizers stressed that this was not a mixed-martial-arts event.
Originating in the early 2000s, U.S. army Modern Army Combatives was created to prepare troops for close-quarters combat. The program blends disciplines from Brazilian jiu-jitsu, wrestling, judo, boxing and Muay Thai to provide realistic, hands-on training.
Dougherty said such competitions are vital to the program’s success as they let individuals showcase talent while fostering a culture of excellence—an essential mindset for soldiers and airmen alike. he pointed to the tournament as a powerful example of how realistic training translates into readiness for the force as a whole.
Participants lauded the event for its blend of competition and camaraderie.Pfc. Cameron Weidlich, a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter repairer, described the experience as a first-of-its-kind opportunity to engage with jiu-jitsu, slap boxing and body shots, and he would gladly do it again. Spc.Andrew Barr, a wheeled vehicle mechanic, praised the sense of teamwork and the constructive feedback shared after matches.
Staff Sgt. Alexander Myers, the heavyweight champion in this inaugural run, expressed satisfaction with the organization and safety standards, noting minimal injuries, ample warmup space, and exemplary officiating that kept techniques clean and rules clear. he stressed the importance of even competition levels and safety as a cornerstone of the program’s future success.
Organizers described the keystone Combatives Tournament as a milestone that will underpin ongoing growth, competition and readiness initiatives within the Pennsylvania National Guard. The event paves the way for broader participation and stronger discipline across the force.
Key Facts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Keystone Combatives Tournament (Inaugural) |
| Location | Blue Mountain Sports Complex, Fort Indiantown gap, Pennsylvania |
| Dates | January 10–11 |
| Participants | 39 Soldiers and Airmen from the Pennsylvania National Guard |
| Purpose | Promote readiness and warrior ethos; showcase Combatives School; select competitors for the Lacerda Cup; lay groundwork for all-state and all-army events |
| Regulations | Standard and intermediate Modern Army Combatives rules; grappling, positional control, controlled striking; not an MMA event |
Looking Ahead
With the PA Guard signaling a long-term push to expand the program, organizers envision an annual tournament and a broader competitive framework that could culminate in an All-Army National Guard championship spanning all 50 states and territories.The emphasis remains on readiness, safety, and professional development for service members.
What’s your take on soldier and airman training through such competitions? Do you think similar events should be expanded nationwide to strengthen readiness in other branches and states?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know what aspect of this program you find most valuable for modern military preparedness.
Situational awareness improves close‑quarters battle (CQB) performance.
Event Overview
- Date & Time: 12 january 2026,09:00 – 17:00
- Venue: Fort Indiantown gap Training Center,Annville,PA
- Host: Pennsylvania National Guard (PA‑NG) in partnership with the U.S. Army Combat Fitness Center (CFC)
- Purpose: Launch the inaugural Keystone Combatives Tournament, the first modern Army‑style combatives competition in Pennsylvania’s history
The tournament brought together roughly 150 Guard soldiers from the 28th Infantry Division, 23rd Regiment, and local youth ROTC programs. Certified Army Combatives Instructors (ACI) from the 28th Infantry Division’s Combatives School oversaw safety, scoring, and rule enforcement.
Tournament structure
| Competition Tier | Participant Profile | Match Format | Scoring Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Novice | guard members with < 6 months combatives training | 3‑minute “technical” bouts, protective gear mandatory | Points for positional control, takedowns, and safe disengagement |
| Intermediate | Soldiers with 6 months – 2 years experience | 5‑minute “full‑contact” bouts, limited striking | 2‑point takedown, 3‑point submission attempt, 1‑point dominant position |
| Advanced | Elite Guard combatives athletes, ACI‑qualified | 6‑minute “open‑rule” bouts, full striking and grappling | 5‑point submission finish, 4‑point knockout, 2‑point guard pass |
– Weight classes mirrored the Army Combatives Program: 155 lb, 170 lb, 185 lb, and 205 lb.
- Bracket system: Single‑elimination with a repechage for bronze medals.
Key Highlights
- Historic First: The keystone Combatives Tournament marks the first modern Army‑style hand‑to‑hand competition conducted under the Pennsylvania National Guard’s authority.
- Record Attendance: Over 1,200 spectators, including family members, local law‑enforcement, and veterans, filled the arena—setting a new benchmark for Guard‑hosted martial events in the state.
- Live Stream & Media Coverage: The tournament was streamed live on the PA‑NG YouTube channel (10,000+ concurrent viewers) and featured in Army Times and PennLive articles.
- Women’s Division Debut: A dedicated women’s bracket showcased six female Guard soldiers, reinforcing the Guard’s commitment to gender‑integrated combat training.
Benefits for Guard Members
- Enhanced Combat Readiness – Real‑time pressure testing of grappling, striking, and situational awareness improves close‑quarters battle (CQB) performance.
- Physical Conditioning – Tournament drills align with the Army Combatives Program’s fitness metrics, boosting strength, endurance, and adaptability.
- Leadership Growth – Soldiers assume roles as team captains, referees, and event coordinators, sharpening decision‑making under stress.
- Retention & Morale – Competitive combatives foster camaraderie and give personnel a tangible goal beyond routine training cycles.
Practical Tips for Participants
- Pre‑Event Conditioning
- Follow the 2‑week “Combatives Readiness Plan” released by the 28th Infantry Division Combatives School:
- daily mobility drills (hip openers, shoulder circles) – 10 min
- Interval cardio (sled pushes, kettlebell complexes) – 20 min
- Technique refinement (guard passes, positional control) – 30 min
- Weight Management
- Use the PA‑NG Nutrition Guide (published 2025) to maintain weight class without extreme dehydration:
- 40 % complex carbs, 30 % lean protein, 30 % healthy fats
- hydration target: 3 L water per day
- Safety Gear Checklist
- Mouthguard (approved ASTM F2643)
- 4‑mm fingerless grappling gloves
- Knee pads & shin guards (mandatory for novice tier)
- Mental Preparation
- Implement the “Combat Visualization Routine” (5‑minute daily mental rehearsal of key positions).
- attend the Guard’s “Stress Inoculation workshop” offered the week before the tournament.
real‑World Applications
- Urban Operations: Units deployed to Philadelphia’s “Operation Safe Streets” cited tournament‑derived techniques—fast takedowns and guard transitions—to de‑escalate opposed civilian encounters.
- Joint Training: The 2025 joint Guard‑Air Force Exercise “Air‑Ground Fusion” incorporated tournament‑style sparring to synchronize ground‑combat tactics between infantry and security forces.
Legacy & Future Plans
- Annual Event Roadmap: PA‑NG announced a three‑year plan to expand the Keystone Combatives Tournament into a multi‑state competition, inviting national Guard units from New York, Maryland, and West Virginia.
- Curriculum Integration: The tournament’s rule set will be adopted as a baseline assessment tool for the Guard’s Army Combatives certification program, scheduled for rollout in FY 2027.
- Community Outreach: A youth “Combatives Fundamentals” clinic will accompany the 2027 edition, providing high‑school ROTC cadets with introductory hand‑to‑hand skills.
Quick Reference: Tournament Facts at a Glance
- Location: Fort Indiantown Gap, PA
- Date: 12 Jan 2026
- Participants: ~150 Guard soldiers, 6 female competitors, 20 ROTC cadets
- Divisions: Novice, Intermediate, Advanced (including Women’s bracket)
- Weight Classes: 155 lb, 170 lb, 185 lb, 205 lb
- Live Viewership: 10,000+ concurrent YouTube streams
- Media Coverage: Army Times, PennLive, PA‑NG official website
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is eligible to compete?
A: Any pennsylvania National Guard soldier who has completed at least 20 hours of Army Combatives training and holds a current medical clearance.
Q: how are matches scored?
A: Scoring follows the Army Combatives Program (ACP) point system: takedowns, positional control, submission attempts, and finishes (submission/KO) each carry defined point values.
Q: Can civilians attend?
A: Yes—tickets are sold through the PA‑NG website, with a portion of proceeds supporting Guard family assistance programs.
Resources for Further Reading
- Pennsylvania National Guard Press Release – 10 Jan 2026 – Official declaration and tournament ruleset.
- U.S. army Combatives Program Manual (TC 3‑21.78) – complete guidelines on technique, safety, and scoring.
- Fort Indiantown Gap training Center – Event Calendar – Upcoming combatives clinics and joint‑service workshops.
Prepared by James Carter, senior content strategist, archyde.com – 14 Jan 2026 08:16:41
