Mixed martial arts is a growing sport in the U.S. and incorporates forms of fighting that originated in Japan such as Judo and Jujitsu.

Naval Air Facility Atsugi's Halsey Gym has held Judo and Jujitsu classes three nights a week in their combat room since January 2015.

The program was created by Information Systems Technician 1st class Chris Lauer, assigned to Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station Far East Detachment Atsugi, to offer his experience of mixed-martial arts to anyone wanting to learn.

Lauer, who has lived in Japan for the last 13 years, began training in the martial arts when he was in high-school, competing in wrestling and Muay Thai kickboxing. Since then, Lauer has wanted to train and compete in mixed martial arts in Japan.

"When I originally enlisted I was already fighting professionally," said Lauer. "Mixed-martial arts wasn't mainstream in the U.S. yet, like it is today, the sport was still in its infancy and one place where it was mainstream was Japan."

In Japan, Lauer gravitated towards the martial arts and folk-fighting styles that seemed the most familiar to him because of his background in wrestling: Judo and Jujitsu.

Judo and Jujitsu typically emphasize throwing, pinning, and joint-locking techniques as compared to other martial art disciplines such as karate, which emphasizes punches, kicks and other striking techniques over grappling.

"Wrestling is a grappling based fighting style and most countries with traditional fighting arts, like Japan, have something similar to that," said Lauer. "So when I came here and began training in Judo and Jujutsu I was able to acclimate myself quickly because of that experience."

Lauer's passion for mentorship and instructing his students is what keeps him going back to the mat each day, eager to teach others the knowledge he has accumulated over the years. This is the first time at NAF Atsugi he has had the opportunity, space and time to coach and he has taken full advantage of this.

"I'm here to support people on their path, it's their journey," said Lauer. "If someone wants to come in and learn the basics, build upon that and practice the techniques, I'm here every week to get them started; I'll be here to help."

For those interested, classes meet Monday and Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. and Thursday from 7-8 p.m. at Halsey Gym's combative room. The class costs $25 per month, to sign up or for more information please call Halsey Gym at 264-6163.

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