Yes, have rolled with a retired (but still young - below 40 yr old) US Marine and Korean Special Forces (late 20's). No doubt determined and strong. Their mindset and drive is what sets them apart from non-military people
I used to train in Norfolk, Virginia, home of the largest navy base in the world, so we would regularly have Navy Seals training with us.
One time I lost my "weed guy". I think he got arrested or something, and I was looking for a new source.
There was this dude at the gym who was your standard California surfer/stoner; long blonde hair and everything. I thought for sure he was the guy to talk to.
Nope. He was a Navy Seal too. Turns out Navy Seals don't have to follow military grooming practices. Oops.
Anyway, yeah, all those dudes were impossible to tap out. Even the whitest of white belts.
One of my coaches is ex Dutch special forces (commando). He has that killer instict it’s like fighting a tiger, always goes for the kill (neck). The look in his eyes when he chokes you is frightening.
Yep, there's a guy at my gym in his mid 50s we call him spider monkey. Injuries EVERYWHERE from having ZERO chill (and it does not stop him). He is a GO GO GO mentality even when coming off a surgery lol. His grip is absolutely wild. He's only around 5'6"-5'7" and 140-150 pounds but he's the toughest roll, quickest learner, and one of the best training partners. He's kicked my butt all the way from White-Black belt.
I think he gives off one of the most carefree non serious vibes. Him and I were at F2W Tulsa last weekend and when he walked away for a few minutes. Another guy we were talking to (who doesn't know his background) was like "that guy reminds me of Jocko" I thought that was funny because the way I perceive his mentality is a 180 from Jocko!
"Yes, have rolled with a retired (but still young - below 40 yr old) US Marine and Korean Special Forces (late 20's). No doubt determined and strong. Their mindset and drive is what sets them apart from non-military people"
Yes we have an US Army SF operator who trains at the gym I am apart of. He is a great training partner. He very quiet not much for chatt'n but he is a great drilling partner and a wicked fun roll. We have a few retired Marines and some active National Guard members as well.
I've trained with former force recon guys, raiders, a SEAL or two, green berets, 82nd air borne, rangers, SF, SWAT, and I believe even a former PJ. They definitely bring a different intensity. The whole "never back down" attitude seems to be a pattern.
My coach now has worked with SF as a civilian for many many years, and he legitimately scares me sometimes. I don't know if that's because of his proximity to those dudes or what.
I have a student of mine that is retired SF. He is Samoan as well and really strong. He currently is my favorite rolling parter. We both share a common bond. We both made a career of the Army and both retired.
