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New Combatives House offers fitness alternatives

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Diana M. Cossaboom
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  A new combatives facility opened at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, Jan. 2015, and throughout its first year the facility advanced not only its equipment, but its programs.

The Combatives House was created to provide a facility for different types of workouts unlike those that can be found at regular gyms.

The instructors offer free jiu-jitsu, boxing, cross-fit, extreme fitness classes, and Level I and Level II Army Combatives training.

"All of (the classes) have been steadily growing since they started," said Sgt. 1st Class Kelley Davis, U.S. Army Central Battalion S3 NCO and Combatives House manager. "The building is open during the day during certain hours for anything. Whether you are coming here to do jiu-jitsu and rolling, or just come in to punch on the bags for a while."

The facility is used not just for classes, but as an open gym where individuals are welcome to work out and groups and squadrons are encouraged to utilize the facilities for their group physical training.

The Army Combatives and boxing training are open only to military members; however all other classes and equipment are open to anyone with base access.

The classes offer a wide variety of skill sets from volunteers who wish to pass their knowledge and assist others in achieving their goals.

"When you do (jiu-jitsu) it's a passion," said Sgt. Maj. Patrick Hickok, ARCENT command career counselor and Combatives House jiu-jitsu instructor. "When you find something that is so rewarding you want to share it."

"Anyone can learn this." said Airman 1st Class Jeffrey Webber, 51st Intelligence Squadron air defense analyst and Combatives House instructor. "Being super strong or super athletic is not required. From beginner to expert, there is an open invite and everybody is welcome."

The current schedule of classes can be found posted outside the gym and is sent through monthly emails.

"I want to get the word out so that people know this is here and they can utilize it anytime they need to," said Davis.

The facility was the result of a combined effort from Air Force and Army personnel who desired to create a space where combatives training could be safely practiced.

From flipping giant tires to flipping one another on the mats, the facility offers different types of fitness work outs to help mix up routines and obtain new skills and healthier habits.


For more information on the Combatives House, contact Davis at (803) 885-8090.