Military And Veterans
All-Marine Wrestling Team readies for Armed Forces Championship
All-Marine Wrestling Team readies for Armed Forces Championship
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Jacksonville, North Carolina
Capt. Jamel Johnson has wrestled for much of his life, and he's stepping into a leadership role as the coach of the All-Marine Wrestling Team, preparing to compete in the Armed Forces Wrestling Championship set for March 2026. This championship is a significant event for military athletes, showcasing their skills and dedication on a national platform.
Previously, Johnson was an integral part of the All-Marine Wrestling Team before it was disbanded several years ago, during which time some Marines even competed for the Navy due to the absence of support for a Marine Corps team. His advocacy for the team’s return has revitalized interest in Marine wrestling and allowed athletes to pursue excellence in this sport.
Hailing from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Johnson transitioned from a distinguished career in the U.S. Army to the U.S. Marine Corps. His experience includes being a member of the World Class Athlete Program, tailored to support service members in their athletic endeavors. Johnson's accomplishments in wrestling are impressive, featuring memberships on national teams and several accolades, including placements at the U.S. Open and trials for the Olympics.
As the coach, Johnson is focused on preparing his team for the upcoming competition, emphasizing the energy and commitment required to excel. With roughly ten Marines from Camp Lejeune and additional athletes from other states, preparation includes intensive training at facilities like the Carolina Elite Wrestling Club in Jacksonville.
One athlete, Sgt. Alexis Carbajal, showcases the dedication of these Marines. Initially drawn to the team through a poster featuring Johnson, he adjusted his military occupational specialty to participate fully in the training and competition. Carbajal’s enthusiasm embodies the spirit of camaraderie that Johnson aims to cultivate in his team. They train rigorously, balancing demanding Marine Corps duties with their wrestling commitments, showing a deep desire to have their efforts recognized.
The training regimen includes practices most Mondays through Fridays, providing athletes a chance to develop their skills and the community around the wrestling team. Johnson encourages participation, inviting Marines, regardless of experience, to join their open mat practices at Carolina Elite every Wednesday. Through these sessions, he’s discovered a widespread passion for wrestling among service members, uniting them under a common purpose.
Johnson, reflecting on the evolution of the team, acknowledges the vital connection between wrestling and Marine Corps values. The sport fosters resilience and makes their military experience more dynamic, allowing for the expression of their competitive spirits. "I never realized how many people in the Marine Corps wrestled... This is a community that has brought us together,” he states passionately.
As the Armed Forces Wrestling Championship looms, the All-Marine Wrestling Team's preparation serves as a testament to the dedication and transformation these service members undergo. With the championship taking place at Fort Bliss, Texas, in March, they aim to prove their mettle on this prestigious stage.
As the All-Marine Wrestling Team gears up for the Armed Forces Wrestling Championship, the commitment exemplified by athletes like Capt. Johnson and Sgt. Carbajal resonates deeply within the military community. Their determination not only showcases individual athleticism but underscores broader themes of resilience, teamwork, and identity among service members. Events like these elevate the profile of wrestling within the military, emphasizing its importance in cultivating leadership and camaraderie. As we observe their journey, it’s clear that their success or setbacks will reflect trends in military sports engagement and could inspire future generations of military wrestlers.