The purpose of writing this guide is to kind of give alittle detail into the differences of belts and what exactly Marine Corps Martial Arts is. The belt structure is broken down by rank but isnt kept just within the Marine Corps, Navy Corpsman attached to marine "FMF" units may also learn and teach these belts. They are worn with standard issue marine corps BDU's and must be tested for just as any other martial arts belt which helps in promotion.

Belts are as follows:

• Tan
• Grey
• Green
• Brown
• Black

Training at beginning levels covers proper tumbling and falls and moves on into basic grappeling and strikes, weapons fighting etc etc.

Usually within the belt system Tan through Green is earned by E3 and below, becoming an E4 sets you up for training to become a green belt and so forth.

Instructors usually are E4 and above and hold the titles of:

• Green Instructor
• Brown Instructor
• Black Instructor
• Black Instructor Trainer

The difference between an instructor and instructor trainer is an instructor alone can qualify you for belts such as tan and grey .. etc, An instructor trainer qualifys instructors as well.

The belts come in standard PX bought styles that are sometimes auctions off on ebay, and also come in a style known as a "Riggers Belt". These belts are alittle more reinforced and used in rappelling and ropes courses, they hold up better when using thigh holsters as well. The only setback is usually you can only find them in Tan, Green, Brown and black.. so you grey belts are sort of at a disadvantage.

Anyway this might shine alittle more light onto the way the marine corps does their hand to hand combat!