Gen. James L. Jones, envisioned a program to enable every Marine to realize their full potential as a warrior. Drawing upon our rich legacy of leadership and heritage of innovation, the Marine Corps developed the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. It is a martial art whose roots reach back from the boarding parties of the Continental Marines, extend through the Raiders of World War II and include the modern complexities of the three-block war.
Recruit will be working at least for for a "tan belt," which is the first level he needs to reach to get through the program. After tan is grey and then he can earn up to a black belt (not in boot camp). There are 6 degrees of black belt but every one above first degree requires the Marine to be an officer of some sort.
Because the Marine wears his belt as part of his uniform, bright colors like red, yellow and purple are not included in the system.
The Marine Corps Martial Arts Programs has several nicknames including Semper fu, MCSlap, MCNinja and Bushido.
SEMPER FU!
