Eastern spiritualism meets Western macho.
The Corps, recognizing that Marines are more likely to be deployed for peacekeeping missions than traditional warfare, expects the martial arts to develop skills needed to restrain civilians and to build confidence in Marines, so that they don't overreact in hostile situations. In addition to learning how to defend themselves with lethal force, students of martial arts are taught to condition the mind, spirit and body to cope with all challenges. Mentally, they are trained to believe that they are in command, so they won't lose control or feel a need to prove themselves in hostile situations. The Marines say they hope such self-discipline will restrain troops from getting involved in bar fights or exhibiting other aggressive behavior, which has been a chronic problem in Okinawa and in other civilian areas near military bases. Instructors began learning martial arts last November.