I received an “expert” marksmanship ribbon during basic training in the United States Air Force in the 1980s. I was pretty proud of that title because I had never used a firearm prior to the military and my training instructor told me I was “deadly accurate that M-16.”
Not everyone gets a marksmanship ribbon. Essentially, you have to hit close to the center of the target (center mass) the majority of times you shoot in a given round. And I could hit center mass…in standing, kneeling and prone positions. Deadly accurate. I was certain I was going to be taking out the Commies along side Chuck Norris before too long.
Yeah, right.
Here’s the problem with my expert ribbon. Nobody was firing at me. I was under constant supervision and instructed exactly when to fire the weapon. I used a rifle, which is much easier to site than a sidearm as I would find out later in my career.
I don’t think I could hit the sky with a pistol.
Most important, my life was not in danger. I could take my time, ease into my target and squeeze the trigger. On down the road, I met some real expert marksman; Army Rangers, a few Marines and even some Air Force Special Warfare guys who actually were “deadly accurate”with multiple weapons, despite being under fire and duress.
The thing is, I was a medic, not a combat solder. Being skilled with firearms and munitions was simply not my M.O. My training was in very basic triage and carrying litters as fast as I could, hopefully without getting shot or blown up in the process.
I was extremely fortunate to have met and worked with some of the finest combat veterans. I saw a lot in my career but not what some of these folks had. To stand among them and share veteran status is truly humbling.
Similarly, I’ve met and trained with some outstanding martial arts athletes. Olympic Judo players, some BJJ guys, a few dudes who were semi-pro MMA. I met and sparred with a Tae Kwon Do athlete while I was stationed at Peterson AFB, CO who lived and trained in Korea for a number of years. To this day, I’ve never seen a better example of power, grace and control. And all of these guys were pretty humble. Well, mostly.
I competed a few times in my younger days as a martial artist, but I possessed neither the time or desire to attain the same level that some of these guys achieved. I have always concentrated more on the physical and mental benefits and the ability to get out of a street fight alive.
Just like the marksman ribbon, over time the desire to win competitions or have a title like “master” lost its luster for me. I met some very dangerous people in the military and I have met some very dangerous people in martial arts. I’m not going to be a seasoned combat veteran nor am I going to have any sort of impressive titles or trophies attached to my name.
And that’s ok.
Here’s what I do have. I was married for 33 years to my best friend before she passed away from cancer. I have a lifetime of memories. From that marriage I have two awesome sons who followed my martial and professional path. I have 40 years of teaching and training experiences and lifelong friends, all of which have shaped and molded me to this day. I had the rare opportunity to live and train in Japan and gain an inkling of the meaning of budo. I have my own little dojo and dedicated students who share my passion. I have my health and vitality at an age where a lot of guys start slowing down.
I don’t have medals, trophies, fame or a lot money. But I’m one of the richest and most blessed people I know.
Dave Magliano
Jissenkan Budo
Dojo Cho
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