At the Army Martial Arts Training (AMAR) Node in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir, soldiers are honing vital skills for survival in close combat. This facility, established by the 19th Infantry Division in 2023, focuses on teaching soldiers to be alert, capable, and courageous. These traits have never been more crucial.
The shift toward unarmed combat training emerged after the 2020 India-China clash in Galwan, a battle fought without firearms due to existing agreements. An army officer highlighted the need for soldiers to be effective even when conventional weapons aren’t available. “A soldier should be as lethal with or without a weapon,” he said.
The Uri training center serves both soldiers and officers from the 15 Corps, also known as the Chinar Corps. Its location near the Line of Control adds strategic importance. More than 737 troops have completed an intensive four-week course that blends techniques from taekwondo, jiu-jitsu, boxing, and karate. Unlike traditional sports martial arts, this training focuses on real-world applications, with no point systems or competition rules.
“It’s not about points or style. It’s about neutralizing the enemy quickly,” an official stated. The goal is to turn 80 percent of army personnel into “human weapons” capable of engaging effectively in any situation within the next two years.
Recent statistics suggest a growing emphasis on close-quarters combat skills in militaries worldwide. According to a 2022 study by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), modern warfare increasingly relies on integrated forces that can operate in diverse environments without heavy weaponry. This shift highlights the relevance of training programs like AMAR.
As conflicts evolve, so do training methods. The need for martial arts training reflects broader trends in military preparedness and serves as a reminder of the warriors’ role in maintaining national security.
For more insights, you can check the International Institute for Strategic Studies report here.
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