NCL Announcements
The National Combat League Partners With The US Navy and US Marines To Host ""Semper Fights & Navy Knockouts: Grappling with Mental Health" At Miami Fleet Week
May 8, 2024
The U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and Fleet Week Miami Present "Semper Fights & Navy Knockouts: Grappling with Mental Health"
Miami, FL - May 8, 2024 - The U.S. Navy and U.S. Marines Corps, in collaboration with Fleet Week Miami, is proud to announce an exclusive, invite-only event aimed at addressing mental health challenges among service members through the lens of mixed martial arts (MMA).
Titled "Semper Fights & Navy Knockouts: Grappling With Mental Health," this groundbreaking event will feature an MMA clinic and resilience seminar aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) on Friday, May 10th, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. This ship, named after the Battle of Bataan in WWII, serves as a testament to the seamless transition from sea to land battles for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps.
The guest of honor will be Dr. Khalilah Camacho Ali (former wife of Muhammad Ali) and author of the book “Undefeated”.
Hosted in conjunction with The National Combat League (NCL) – “The Minor Leagues for MMA”- the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marines event will bring together distinguished panelists from diverse backgrounds to include:
Holly Nelson: Behavioral Scientist and Founder of The National Combat League, and the only woman in America to own an MMA Fight league featuring both male and female athletes.
Dr. Khalilah Camacho Ali: PhD of Theology, Author of "Undefeated," 9th Degree Black Belt, and former wife of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali.
Rashad Evans: UFC Hall of Famer, Coach & Mental Health Advocate for Professional Athletes.
Asim Zaidi: President of Karate Combat and Founder of Goat Shed.
Wes Saunders: Former NFL Player, Founder of Wes Juice & Mental Health Advocate for professional athletes.
Jennifer Whaley: Physician’s Assistant and Trauma-informed Yoga Instructor.
Courtnee Downs: Retired Chief Warrant Officer 2 and Veteran Mental Health Advocate.
Johnny Fratto: An American First Patriot running for a seat in the US House of Representatives in Florida’s 26th Congressional District.
The panel will be moderated by Real Estate Tech Entrepreneur & Mental Health Advocate, Nick Geatches.
The National Combat League panelists will delve into the intersection of mental health challenges faced by professional athletes and military personnel, drawing from each panelist’s own experiences and expertise, to shed light on human motivation and resilience.
Then, take it to the mat with us! Because following the seminar, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a hands-on MMA grappling clinic led by professionals in the space. Partnering with the Marine Corps Martial Arts Training Program (MCMAP) team, active-duty service members will learn valuable grappling techniques as part of their martial arts training.
"This event represents a unique convergence of combat sports and mental health awareness," said Holly Nelson, owner of the NCL. "By leveraging the expertise of our panelists and the dedication of our U.S. service members, we aim to promote resilience and well-being within our military community and amongst professional athletes."
"Ensuring the holistic fitness of our active-duty personnel and veterans is not just a matter of compassion; it's a strategic imperative. A resilient force is a stronger force,” said U.S. Marine Corps Col. David Ickles, 10th Marine Regiment commanding officer. “First and foremost, we are deeply grateful to Alex Kruger-Dobrota who is the Founder of Badger: Operation Gamify, a U.S. Marine Corps Scout Sniper veteran, and the Sr. Vice Commander of the Miami Beach VFW. Alex exemplifies the spirit of service and solidarity that defines our military community. By bringing together leaders in the professionals in the space such as Rashad Evans, Dr. Ali and Holly Nelson, he has brought forth an invaluable conversation about prioritizing mental health within our ranks.”
Attendance to the event is by invitation only. Media inquiries and interview requests can be directed to U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Hector Infante (hector.j.infante.mil@usmc.mil) and U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Sherrie Schlaht (sherrie.f.schlaht.mil@us.navy.mil), Fleet Week Miami Media Directors by 8 p.m., Thursday, May 9.
For more information about Miami Fleet Week, visit: https://fleetweekmiami.org/.
About Fleet Week Miami
Fleet Week Miami is an annual event celebrating the maritime services, providing an opportunity for the public to meet and interact with members of the U.S. Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard. Through various outreach activities, Fleet Week Miami aims to strengthen ties between the military and the local community.
Contact:
Holly Nelson
The National Combat League
media@thencl.co