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RCT-5's fighting guru is no better friend, no worse enemy

by Lance Cpl. Bryan Eberly

Don't let the tattoos, bald scalp and bulging muscles fool you. Staff Sgt. Christopher T. Kessler isn't just a tough guy. He's a born fighter.

Staff Sgt. Christopher J. Kessler, the 30-year-old chief instructor for Regimental Combat Team 5's Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, from San Frenando Valley, Calif., counter-attacks a move from his grappling partner during a grappling session at Camp Fallujah Nov. 16. Kessler spends whatever off-time he has sharpening his fighting skills. He has goals of becoming a cage fighter, like those of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and studies mixed-martial arts on top of his black-belt intructor trainer credit. (photo by Lance Cpl. Bryan Eberly)

The 30-year-old communications chief from San Fernando Valley, Calif., assigned to Regimental Combat Team 5's Headquarters Company, is a black belt instructor trainer and chief instructor for RCT-5's Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.

He is not a Marine to meet in a dark alley.

"While most Marines like cars, fishing or billiards, I love to fight," Kessler said.

Kessler is an avid fan of fighting. He's been training since he wrestled in high school over ten years ago. Now, along with his MCMAP black-belt skills, he studies Ju-Jitsu, Mui-Tai and cage fighting, like that of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

"He hopes to become a cage fighter someday," said Lance Cpl. Matthew D. Gammons, a 22-year-old wireman who trains mixed-martial arts with Kessler in his off-time. "He wants to be 'King of the Cage.'"

"Fighting is the most basic instinct of mankind and an awesome male-bonding experience" Kessler said. "I love competition, and cage fighting is the closest thing to combat outside the Corps."

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