Leading by Example: Marine Corps Martial Arts Command Team Excels on the World Stage
Maj Martin O. Thomas (left) world champion - super heavyweight division | MSgt Marlon A. Cajina (right) 2nd place, medium heavyweight and 3rd place - open weight (IBJJF)
In a display of commitment to excellence both on and off the battlefield, the leadership team at the Martial Arts and Fitness Center of Excellence (MAFCE) in Quantico, Virginia, recently demonstrated its prowess on the international stage. Maj Martin O. Thomas, the director of MAFCE and an accomplished Marine Corps infantry officer with 20 years of experience, and his senior enlisted advisor, MSgt Marlon A. Cajina, competed in the prestigious 2024 International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) No-Gi World Championships. Their exceptional performances showcased their martial arts expertise and embodiment of the Marine Corps’ values of honor, courage, and commitment.
Maj Thomas, a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a veteran of countless Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) training evolutions, claimed victory in the super heavyweight division, earning the title of world champion. This achievement is a testament to his dedication to continuous improvement and his ability to inspire Marines through personal example. His gold-medal performance highlights the discipline and resilience cultivated through years of service and martial arts training.
MSgt Cajina, competing as a purple belt, also delivered an inspiring performance. He secured a second-place finish in the medium heavyweight division and a third-place finish in the open weight division, demonstrating his versatility and determination. His success underscores his role as a mentor and motivator for Marines, illustrating that rank and responsibilities are no barriers to pursuing personal growth and excellence.
“Our success at the IBJJF No-Gi World Championships reflects the ethos we strive to instill in every Marine we train at MAFCE,” said Maj Thomas. “We are committed to leading from the front, showing that mastery of mind and body is not just a goal but a way of life for Marine leaders.”
The partnership between Maj Thomas and MSgt Cajina is more than a professional relationship; it is a dynamic collaboration rooted in shared values and mutual respect. Together, they exemplify the importance of leadership by example, using their achievements to inspire Marines to push their limits both physically and mentally. Their participation in competitive martial arts reinforces the foundational principles of MCMAP—to develop character, physical fitness, and the warrior spirit.
At a time when physical and mental readiness remain critical to mission success, the MAFCE command team’s achievements on the global stage resonate deeply within the Marine Corps community. Their victories serve as a reminder that the pursuit of excellence is a continuous journey, one that shapes not only the individual but also the Marines they lead.
Through their success at the 2024 IBJJF No-Gi World Championships, Maj Thomas and MSgt Cajina have set a new standard for Marine Corps leaders. Their story is a powerful example of what can be achieved when discipline, determination, and teamwork converge. As they return to Quantico, they remain steadfast in their mission: to prepare the next generation of Marines to embody the Corps’ fighting spirit, both on the battlefield and beyond.