Yes, have rolled with a retired (but still young - below 40 yr old) US Marine and Korean Special Forces (late 20's). No doubt determined and strong. Their mindset and drive is what sets them apart from non-military people
I used to train in Norfolk, Virginia, home of the largest navy base in the world, so we would regularly have Navy Seals training with us.
One time I lost my "weed guy". I think he got arrested or something, and I was looking for a new source.
There was this dude at the gym who was your standard California surfer/stoner; long blonde hair and everything. I thought for sure he was the guy to talk to.
Nope. He was a Navy Seal too. Turns out Navy Seals don't have to follow military grooming practices. Oops.
Anyway, yeah, all those dudes were impossible to tap out. Even the whitest of white belts.
One of my coaches is ex Dutch special forces (commando). He has that killer instict it’s like fighting a tiger, always goes for the kill (neck). The look in his eyes when he chokes you is frightening.
Yep, there's a guy at my gym in his mid 50s we call him spider monkey. Injuries EVERYWHERE from having ZERO chill (and it does not stop him). He is a GO GO GO mentality even when coming off a surgery lol. His grip is absolutely wild. He's only around 5'6"-5'7" and 140-150 pounds but he's the toughest roll, quickest learner, and one of the best training partners. He's kicked my butt all the way from White-Black belt.
I think he gives off one of the most carefree non serious vibes. Him and I were at F2W Tulsa last weekend and when he walked away for a few minutes. Another guy we were talking to (who doesn't know his background) was like "that guy reminds me of Jocko" I thought that was funny because the way I perceive his mentality is a 180 from Jocko!
