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In recent years, celebrities visiting military installations overseas have become a highlight for service members serving in those areas. Free live music, stand-up comedy and other entertainment provide a welcome break from a rigorous operational tempo.
However, the KMC broke the norm with a celebrity who brought fight experience and a unique look at resiliency.
Chris “Lights Out” Lytle, a retired mixed martial arts fighter, firefighter and native of Indianapolis, Indiana, visited Soldiers from the 21st Theater Sustainment Command and their guests April 15 and 18 at Kleber Kaserne Fitness Center.
Lytle took part in an “open mat” session, an opportunity for anyone desiring some mixed martial arts experience to grapple and spar with opponents at varying levels of experience. The session lasted several hours, and Lytle “rolled” with 15 separate opponents from the 21st TSC, 5th Military Police Battalion (Criminal Investigation Division), members of the U.S. Air Force and local national members of a local jiujitsu gym. After each sparring session, he would take a break to discuss various fighting techniques.
“This was a great time, and it’s always great to see someone (Lytle) who has been on T.V. and fought professionally come out to spend time with Soldiers,” said Sgt. 1st Class Ronnell Foster, a 21st TSC combatives instructor. “Being taught these techniques by a professional is a huge morale booster, and it really motivates the Soldiers.”
Lytle’s interaction with Soldiers on April 18 brought a slightly different focus than just mixed martial arts techniques. He spoke about resilience and the importance of keeping a positive outlook with U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers from the 21st TSC’s 7th Civil Support Command during their battle assembly weekend.
Lytle drew from personal experience in fighting, his time on an ultimate fighting reality television show and his home life to relate to his military audience.
“All throughout my fighting career I was a full-time firefighter, and I have a big family, which led to some stressful times,” Lytle said. “In my career, I suffered several losses because of split decisions, one on reality T.V. in particular, and that meant losing a lot of money for my family. It was difficult to deal with those kinds of losses, and I like to talk to people about how I got into a mindset to overcome that time in my life.”
He went on to talk about the increase in popularity of the Ultimate Fighting Championship and his participation in the events.
“As UFC got more popular, they started having more events and they offered bonuses for things like ‘best knock-out’ and ‘best submission.’” he said. “That’s where I started making money for my family and accomplishing those goals. I accomplished everything I set out to. It wasn’t the way I planned it, but it happened.”
Lytle hosted another open mat after his remarks on resiliency. He took questions from the audience on various techniques and gave everyone a chance to spar if they wanted.
“This was a great time. How often can you say, ‘I got choked out by a UFC fighter?’” said Staff Sgt. David Maybury, the 7th CSC training noncommissioned officer in charge. “It was amazing to hear this guy’s story and then to have him teach us on the mat.”
