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CAMP FUJI, Japan — For a brief second, the two Marines stare each other down before charging.

A struggle ensues, with the combatants exchanging a series of locks and counters. But before long, one fighter relents and taps out to the sound of polite applause from onlookers.

This bout was not about winning, but was actually part of a larger demonstration of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, one of 15 displays at Camp Fuji’s Third Annual Martial Arts Expo.

Other arts demonstrated Sunday included karate, kendo, aikido, and the always popular yabusame — archery on horseback. In addition, music, dancing, food and even a dunk tank were available.

Mixed in among the Japanese clothing and food vendors were Marines pounding rice into mochi, which was being sold to raise money for the base’s Single Marine Program.

"It gets pretty tiring," laughed Cpl. Ryan Andrews, who explained that the program gives single Marines a forum to address quality-of-life issues as well as plan community service activities and recreational events.

This is the second year the base has completely opened its gates for the expo. The first year the event was open only to military identification card holders and their invited off-base guests.

"It’s always great getting the two communities together," said base commander Col. Robert G. Golden III. "We’re guests here, and want to give back to the community any time we can."

Planning for the event began about four months ago, said Camp Fuji athletic director Franchon Blanche, adding that coordination with off-base martial arts organizations and the local police were necessary to make the expo a success.

In addition to allowing the local Japanese community a chance to visit the base and share their culture, Blanche said the expo is a learning experience for the Marines who "get exposure to many different martial arts other than just the ones we offer on base."

"It’s good for everyone, especially the Japanese, so they can see a little of what we do," said Sgt. Cesar Chavez, one of the Marines to participate in the MCMAP demonstration. Chavez said that through martial arts, the Japanese culture has spread around the world including into the Marine Corps.

"There’s a lot of Jujitsu, a lot of throwing Judo-type stuff, a lot of wrestling," he said of Japanese martial arts, "and we just take what we need from every single one and figure out how we can use it in an actual combat environment."

Gunnery Sgt. Christopher G. Macwilliam, a MCMAP black belt instructor, said demonstrating the Marine Corps’ fighting style alongside other arts was a learning experience.

"Marines can see the moves and techniques used in MCMAP being used in the martial arts they were taken from," he said. "It gives them a chance to see where it all came from."

Stars and Stripes reporter Tim Wightman contributed to this story.