CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa — Sweating and straining, 40 Marines were pushed to their limits Wednesday morning as part of a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program instructor training course at Camp Hansen.

The future instructors gutted out a grueling two-hour martial arts integration drill designed to prove they know the program’s techniques even when mentally fatigued, chief instructor Gunnery Sgt. Willy Carrion said.

The 15-day program underway here now is being conducted by Battalion Landing Team 3/5, which is made up of 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines and many support elements.

The goal of the program, started in 2000, is "to make well-rounded Marines — mentally and physically," Carrion said, adding that there’s much to learn before these students become instructors.

They will have to endure 12 more days of physical training, classroom instruction and martial arts sparring, Carrion said.

"This will be an easy day," he told the group before Wednesday’s training.

Frustrated and fatigued after the drill, Cpl. David Gonzalez disagreed.

"It’s pretty tough," Gonzalez said, panting as he wiped sweat from his face. "Probably one of the toughest things I’ve ever done."

By the end of the course, the students will leave with a green belt and the ability to teach Marine Corps Martial Arts Program techniques to other Marines, Carrion said.

But the rewards include more than a belt, the chief instructor said.

Explained Carrion: "We not only teach Marines to fight, we challenge them mentally and push their characters."