Life of Combat: The Journey of Dale Simmons from Self-Taught Martial Artist to Marine Corps Combat Instructor

NATIONWIDE - JUNE 2025 - (USAnews.com) — For Dale C. Simmons, life was not simply about survival—it was about mastery, discipline, and strength. From a childhood marked by hardship and adversity, he rose to become a revolutionary combat instructor and the creator of the Counter-Sambo hand-to-hand combat course for the U.S. Marine Corps. His story is not just about martial arts—it is a testament to resilience, the pursuit of excellence, and the power of perseverance.

In Life of Combat, Simmons recounts his transformation from an abused child to an accomplished Marine Corps instructor. This is more than a memoir; it’s a journey of overcoming obstacles, mastering combat, and challenging conventional thinking to create a life-changing training system.

The Birth of a Fighter: Overcoming the Odds

Dale Simmons didn’t start his journey in the traditional way. As a young boy, he endured bullying and physical torment, including a dog bite that left him with a pre-braces, tooth disfigured smile. These early experiences ignited a desire to prove his worth, not just to others, but to himself.

At the age of nine, Simmons had a life-altering experience when he was nearly beaten to death. This pivotal moment reshaped his perspective. He made a commitment to himself: to master martial arts and combat techniques, to become the best in the world at what he did. This dedication drove him to study unarmed combat, various martial arts, and traditional weaponry from around the world.

“I didn’t just want to survive,” Simmons reflects, “I wanted to be the best, that no one could defeat.”

With no formal teacher, Simmons became his own student, reading over 3,000 martial arts books and meticulously documenting his studies, producing over 30,000 pages of notes. His drive to master H2H combat led him to extreme training methods, including challenging environments and high-stakes physical tests, all aimed at perfecting his craft.

Enter the Marine Corps: Transforming Combat Training

Simmons's life took a decisive turn when he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he continued to refine his martial arts skills. It was here that the idea for his groundbreaking Counter-Sambo course began to take shape. Having observed Soviet soldiers training in Sambo, a highly effective hand-to-hand combat system, Simmons saw a gap in the Marine Corps’ training. He recognized that the Marines lacked a comprehensive, modern hand-to-hand combat program.

Determined to fill this gap, Simmons designed the Counter-Sambo course, drawing on his vast knowledge of martial arts. The goal was not just to teach new techniques but to provide a combat system that could save lives in close-quarters battle.

The process of introducing this new program was not easy. Simmons faced resistance from a military bureaucracy and skepticism from some of his superiors. However, his persistence paid off. After overcoming numerous challenges, he successfully trained 93 Marines to instructor level in Counter-Sambo, demonstrating the course’s effectiveness in real-world scenarios.

Proving the Effectiveness of Counter-Sambo

A defining moment in Simmons's career came when he demonstrated the effectiveness of Counter-Sambo techniques in a challenge at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego. Armed with four trained assistants, Simmons was told by the Depot Commanding Officer to face off against his group of Marine hand-to-hand combat instructors. The prior demonstration of his techniques was so effective that this group of Marine hand-to-hand combat instructors literally ran away from Simmons along with their Officer In Charge. This event is on video tape.This forced the Marine hand-to-hand combat instructors to concede, and acknowledge the superiority of his system.

Simmons's Counter-Sambo system proved itself in combat situations time and again. His methods helped transform hand-to-hand combat training in the Marine Corps, offering a practical, life-saving approach that complemented traditional military training.

The Legacy of Simmons’s Combat Art

Today, Dale Simmons is recognized as a leading figure in the martial arts and military communities. His Counter-Sambo course remains unmatched in its practical application to modern combat. However, Simmons's legacy extends beyond his work as a combat instructor. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of pushing through adversity.

In addition to his expertise in combat, Simmons also served as an Electronics Maintenance Shop Chief for the Marine Corps and as a Master Electronics instructor. His contributions were not confined to the physical realm—he also played a key role in the Corps' technical training programs.

The Inspiration Behind Life of Combat

Life of Combat is more than just an autobiography for those interested in martial arts or military history. It is a story of personal growth, mental toughness, and the unyielding pursuit of excellence. Whether you are facing personal struggles or professional obstacles, Simmons’s journey will inspire you to keep going, no matter how insurmountable the challenge may seem.

Simmons's story demonstrates that success is not defined by the obstacles we face but by how we choose to rise above them. His resilience and determination offer a powerful message for anyone who has ever faced adversity.

For those looking to learn more about the art of Counter-Sambo or improve their hand-to-hand combat skills, Simmons also offers personal training and courses.

Get Your Copy of Life of Combat Now

Ready to dive into the story of Dale Simmons and his transformative journey? Get your copy of Life of Combat today on Amazon in both print and audiobook formats.

Additionally, for those interested in training in Counter-Sambo or seeking personal instruction from Dale Simmons, visit https://lifeofcombat.com for more details and enrollment options.