Suffolk native and King’s Fork High School graduate Anthony Ellis recently won his first match in U.S. Army Combatives competition at Ft. Myer, Arlington.

The U.S. Army Combatives is a program made for soldiers to enhance fighting skills through competition. The program helps to build mental toughness as well as promote good sportsmanship. It is based out of the military district of Washington D.C., and the team is made up of soldiers throughout Virginia.

Ellis, who graduated from King’s Fork High School in 2007, is a U.S. Army Ranger stationed in Ft. Meyer.

He wrestled as a middleweight at 165 pounds. He lost 32 pounds in 28 days to be prepared for the match.

In the first 15 seconds of the match, Ellis separated his collarbone but then fought for another 5:45 to get his victory.

“The win felt great,” Ellis said. “The pain was tough, but coming from my background, it’s been instilled in me to have that mental toughness. I knew I had to complete the mission, and my mission was to win.”

Ellis has only been wrestling for a year. The competition piqued his interest, and he decided to give it a shot. He then went on to get certified through the Combative school and became an undergrad.

“I have younger siblings and a son, and I felt like that program gave me the opportunity to be the best I can be in the military for them,” Ellis said of his interest in wrestling in the program.

Wanting to be successful is one of the things that motivates Ellis when he is wrestling. He takes his status as a U.S Army Ranger with pride, as they are considered among the elite.

Suffolk is a big part of who Ellis is, and he represents the city the best way he can.

“I definitely want to represent my city at all times,” Ellis said. “That’s where it all started for me. People always ask where I’m from, and I say, “Suffolk Virginia,” with pride. When I talk to people back home, or they see me, I want them to see a good representation of what the Army is.”