Mr. Jim Ruesch

Jim Ruesch is experienced in the ways of the United States Military Academy. He served at West Point in the United States Corps of Cadets (USCC) Brigade Tactical Department (BTD) and as an instructor for the Dean of the Academic Board from July 2001 until March 2005.  Hired by USMAPS on 1 June 2005, Jim serves as Head Coach for the USMAPS Martial Arts program. In addition, he serves in the academic department as an Instructor and Counselor in the Center for Enhanced Performance.

In 2001 Coach Ruesch put his over 20 years of martial arts experience to use. He organized the West Point martial arts club into a competitive sport in Taekwondo and Karate for the Department of Physical Education.  In late 2001 the Army Martial Arts team shocked the Ivy League North Intercollegiate Taekwondo League (INCTL) at Princeton University knocking out opponents, and bringing home several first place medals in its first competition.  Only a year later, the team was ranked 5^th in the nation with several collegiate champions, as well as a U.S. national champion.   

In 2005 Jim Ruesch retired from the military with 20 years service to the Army and the nation. His assignments are many, and he has deployed all over the world in support of numerous operations and training exercised serving in positions such as Weapons Sergeant, Sniper, Scout Observer, Pathfinder, Team Leader, Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, First Sergeant, and Sergeant Major.

Mr. Joe Viz

Joe Viz returns for his 5th volunteer season at USMAPS in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), Judo, and self defense.  Viz continues this volunteer tradition began by Dr. Paul Turse and Ed Shirey who quietly formed standout fighters for the USMA Judo team for many years.  This year both Turse and Shirey will return to coach Judo and Viz will focus on BJJ and the grappling phase of the fight.

Viz has over 15 years experience in martial arts.  Most recently he supported a professional mixed martial arts (MMA) camp at REAL martial arts Dojo in Ocean, NJ. He holds a 2nd degree black belt in Judo, a brown belt in BJJ under Sensei Edson Carvalho, and has competed in MMA, Sport Grappling, and Judo.

Viz has a life long association with Ft Monmouth. His parents met here while his father was stationed at the Signal School.  Viz graduated from Monmouth Regional High School and attended Brookdale Community College and Rutgers University.  Currently, he works as a civilian contractor for communication activities at Ft Monmouth.

SPC Soileau

Michael Soileau is here for his first year as a boxing coach.  He began his pugilist career underneath Phil Daley, a fifth generation boxer. He fought in amateur divisions for both kickboxing and boxing.

He purchased and organized the equipment for the first-ever boxing team, along with coordinating their schedules and training. As a first year coach, the training paid off when his boxers competed individually, taking home the Yo Valley California Boxing Championship in amateur division.

SPC Soileau continues to refine his coaching skills under the direction of head boxing coach at West Point, Dr. Ray Barone.