Drill Dojo Drives Excellence in Military Drills to Inspire Future Americans

Military drills require three main qualities: precision, discipline, and unity. For decades, these principles have been exemplified by groups and individuals across the United States. However, until recently, the exhibition drill - where participants perform synchronized, often complex maneuvers with replica rifles - lacked standardized guidelines. That is why Drill Dojo, a free educational space for military drills, aids those who are enthusiastic about learning drills in a holistic manner. Founded by Adam Jeup, a World Drill Champion and National High School Drill Team Championship-winning coach, and pushed forward by Captain Jose Alejandro Barreto Martinez, owner of Glendale Parade Store, Drill Dojo has redefined the standards of military parade-style tricks, to transform a diverse and often unregulated practice into a cohesive, safety-oriented discipline.  

This organization was born from the need to unify the various styles and tricks developed by different drill teams across the United States. Adam Jeup recognized the potential for chaos and inconsistency, where a trick known by one name in one region might be entirely different in another. To address this, he created a standardized drill library in 2009 that catalogs these tricks and provides detailed instructions on how to perform them safely. 

Drill Dojo introduces a unique certification system using colored slings to indicate proficiency levels, similar to how some martial arts use colored belts to indicate the same. This visual cue allows instructors and participants to immediately assess whether the driller can perform these specific tricks, which reduces the risk of injury. Jose explains, “Just like some martial arts, these colored slings start with the basic white, and participants can progress through levels, with the final one being the prestigious black sling. Each color is a significance of a level of mastery.” 

The process to join this initiative is quite simple. Participants can submit videos of their performances to Drill Dojo, where Adam Jeup personally reviews them. Upon approval, participants receive certification for their achievements, all at no cost. This democratization of knowledge and skill development has made Drill Dojo an invaluable resource for schools, teams, and individual drillers across the country. 

Drill Dojo was truly formed to celebrate and honor the legacy of drill legends. Constantine Wilson, a revered figure in the drill community and founder of New Guard America, is memorialized through the Constantine Wilson Award. Adam states, “This honorable accolade is awarded to individuals who not only excel in their drill performances but also show an exceptional community spirit and dedication.” 

Recipients of the Constantine Wilson Award receive a custom, colored stock rifle from Glendale, with their name engraved. This beautifully crafted rifle is made from unbreakable resin and adorned with gold parts that Constantine’s wife chose. “It has never been done by anyone before,” Jose shares. Part of the reason this visionary is so passionate about this is because he believes it’s important for the younger generation of Americans to have a way to build their character. 

Recognizing the financial challenges faced by many schools, Drill Dojo, in collaboration with Glendale, launched the Drill for Dreams program. This initiative provides funding to schools and individuals who lack the resources to participate in national competitions. Adam shares the process for application, stating, “Schools can apply for assistance by writing to Drill Dojo, explaining their needs and aspirations. With the help of Glendale, we further allocate store credit to help cover costs, which further enables passionate young drillers to showcase their talents on a national stage.” 

Drilling itself was a means to imbibe military discipline and teamwork. This practice was founded on the teachings of General Frederick Wilhelm von Steuben, who was instrumental in training the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. It truly transforms individuals, instilling resilience, focus, and a strong sense of camaraderie among them.