Veterans fight club

War veterans gather in a circle inside a fight cage as Todd Vance demonstrates an offensive martial arts move. The workouts help veterans cope with post-traumatic stress issues and have been endorsed by psychologists.  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

Former U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Travis Henschel, 36, shows battle scars from the war in Iraq. “I have pain every day, but coming here helps me live with it,” he says.  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

Todd Vance, left, demonstrates a martial arts move with former Army Sgt. Jaimie Guarnieri, who had several tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.   (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

Former Navy Corpsman Angie Zayas announces an upcoming event. Vance calls her his “official harasser.”   (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

A sweat-drenched veteran cools down after a 90-minute workout.  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

Veterans join hands in a half-circle after their workout and shout, “Brotherhood!”  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)