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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.

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)

In a sweaty, loud San Diego gym, veterans train in mixed martial arts, fighting each other and the demons they brought home from Iraq and Afghanistan. Full story

Battle scars

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)

Demonstrating a martial arts move

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)

Fight club

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

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Cooling down

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

Joining hands

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

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