This week, Cuban state television showcased the rigorous training of the special forces regiment based in Matanzas. A report aired by TV Yumurí on May 6 unveiled the physical and combat routines of a unit closely linked to the so-called Black Wasps, the elite brigade of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR).
The segment provided a glimpse inside the unit's indoor gym, equipped with around 40 different pieces of equipment and accessories. Here, the soldiers engage in exercises such as pull-ups, parallel bars, sit-ups, fixed bar routines, and practice Kioksul, a Korean martial art. This combat system is structured into 12 levels, with the unit teaching up to the third level, equivalent to a green belt.
An instructor from the regiment explained on camera, "We have a 12 by 12 tatami where we conduct Kioksul techniques. This Korean martial art is composed of 12 levels, and here we train up to the third level, which equates to a green belt, requiring combat against two or more opponents."
Kioksul is a hallmark of the Black Wasps, officially established on December 1, 1986, with origins tracing back to the Angolan war since 1975. Their training has historically been aided by advisors from the Soviet Union, Vietnam, North Korea, and China.
The report emphasizes that the physical preparation serves a clear operational purpose: "to develop skills, strength, endurance, and physical capability, enabling the fighter to accomplish a mission swiftly without casualties," as stated by one of the interviewed soldiers.
The broadcast also featured soldier Víctor Orosco Delgado, a member of the provincial boxing preselection in Matanzas, who utilizes the military facilities with sports authorization to train for competitions scheduled for September 2026.
The timing of this broadcast is not incidental. On January 3, 2026, U.S. forces executed an operation in Venezuela, leading to the capture of Nicolás Maduro. This operation resulted in the deaths of 32 Cubans involved in the Venezuelan leader's security detail, though later sources clarified that not all were members of the BMTE, but included bodyguards, MININT agents, and FAR officers.
Following this incident, the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR) increased its presence on social media with messages like "no enemy will be safe," while state television expanded its coverage of military training across various provinces.
The regime has previously used official media to display the capabilities of its special forces. In February 2024, Russian television station Zvezda showcased the Black Wasps' training in tropical camouflage, mountain deployment, and sabotage, describing them as "ninjas." In June 2025, the Communist Youth Union awarded Cuban special troops amid student protests.
The TV Yumurí report narrator succinctly sums up the training's purpose: "Physical preparation is a fundamental component in special forces units. It enhances the development of these fighters, preparing them for missions requiring exceptional physical and mental prowess."
Understanding Cuban Special Forces Training
What are the Black Wasps in Cuba?
The Black Wasps are an elite brigade within the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces, renowned for their specialized training and operational capabilities.
What martial art do Cuban special forces train in?
Cuban special forces train in Kioksul, a Korean martial art, which is an integral part of their physical and combat preparation.
How is physical training emphasized in Cuban special forces?
Physical training is crucial for Cuban special forces to develop the necessary strength, endurance, and capabilities needed for swift mission execution without incurring casualties.