Page 193 - RAPTC 23/24

191
In less than a year, the team has made extraordinary progress, expanding our numbers from 20 to a thriving group of
29 members. The team began the year with an Overseas Sports Visit (OSV) to Cyprus, where we had the opportunity to train with seasoned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) athletes. This, in turn, led to the well- deserved promotion of team members SSgts Dales and Doe to purple belt, and Maj Pierce to blue belt, by the Head Coach WO2 (QMSI) Mairs RAPTC. SSgt Crutchley was promoted to Brown Belt by his Cypriot Black Belt coach. Also, upon return to the UK, Sgt Brown was later promoted to blue belt by his Civilian BJJ Coach.
The team’s success in BJJ competitions has been nothing short of inspirational for the RAPTC, with members excelling at regional, national, and participating in European Championships. SSgt Jones and Sgt Page have consistently secured medals and respectable placings in regional competitions. Capt Tuhey won silver and bronze medals in the English Championship and British Open, winning in both the Gi and No-Gi categories in the Brown belt featherweight category at the SBG North Open. He also competed at the IBJJF European Championships. The Army BJJ Championships further showcased the team’s exceptional talent, with QMSI Hunt, SSgts Dales and Hammond, and Sgts Smith and Pyett representing the RAPTC. QMSI Gilmore’s outstanding performance, resulting in gold medal wins in both Gi and No-Gi categories at the Army BJJ Championships, epitomises the team’s success. As a result of his remarkable achievements, QMSI Gilmore has been selected to represent the Army at the Inter-Services Championships. SSgt Dales has made significant contributions to Army BJJ as a referee and official. Recognising his commitment to Army BJJ, SSgt Dales was presented with his Army Colours in February 2024 at Army BJJ
RAPTC Martial Arts Team after a very hot NO-Gi Session in Cyprus
RAPTC MARTIAL ARTS
Capt (MAA) T Tuhey RAPTC
“Always assume that your opponent is going to be bigger, stronger and faster than you; so that you learn to rely on technique, timing and leverage rather than brute strength”
Helio Gracie
QMSI Gilmore winning GOLD in the No-Gi at the Army Championships
Championships. Furthermore, SSgt Dales has been selected to be part of the Army Judo team, which will train and compete in Australia in September 2024. In Judo, SSgts Lockey and Parker have played pivotal roles in promoting Judo, acting as coaches, officials, and organisers. They have dedicated their time to coaching experienced athletes and newcomers, and they have been instrumental in organising the Inter-Services and Army Judo Championships. The team also boasts a talented professional athlete, Sgt Webster, who achieved a remarkable
The handover/takeover of the Chairman role between Maj Pierce and Capt Tuhey
feat by winning his first professional Muay Thai fight in February, with more fights lined up in 2024. What sets this team apart is their relentless determination to excel in multiple martial arts disciplines. Many team members have embraced cross-training in various martial arts disciplines, refining their skills in striking, BJJ, and Judo.
Following a proposal submitted by Capt Tuhey and the Army BJJ lead, the team is currently in the planning stages for the first-ever BJJ skills course at the ASPT in 2024. This ground-breaking initiative, supported by Army Sport, the Chairman of Army Martial Arts, and other team members, is expected to have a profound impact on the entire BJJ community, placing the RAPTC at the forefront of Army BJJ.
As the year progresses, the team eagerly anticipates competing in various martial arts disciplines, and training alongside World Champions in Texas. If you are interested in joining the team, please let us know.
A training camp arranged by the RAPTC Martial Arts team