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www.raptcassociation.org.uk
In a concerted effort to meet the rising demand for safe and structured Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) training with
the Armed Forces, the British Jiu- Jitsu Association Governing Body (BJJAGB), with recognition from Sport England, spearheaded a 1-day coaching qualification programme. This initiative, held at Merville Barracks, Colchester, stands a testament to the commitment to excellence and safety of BJJ practice and instruction in a military setting.
The surge of popularity of BJJ both within and beyond the Armed Forces necessitates proactive measures to ensure that training sessions are conducted with the utmost safety and professionalism. Given the inherent physicality of combat sports, mitigating the risk of injury becomes paramount, prompting implementation of guidelines and qualification standards.
The exponential growth of BJJ has led to the emergence of dedicated combat facilities within the Armed Forces, appearing at various locations. This trend highlights the necessity for trained coaching personnel, especially as training moves away from traditional gym facilities in some cases.
The annual RAPTC Orienteering Championships bring together RAPTC runners to compete in a challenging individual competition. The event is a 1-hour score event where participants aim to collect as many of the maximum 30 check points as possible. Each check point is worth 10 points, but for every 6 seconds a runner exceeds the 1-hour time limit, 1 point is deducted. Success in orienteering requires strategic route planning, navigation skills to locate each check point efficiently, and the physical fitness to reach as many check points as possible within the time limit.
This year’s championships were held at the familiar Long Valley Training Area in Aldershot and featured notable runners including: Maj Logan, Capt Harris, WO2 Moody, WO2 Mairs, SSgt Harrison, SSgt Steele, and the Regimental Secretary as a non-competitive guest runner. SSgt Steele emerged as the champion with an impressive 250 points.
Following the RAPTC Orienteering Championships, top runners were selected
Beyond the realm of individual skill development, the coaching qualification programme holds broader implications of unit cohesion, physical readiness and the ability to use the skills of the sport in tactical unarmed combat scenarios.
Sgt Pyett envisions a future where BJJ gains even more popularity within the Armed Forces, leading to the establishment of Major Unit/Corps events and competitions competition akin to boxing. Many Corps now boast teams and hold regular training camps and overseas visits. The competition calendar is getting increasingly busier year after year.
The RAPTC BJJ Team is scheduled to embark on an Overseas Sports Visit (OSV) to Austin, Texas in July 2024. During this trip they will have an opportunity to train alongside some of the most skilled BJJ practitioners in the world. The team comprises of eight members of the RAPTC, all eager to enhance their skills and knowledge of the sport. The culmination of their OSV experience will be marked by their participation in a IBJJF Competition, where they will put their training and abilities to test on an international stage.
EMPOWERING ARMED FORCES PERSONNEL THROUGH BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU COACHING
Sgt (SI) L Pyett RAPTC
Among attendance on this course was Sgt (SI) Pyett, an ERI based out of Wattisham Flying Station, Suffolk. On promotion to purple belt, Sgt Pyett will be able to instruct in-barracks BJJ sessions and foster the growth of the sport within the Armed Forces.
Central to the objectives of the coaching course is the provision of essential skills and certification of service personnel. This will allow them to competently and confidently provide safe training at their respective units.
The course is meticulously designed to cater for varying levels of coaching proficiency, encompasses three tiers of certification: Level 1 Novice, Level 2 Assistant Coach and Level 3 Club Coach. All corresponding to BJJ belt grades.
Topics covered on the course include a myriad of subjects such as safety protocols, legal considerations, ethics, injury prevention, and even specialized topics such as cryotherapy and impact of menstrual cycle on training. A curriculum of e-Learning will support further training.
RAPTC ORIENTEERING
SSgt (SSI) R Harrison RAPTC
to represent the RAPTC in the Army Inter Corps Orienteering Championships held annually in November. This 2-day event included a night event at the Pirbright Training Area and a day event at the Mytchett Training Area, both of which were line events requiring navigation of all check points in a specific order.
The RAPTC team achieved a commendable 3rd place overall on the
Short Course, with SSgt Tom Steele winning the Senior Short Course night event and both Capt Al Harris and SSgt Tom Steele securing victories in their respective age categories during the day event. The team’s performance was a testament to their skill and dedication, resulting in a great outcome for the RAPTC.