Page 163 - Mind, Body & Spirit Number 104 2020/21

As with most sports in 2020 the arrival of COVID-19 put a complete stop to all activity. Unfortunately, that meant for RAPTC Martial Arts (MA), mats had to be stored away. As I write this, we are still at least 8 weeks away from resuming any form of contact training.
What this does allow is for me to write a short piece about the history of RAPTC MA, albeit from my limited perspective and short time in the Corps.
The RAPTC has a long-standing history with MA, with the majority sport being Judo, for several years. I remember attending a Judo Skills course as a Sapper in early 2004 to be met by the ‘grand- father’ of Army Judo, Maj (Retd) Jim McKenzie and see the likes of Maj Phil McGregor, Capt Maz Maslin, SMI Dusty Miller, and SSgt Graham Hockley on the mat. Those that know these men will appreciate that this introduction to RAPTC Judo was not for the faint hearted. Every randori (sparring) session was a war. It was for that reason the Judo Skills courses were so popular at the time, attracting in the region of 30 – 50 Judoka, with the large majority being Dan grades (Black Belts).
Fast forward several years and that RAPTC Judo legacy is still alive with SSgt Nathan Lockey, Sgt Russ Parker, and me as Dan grades leading from the front under the guidance of Capt Reg Pierce.
Another sport within RAPTC MA that has been increasing in popularity over the last few years is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). BJJ is a ground-based grappling sport were the aim is to force your opponent to submit via joint lock, strangulation.
From humble beginnings within the RAPTC, BJJ grabbed the attention of a few of the RAPTC Judo team with the likes of myself, Capt Maz Maslin and SMI Benny Bennett competing as white belts in 2008. Over the years the team has slowly gained in popularity and now boasts a brown belt, several purple and blue belts, and more recently an upsurge of white belts keen to get on the mats to train and compete for and be recognised with RAPTC sports colours.
With the drawdown of social distancing measures and the gradual return to sport, RAPTC MA have several camps and an Over Seas Visit plan for the 2021/2022 season. All training camps are open to RAPTCIs of all levels. No matter your experience level we can tailor the training to you. Get in touch with me via email if you’d like to find out more: barry.mairs366@mod.gov.uk
RAPTC BJJ OSV to Malaga, Spain
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RAPTC MARTIAL ARTS: A VERY SHORT HISTORY
SSgt (SSI) B Mairs RAPTC
RAPTC BJJ OSV to Malaga, Spain
Left to Right: SSgt Qasim, SSgt Mairs, WO2 Tuhey, WO2 Marshall, SSgt Santangeli