Page 182 - Mind, Body and Spirit No. 105 2021/22

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After what felt like forever, 2021 saw the Martial Arts team being given the go ahead to return to training. With the most represented disciplines on the team being Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) and Judo, we were some of the last to be allowed to recommence full training.
The team wasted no time and were straight back into the swing of things as if we’d never stopped. In September 21 four members of the team were invited to CTC RM to complete the new All Arms Close Combat course. An extremely well-run course, teaching the close combat techniques that the RMPT Branch deliver to all Royal Marines. The two-week course culminated in the infamous final exercise; we won’t divulge the details here but suffice to say it was one of the hardest physical events the author had ever completed.
A special highlight of the year was in November 21, when WO2 (QMSI) Baz Mairs RAPTC received a BJJ black belt from his Professor Alain Pozo, this makes him the first RAPTCI in history to hold both a BJJ and Judo black belt.
The team went on to conduct an extremely successful training camp in December 21. The camp took place at the Aldershot Combat Centre, where the team received instruction from some of the best grapplers in the world. Professor Roger Gracie, widely regarded as the best grappler to have ever lived gave a true master class on the importance of the basics. Professor Alain Pozo delivered an IBBJF centric session showing the team how important strategy and understanding of the rule set can be during competition. The final day of the camp was taken by Professor Jay Butler, Jay delivered what can only be described as a world class seminar in leg locks, something the entire team relished! It might be hard
Members of the RAPTC MA Team attend the All Arms Close Combat Course
for those reading to comprehend the level of instruction the team received during this training camp, and the only comparison that can be made is that it would be like having Ronaldo, Messi, and Beckham come to coach the Corps Football team.
A point of note from the training camp was that the newly promoted black belt, WO2 Mairs, was able to finally promote Sgt (SI) Russ Parker RAPTC to blue belt! Congratulations Russ!
January 22 saw a return to competition for the team with some noteworthy performances. First was the Army Judo Championships where Sgt (SI) LJ Doe RAPTC managed to secure a silver medal in the novice category, and Sgt (SI) Ollie Dales took gold in the novice under 73kg and silver in the intermediate under 81kg categories. This performance saw Sgt Dales receive the ‘Spirit of Judo’ award for his efforts on the day! This award is special in that it is an acknowledgment for both Ollie’s increasing skill level but also his humble nature both on and off the mats. Well done Ollie!
This success held the team in good stead moving into the Army BJJ Championships just 2 weeks later. Sgt (SI) LJ Doe RAPTC earning a bronze in the NoGi blue belt middleweight, Sgt (SI) Matt Crook RAPTC taking bronze in the white belt NoGi and silver in the Gi, Sgt (SI) O Dales RAPTC taking bronze in the Gi, at blue belt, middleweight, and WO2 (QMSI) Baz Mairs RAPTC taking a silver in the first ever black belt open weight, held at an Army Championships.
March saw Sgt (SI) O Dales RAPTC host a 2-day novice training camp at RMB Chivenor. The training camp was a massive success with over 25 individuals participating over the 2 days.
WO1 (SMI) T Tuhey, Sgt (SI) O Dales and WO2 (QMSI) B Mairs RAPTC
RAPTC MARTIAL ARTS
WO2 (QMSI) B Mairs RAPTC
WO2 (QMSI) Mairs RAPTC receives his black belt from Prof. Alain Pozo
RAPTC BJJ Seminar with Prof. Alain Pozo