Page 142 - RAPTC Number 102 2018/19

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During the 2018/2019 season the RAPTC Martial Arts team continued to grow in numbers and interest, with RAPTCIs’ progressing through the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) ranks.
Notably Sgt (SI) Nic Santangeli RAPTC and Sgt (SI) Pratap Gurung RAPTC achieving the rank of Blue belt and SSgt (SSI) Rich Rowley RAPTC finally achieving the rank of Purple belt. The sport of BJJ has now cemented itself as the most popular Martial Arts discipline across all three Services and the RAPTC and as such, the competition at events has been raised to a new
level.
RAPTC Martial Artists attended the annual RAPTC sports awards dinner which resulted in Sports Colours being awarded to WO2 (QMSI) John Marshall and SSgt (SSI) Glen Charlton. In addition, SSgt (SSI) Barry Mairs was shortlisted
as a nominee for the RAPTC Sportsman of the year and Sgt (SI) Nic Santangeli for RAPTC Rising Sports Star of the Year. Finally, WO2 (QMSI) Wayne Sibthorpe was awarded the RAPTC Lifetime Achievement award for his many years and contribution towards Martial Arts throughout his career in the RAPTC. We continue to strive for further success as we go into the next season.
We have seen members of the team achieve some outstanding results with many podium finishes during both civilian and military events. Some of the most noteworthy accomplishments were achieved by SSgt (SSI) Barry Mairs and Sgt (SI) Nic Santangeli who both won double gold medals at the Inter Services Championships. This result earnt them their Army colours and selection to represent the Army BJJ team to compete at the European Champs in Portugal. Unfortunately, both individuals
sustained substantial injuries that prevented them from taking part.
The annual training camp was conducted in Malaga, Spain at the Lilius Barnatt academy, which has a fierce reputation of being one of Europe’s top academies. The team of 8 were tested and pushed to their limits for ten tough days, in preparation for the Armed Forces Championships which took place in Dec 18.
The team is now looking ahead and in the
final planning stages for an overseas sports visit to New York in Apr 19, which will see 7 RAPTCIs compete against some exceptional high-level talent from the international BJJ community.
RAPTC MARTIAL ARTS
WO2 (QMSI) J Marshall RAPTC MA Secretary
“If you want to be a lion, you must train with lions” Carlson Gracie