Page 156 - RAPTC Year of 2019

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www.raptcassociation.org.uk
RAPTC MARTIAL ARTS
WO2 (QMSI) J Marshall RAPTC
‘When you learn to see Jiu Jitsu as a whole, you learn to accept a loss, to forgive your adversary, to be more patient and balanced, to ask forgiveness as you stand up to a challenge.’ Rickson Gracie
The 2019/2020 season has seen further development and growth of the RAPTC Martial Arts (MA) team, with more RAPTCIs both newly badged and those currently serving showing interest and keen to get involved. Across the Army, the RAPTC is still the Corps leading by example in the Martial Art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). This is evident with the continuous organisation of Training Camps in the UK and abroad as well as Overseas Sports Tours (OSV).
The RAPTC MA team went big this season and conducted an OSV to the USA. The team were fortunate enough to be able to train at the world-renowned Renzo Gracie academy which is home to some world class title holders. The team split down into ability groups and underwent a minimum of 4 hours trg a day, mixing it up with some of the world’s finest grapplers. The OSV concluded at the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (IBJJF) New York Spring Open competition. The team entered the competition which took place over 2 days and each member had a minimum of one fight against some fierce competitors achieving a total of 8 medals overall.
The team are constantly improving and developing their skills which is notable by the following promotions. Sgt (SI) Ollie Dales, Sgt (SI) P Gurung and Sgt (SI) LJ Doe promoting to blue belt. Sgt (SI) Nic Santangeli promoting to purple belt and SSgt (SSI) Barry Mairs achieving an overdue promotion to brown belt after competing and winning his division after a significant injury setback last year.
Sgt (SI) Nic Santangeli has been proactive and further enhanced the RAPTC MA association and the British Army BJJ association. He was pivotal in the implementation of securing funds and
Purple Belt promotion – Sgt N Santangeli Brown Belt Promotion SSgt B Mairs
setting up an Army BJJ facility at Hyde Park barracks. This was opened by the RAPTC with a 3-day trg camp and has furthermore encouraged the growth of BJJ within the London District area with local units having the opportunity to utilise the facility and benefit from Sgt Santangeli’s coaching.
Members of the team are still training and competing on a regular basis mainly at the weekends and avoiding the injuries that are associated with this contact sport. With the ever-increasing popularity of BJJ across the UK, the competition is certainly getting tougher.
In closing the RAPTC MA team is in a great place and is going from strength to strength. SSgt (SSI) Barry Mair’s has now assumed the role of secretary and will take the RAPTC MA association further with plans to expand our trg throughout 2020-21.
New York Spring Open BJJ team
Sgt N Santangeli and Sgt O Dales Sgt Dales wins Nottingham Open at the Inter-Service Champs
Blue Belt promotion – Sgt LJ Doe Blue Belt promotion –
Sgt O Dales Blue Belt promotion – Sgt P Gurung