Article by Capt Kyle Ho, Real Property Operations Unit (West)
The significance of supporting hand-to-hand combat training cannot be overstated in the dynamic landscape of military operations, where adaptability is critical. This specialized skillset enhances soldiers’ capabilities, ensuring they are well-prepared for diverse and unpredictable situations. Realizing the need for unarmed combat training within 1 Canadian Mechanized Battle Group (1 CMBG), Real Property Operations Unit (West) Headquarters (RPOU(W) HQ) organized a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) Seminar for 3rd Canadian Division HQ, 3rd Canadian Division Support Group, and 1 Canadian Mechanized Battle Group (1 CMBG) while supported by 1 Combat Engineer Regiment (1CER) on 01 Mar 2024. “This specialized skillset enhances soldiers’ capabilities, ensuring they are well-prepared for diverse and unpredictable situations,” explained LCol Michael Veitch, Commanding Officer (CO) of 1 CER.
BJJ, renowned for its emphasis on ground fighting and submission holds, provides soldiers with unique principles to navigate close-quarter combat scenarios. It is deemed a suitable art to capitalize on, considering the gear soldiers have to carry while on duty. Depending on the environment in which a soldier operates, critical gear could make initiating strikes and kicks cumbersome. A critical benefit that soldiers gain from BJJ training is adaptability. This style of martial arts places emphasis on fluid transitions as well as providing situational awareness which aligns with the unpredictable nature of military operations. Soldiers learn to navigate a variety of combat scenarios with precision and poise, making split-second decisions that can tip the scales in their favour. “It is not brutal strength. It is a delicate art. It teaches our soldiers to pay attention to details and to be thinking warriors in stressful situations.” Maj Chris Tymchuk, Grappling Head Coach 1PPCLI.
Professor Carlos Alexandra Rodrigues, a world-class fifth-degree BJJ Black Belt, from Frontline Academy Sherwood Park, was invited by the RPOU(W) as the special guest for this event. At the age of 16, he started his journey as a martial artist in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In 2004, he earned his black belt in BJJ and competed and medaled in many high-profile international tournaments. He has spent the last 14 years teaching BJJ as a part of the BJJ national project on behalf of the Abu Dhabi Royal Family. Professor Carlos Alexandra Rodrigues has a strong affiliation to the military community and is a strong supporter of men and women who wear the uniform. “At the Frontline Academy, we respect and support the military. It is the least that we can do to thank Canadian Armed Forces members for their service and sacrifice for our communities.”
This seminar afforded the CFB Edmonton team the opportunity to get together and fostered a sense of camaraderie and trust among soldiers. As they grapple and learn, a unique bond forms, translating into enhanced teamwork on the battlefield. This sense of unity contributes to a more cohesive and synchronized military unit, where members understand their role and trust their comrades. “It is awesome to see senior officers on the mat leading by example. I am grateful for all the support my CO gave to the team, embracing the warrior’s culture, and slowly implementing the combative training into the Regimental Combat PT routine at 1 CER. It makes me proud to be a member of 1 CER, and I will never want to leave.” Cpl Zachary Johnson, Grappling Coach, 1 CER.
After the seminar, CO of RPOU(W) concluded with this departing message, “I want to thank the members from RPOU(W) for coordinating this seminar. I appreciate LCol Veitch and his crew for their logistics support. Relationship building with our end users is just as important as infrastructure services. RPOU(W) supports and empowers our members to provide services beyond infrastructure management in all aspects of military application.”
The collaboration between a world-class BJJ black belt and military training represents a cutting-edge approach to enhancing soldiers’ hand-to-hand combat skills. As traditional military tactics and martial arts converge, a new generation of soldiers emerges – agile, adaptable, and empowered with a strategic mindset. The fusion of disciplines elevates individual capabilities and positions military units at the forefront of innovation in modern combat training. Are you considering opening the door to be the best version of yourself? If so, please contact your unit grappling coach for further information.
CHIMO!