Article by: Capt Kyle Ho, RPOU(W) Program Officer

The Evolution Gagetown has recently rebranded to Gagetown Submission Grappling under the guidance of Coach Blake Towsley. This club, operating under the Personnel Support Programs (PSP), welcomes both military and civilian personnel.

Recognizing the high volume of individuals passing through Gagetown for career or specialty courses, the club has made it more accommodating by offering free classes to all military personnel during their short-term stay. This initiative helps them maintain their skillsets and forge new friendships. Coach Towsley spearheaded this initiative to make it more accessible to all military personnel, even with a reduction in his own salary, to promote combat sports and the fighting spirit in the military is always his priority. Coach Blake Towsley emphasized the inclusive nature of the club, stating, "We see many people coming through Gagetown, and we want to make it easier for them to continue their training and meet new friends. That's why we offer free classes to all military personnel during their stay."

The club attracts individuals from diverse backgrounds and experience levels. Many soldiers, like 2nd Lt Noah Anderson, who is currently on the Basic Engineer Officer Course (BEOC), have started grappling for the first time when he arrived to Gagetown. 2nd Lt Anderson shared, "I have been training for just over a year now. Learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has helped me relieve stress and maintain focus. I will continue to practice perfecting my art as it is part of my life now." 2nd Lt Anderson hopes to be posted to the 1 Combat Engineer Regiment after graduating from BEOC in the spring this year.

Intermediate practitioners, such as Capt Bryon Boyes, Real Property Operation Detachment (RPOD) Wainwright Requirement Officer and a Close Quarter Combat Instructor, also benefit from the club. While attending the Army Tactical Operation Course (ATOC), Capt Boyes remarked, "It is nice to travel and meet new people on the mat. Every time, I am humbled by how little I know, and it motivates me to get better."

Strikers like Lt Derek Young, Regimental Command Post Officer, 1 Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, who was an Engineer NCM at 5 RGC, also tried grappling while on ATOC. "All fights always end up on the ground. Despite my stand-up game from practicing Karate, I am glad that I have this opportunity to practice some ground fighting skills to get comfortable being uncomfortable. I strongly recommend people try this out while they are in Gagetown."

Capt Kyle Ho, RPOU(W) Program Officer also on ATOC, frequently visits the club whenever he is in Gagetown. He shared, "It is great to come back and meet friends I haven't seen for a long time. Training under Submission Grappling with Coach Blake has really improved my game on the mat. They are like my family away from home, and the hardship on the mat strengthens this bond."

Coach Blake ensures that the training environment is competitive yet safe and respectful. "We roll very competitively, but we want to do it safely with respect. There are no ranks on the mat. We are all humble martial artists trying to learn from each other," he said. The club includes everyone from brand new private recruits to senior officers and NCOs, fostering a sense of unity and mutual respect.

Submission Grappling under Coach Blake Towsley is not just a training ground but a community where military and civilian personnel come together, support each other, and grow both as martial artists and individuals. Blake will be retiring from the military by the end of March this year and will be teaching BJJ full-time to those who want to discover who they are through the relentless pursuit of excellence on and off the mat.

Thank you for your service, Coach Blake Towsley.