There was no shortage of skill on display as more than 100 fighters took to the mat for the annual Army Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Championships.
The turnout underlined the discipline’s status as the largest and most popular martial art in the military as athletes ranging from white to black belts competed in a host of weight divisions in both gi and non-gi contests, with the top performers earning selection for this summer’s Inter-Services clash.
Among those to catch the eye were Cfn Vana Sonson (REME) who despite being a blue belt, defeated a purple belt opponent to take the gi and non-gi titles in her weight category.
Lt Max Hemming (Mercian) was another to excel as he moved up a weight class to claim gold and silver medals, while veteran Maj Stephen Marsh (AGC (SPS)) produced a strong showing against rivals more than half his age.
“Competing at 60 against lads in their 20s in the white belt division, he gave some very difficult rounds to his younger opponents, and they weren’t holding back,” Army Brazilian Jiu-jitsu lead Capt Gerry Coghlan (Lancs) told SoldierSport.
“This event is getting better every year. We have all got full-time jobs so to see the talent increasing, particularly at white and blue belt, is amazing.
“I’d say 90 per cent of those who have won their divisions will be selected for the Inter-Services – availability then becomes the question.
“We are looking to win that competition for the third year in a row and are confident about our chances.”
More than 1,000 personnel are currently affiliated with the organisation and with skills courses – the latest of which will be held this month – and seminars running throughout the year there are plenty of opportunities to get involved.
And Coghlan believes the appeal is obvious.
“If you’re joining the Army, you are probably someone who likes a scrap,” he added.
“This is a combat sport that reflects what we should be doing in the day job.
“It is about high pressure fight or flight situations and if someone is trying to cause you a lot of pain you must think your way out.
“You need to fight effectively and want that win, even if your opponent is faster or stronger.”
Three overseas visits have been planned for 2025, the first of which saw SSgt Andy Capper (Int Corps) and Sgt Jamie Pritchard (REME) win bronze medals at the IBJJF European Championships in Lisbon.
A training camp in Cyprus will follow in June before a full squad travels stateside to compete at the World Masters in Las Vegas in late August.
The sport is also flourishing at corps and unit level, as witnessed at the Army Championships in Aldershot when a team of seven from 39 Engineer Regiment made the 600-mile journey from their base in Kinloss to compete.
“We took over an old fire station on camp and have been training there in the evenings,” said coach Sgt Josh Craigie (RE), who started running sessions in January last year.
“This is the first time we have come here as a team, and we’ve seen SSgt Curtis Noble win the white belt 88kg division with three submissions.
“Obviously, I wanted all my guys to medal but we’ve had to travel a long way. For me, the minute they stepped on the mat felt like a win.
“We have 15 people who train regularly. We have a purple belt back at unit, but he doesn’t like to compete and have another who is looking to become a PTI so didn’t want to come and get injured. However, they are all part of the team.
“Next year I want to head to this competition with a minibus full of fighters.”
Anyone looking to get involved in the sport should follow @british.army.bjj on Instagram or visit the Army Martial Arts page on Defence Connect.
