Two RAF Regiment personnel from Initial Force Protection Training Flight attended the RAF Martial Arts Champs at RAF College Cranwell over the weekend.
Image by: RAF Cranwell Photographic Section
SAC Alex Smith attended the event competing as a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). Alex won an impressive double gold in Gi and double gold in No-Gi, in heavyweight and openweight in both disciplines.
He said: “This years RAF Champs was another great year for everyone. The association is steadily growing as new faces are attending team training at RAF Digby every month. The team is looking very strong ahead of the Inter-Services in July.
“I had a fantastic day coming away with 4 golds in the heavyweight and openweight Categories in both Gi and No Gi. I was able to finish all fights via submission not leaving it down to points. I will now focus on training for the Inter-Services Championships where I hope to retain the purple belt heavy and openweight title from last year.”
Image by: RAF Cranwell Photographic Section
In addition to his fighting achievements, he was awarded with the 2019 Competitor of the Year trophy; this trophy is granted for being a true ambassador for Royal Air Force Martial Arts amongst competitive communities, demonstrating martial spirit and attitude in competition both on and off the mat. Alex was chosen based on his performance across the competition circuit, his support to RAF Martial Arts Association sessions and particularly for his support to RAF BJJ clubs around the country.
He continued: “I was honoured to receive this years RAF Martial Arts Associations Competitor of the Year award for representing the RAF throughout the year at civilian competitions and my attitude towards training.”
He was awarded his medals by Air Marshal Stuart Evans CBE, President of RAF Martial Arts Association.
At the same awards evening that followed the day of competition, Cpl Pete Ashmore from RAF Halton received the John Horan trophy. Sensei John Horan was a distinguished coach in Karate and led the Royal Air Force Team from 1998 to his passing in 2004. His engagement, determination, and thirst for success set the bar very high and established a precedent for commitment to the Association. This trophy is awarded to the member considered by the committee to have contributed the most to the Association over the year. Pete was chosen for this award because of his outstanding efforts in driving the RAF Martial Arts Association's corporate identity.
