Physicality, strategic thinking ideal for military sports program
One of 14 Wing Greenwood’s newest military sports, grappling, is preparing team members for an Atlantic regional grappling tournament at the 12 Wing Shearwater Sports and Recreation Centre May 29 to June 1.
In addition to practicing at the 14 Wing Fitness and Sports Centre Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., the group also meets regularly at the Middleton True Leverage Alliance Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gym for extra training.
Grappling, a combination of jiu jitsu, judo and wrestling; provides great all-around physical exercise, helping build flexibility, agility and strength. It also serves as cognitive training, requiring strategizing and quick decision-making. Even though there’s a lot of technique involved, anyone can join the team. Although they don’t currently have any female participants, grappling is open to everyone.
“We don’t have separate teams. Grappling is an individual sport, but we practice as a team,” says Warrant Officer Kevin Hardy. “There are female and male competitions, divided by weight class.”
The team is excited for the upcoming regional tournament, and hopes the event entices more CAF members to join the sport.
Apart from the physical and intellectual benefits, the sport is a great way to meet people. Close contact sports, such as grappling, help foster rapport and trust among team members.
If 14 Wing members are interested in learning more about grappling or joining the team, they may contact Master Corporal Cedric Duschene at Cedric.Duschene@forces.gc.ca or Warrant Officer Kevin Hardy at Kevin.Hardy@forces.gc.ca.
