14 Wing Greenwood’s grappling team has partnered up with the 14 Wing Gracie Garage for some extra practice and pointers in preparation for this year’s regional tournament.
Warrant Officer Alan Bezanson, who runs the Gracie Garage, says many military members who participate in grappling also choose to practice Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) because the technique drills taught in the Garage provide an opportunity to learn – without putting yourself in harm’s way.
“Here, they can get the basics nailed down to a very fine level, and they can ingrain those core skills that they want to have.”
While there are many different martial arts that incorporate grappling, Bezanson says BJJ’s submission-based wrestling teaches techniques that can help athletes maintain control on the ground.
“In a lot of other grappling martial arts, once you’re on your back, it’s done; but, in Jiu Jitsu, being on your back – the guard position – that’s where Jiu Jitsu really shines.”
The sport also teaches on-the-job and day-to-day beneficial skills.
“There are the very clear practical benefits of it in any job that involves combat: Military Police, infanteer and, if you’re part of a road stop and need to detain somebody as a military member, you can gently take your opponent down – and you can do it in a manner that doesn’t hurt you, and doesn’t hurt your opponent,” says Bezanson.
“The part that people might not realize is the psychological benefits; the mental resilience piece. You’re on the bottom, but you still have the ability to defeat somebody in that position.
“But – being on the bottom of somebody can be a very uncomfortable position to be in. With Jiu Jitsu, you really start learning to be comfortable in uncomfortable positions or situations – and that really transfers into all the rest of life. The confidence that it comes with as well is something that just can’t be understated.”
Team coach Sergeant (Acting While so Employed) Natasha Darch-Wills, who joined the wing’s grappling team last fall, discovered a passion in Jiu Jitsu.
“It’s a fantastic sport,” says Darch-Wills. “I love that it gets me active and gets me moving. I’m learning a bit about self-defence, too, which does wonders for my confidence and self-esteem. And, it’s a lot of fun.”
As one of the few women participating in grappling on the wing, Darch-Wills understands the apprehension some women may have with the contact sport. She encourages others to give it a try. The culture of support built around the team allowed Darch-Wills to build confidence in her abilities and transition from focusing on fundamentals to engaging in rolls.
“It’s a great sport for women. Since joining BJJ, I have more confidence in what I can do, and what my body can do. It’s a bit nerve wracking at first, but we’re in the same position, and everybody that I’ve rolled with has been very respectful – and the nature of respect has really helped make me feel more comfortable.”
Still, Darch-Wills makes a point of attending the first few practices of new female members to help them get comfortable with the close contact aspect of the sport, and believes that’s the great part of being a member of the team. Although grappling is a solo sport, individuals benefit from the support of a wing team during training.
“Grappling is a bit unique in that we are a team, but we’re not a team sport the way volleyball is,” says Darch-Wills. “We still lift each other up, and we’re still working with each other and giving each other tips and tricks, and we’re all striving to do better and helping one another; but we also then compete against one another because the actual competition is one-against-one. It does give you the best of both worlds.”
Darch-Wills also stresses a lack of experience shouldn’t deter interested military members from giving grappling a try. A beginner herself last year, she found coaches and mentors have endless patience for new participants on the mat.
“We have a lot of great people who are really good at teaching and instructing, so they’re able to slow everything down and walk you through different movements so that you can learn effectively.”
With one season under her belt, Darch-Wills is excited to demonstrate all she’s learned at the regional tournament, later this fall.
“I’m very excited. Last year, we did really well, considering we were a brand-new team. We sent four members and, this year, we’re planning on sending six.”
