LCol Joe O’Donnell
Stag Special
1RCHA and 2PPCLI are no strangers to working together in the training area or on the battlefield, but lately we’ve been preparing together for a different kind of battle — on the mats.
Both units calling CFB Shilo home are known for their training rigor and combat readiness, and our grappling teams are no exception.
Under the guidance of coach Cpl Kevin Camara, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) brown belt, 1RCHA and 2PPCLI have been preparing — for five-day Ex STRONG CONTENDER being hosted by 1CMBG at Garrison Edmonton — with 90-minute gruelling training sessions, four days a week during a five-week training camp.
1RCHA has been the training ground for both grappling teams, where they have been honing their skills in the art of grappling. Coach Camara, with his wealth of experience in BJJ, has been instrumental in shaping the teams into the formidable competitors they are today.
He has been working tirelessly with the athletes, teaching them takedowns, defences and submissions that they can use to win in the competition.
Ex STRONG CONTENDER is an opportunity for 1RCHA’s and 2PPCLI’s grappling teams to showcase their skills against other 1CMBG units in Alberta when action starts Feb. 13.
The competition will no doubt be intense and challenging as it always is, but both teams are well-prepared and are en route west for their podium spots. Each competitors’ training has been focused on improving their grappling skills, and they have been working on perfecting their techniques so they can perform at their best when it matters the most.
The 1RCHA and 2PPCLI grappling teams are comprised of some of the most dedicated and skilled athletes in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). These men and women are highly motivated and driven to succeed, and they are fully committed to bringing home gold for their units.
Their training has been at times exhausting, and they have been pushing themselves to the limit, but their hard work is about to pay off as they are well-prepared to face the challenges that lie ahead. Under the guidance of 2PPCLI’s coach Cpl Camara, and 1 RCHA’s coach MWO Matt Flynn, who recently returned from Op REASSURANCE, they are prepared with all they need to succeed. With their focus, dedication, and drive, they are poised to return to CFB Shilo with gold medals and make their respective units proud.
Team photo of many members of the grappling team and training partners.
Coach Cpl Kevin Camara was presented a 1RCHA CO’s coin for volunteering to coach both teams.
MWO Matt Flynn and LCol Joe O’Donnell present Cpl Kevin Camara with a team rash guard and shorts for his voluntary coaching efforts. Photos supplied
