The UK Armed Forces Martial Arts Inter-Services took place with participants from all areas of the armed forces. RAF participated and managed to scoop the first prize thanks to senior Senior Aircraftman Alex Smith.

While talking to the media, Smith said, “It was an honour to be given the captaincy for this year’s competition. A total of 13 gold, 13 silver and 3 bronze medals were won by the team.” 

He was leading the team as their captain in the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) Purple Belt Heavyweight category, which was quite the competitive category for all participants. 

The hero retained the Gi Heavyweight title and No Gi title by winning the double gold! He also won the double silver in a category where all medallists competed against one another. 

So, what does the future hold for this highly athletic RAF member? Well, he currently holds the second position in Purple Heavyweight in the UK so he has the top spot to look forward to and to compete for.

Smith also holds the High Performance Athlete status in RAF, which means he will now remain at RAF Halton and continue training at the Roger Gracie Academy in Aylesbury.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is growing rapidly and will continue doing so in the future. Smith said that the Brazilian BJJ team had a very good time at the Inter-Service championship this year, and everyone participating demonstrated excellent sportsmanship. 

“I have no doubt in my mind that everyone will strive to do even better in the competitions to come, civilian and military,” Smith said. 

The main concept behind Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is that weak people can easily defend themselves against bigger, stronger people using the right kind of technique and leverage. 

Of course, it requires a lot of determination and hard work to get to that point which is why training hard is the key to success.