Shilo Brazilian jiu-jitsu competition features artillery, infantry showdown

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This article was published 28/10/2023 (706 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

For The Sun

SHILO — How do you highlight the talent of CFB Shilo soldiers interested in Brazilian jiu-jitsu?

1st Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (1RCHA) CO LCol Joe O’Donnell, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) enthusiast himself and competition organizer, said the idea for the Shilo Submission Showdown came to him after participating in previous competitions held in Brandon and Winnipeg.

Moreover, he wanted to raise funds for Soldier On, a charity assisting ill and injured military veterans.

“The competition aims to showcase the sport of jiu-jitsu, entertain soldiers and families, and promote the incredible skills of our local grapplers,” he said of the event planned for Nov. 4 at the Base’s L25 community annex starting at 6 p.m.

What will spectators sitting around the mat experience when it comes to this sport?

“(They) can expect an exhilarating display of jiu-jitsu talent, featuring 13 matches and a quintet component. The event promises intense competition, skillful techniques, and an electric atmosphere for everyone present,” the veteran artillery soldier explained.

He added, “Additionally, we will have an emcee, DJ and food service for concessions from the Shilo Regional Service Club. To add an Army touch, we are glad to announce we will have our 1RCHA bagpiper and the 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry [2PPCLI] drumline present as well.”

According to O’Donnell, BJJ has gained immense popularity worldwide, including on the base east of Brandon, where martial arts like judo were offered in the 1970s, while karate is currently offered through PSP’s recreation program.

“Through Shilo BJJ, this growth is evident, attracting members due to its focus on technique, strategy and discipline. Its appeal lies in its practicality for self-defence and its emphasis on leverage and submissions.”

O’Donnell is especially excited for competition goers to observe the eagerly anticipated matches involving his club’s talented military members and the exciting quintet showdown between 1RCHA and 2PPCLI.

“The event will be a highlight for jiu-jitsu enthusiasts, showcasing the exceptional skills of both infantry and artillery units,” he offered. “Normally, one man starts against another, and if one submits the other, the one submitted leaves, and the person who won stays against the next guy.”

While the organizer was initially looking at timed rounds, where if there’s no submission, two more competitors take to the mat to show off their BJJ skills, his plan is to host an ironman quintet.

“So competitors are on the mat for 30 minutes, with the winner accumulating as many taps as possible.”

Besides O’Donnell on 1RCHA’s roster, he’s joined by Travis Swindell, Pete Mubambe and Austin Hibbert, who might be replaced if not back from a military course.

2PPCLI’s quintet includes O’Donnell’s mentor the past year, Kevin Camara, plus Shawn Murphy, Keejan Ypma, Scott Woods and Andrew Oakley.

BJJ differs from other martial arts like wrestling, boxing, karate or judo, by emphasizing ground fighting, submissions, and positional control, according to O’Donnell.

“It focuses on leveraging technique and strategy rather than sheer physical strength.”

The Shilo BJJ club has been in existence for about eight months, although grappling on the Canadian Armed Force’s training base has existed in past decades. The club’s current membership stands at about 50 military personnel, but changes as soldiers deploy on exercises or operations “as we are primarily a military club.”

O’Donnell said his skilled athletes, with the Shilo BJJ club, each bring their unique style and expertise to the mat.

“These individuals are sure to deliver thrilling performances and exciting matches for the audience. We’re excited to announce that UFC veteran Jason MacDonald will be joining us and plans to join team 1RCHA as ‘supporting fires’ for the evening’s quintet showdown.”

What about his own match versus Cyrus Ali? With plenty of training and previous competitions under his belt, when he’s not overseeing the training of 1RCHA soldiers to prepare for the next operation overseas in Latvia, O’Donnell said the path to victory lies in a combination of technique, mental focus and determination.

“By staying composed, executing well-practised moves, and adapting to my opponent’s strategy, I aim to secure a decisive victory.”

Besides the ironman quintet, the Shilo BJJ Submission Showdown features the following matches: Camara vs Andrija Pavlic, Troy Stanlevy vs Travis Ratzlaff, Jens Reuter vs Cole Leblanc, Dallas Penner vs Swindell, Mackenzie Hancock vs Murphy, Andrew Neufeld vs Mubambe, Isbel Hernandez vs Kpma, Darrius Joof vs Woods, Matt Lussier vs Sam Farough, Oakley vs Hibbert and Kaeden Klassen vs Irtaza Azam.

The lone females to do battle feature Lettie Sambacco from Winnipeg vs Winkler’s Raina Rempel.

Tickets will be available at the door for $10 each. “This event is not just about the fights; it’s a celebration of talent, dedication and the spirit of camaraderie,” said O’Donnell.

» sports@brandonsun.com