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Rhys Dowden & Clancy Roberts talk Brazilian Jiu-jitsu on the latest instalment of the Wheels Up podcast.
This is the first episode in a series of conversations Troy and Ben have with security professionals and martial artists about martial arts. The idea is to have open conversations about each persons journey through that style and the effectiveness, use, or deployment of it. Its also about having a laugh and sharing stories based around martial arts.
About Rhys and Clancy
Born and raised in Queensland, previous Wheels Up guest Rhys Dowden joined the Army at the age of eighteen, he completed two tours of duty in Afghanistan with the 2nd Commando Regiment, once as an assaulter and once as a sniper, for a total of ten years in the military. A highly decorated and successful ADF operative who now adapts those skills to training, and Close and Executive Protection. His company Operator Edge provides military, self-defence, mental conditioning, and physical training to its clientele in preparation for military selection. Rhys began Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2003 and trained under Dan Higgins, Rodney Ellis and Daniel Almeida. Rhys received his Black Belt in 2017.
Clancy Roberts is an Australian Army veteran of twelve years who enlisted into the Army. Initially serving with the 3rd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, Clancy was then selected to serve with 4RAR CDO, now 2nd Commando Regiment. Clancy served two deployments to Iraq and three combat tours in Afghanistan. He is the owner and founder of Way-Finder, a company specialising in the instruction of land navigation tactics, and bespoke outdoor adventure packages. Clancy’s journey into martial arts started with Aikido before finding Brazilian Jiu jitsu in 1997. Clancy was awarded his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu blackbelt in 2020.
From Aussie Special Forces to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belts
In this episode, the guys talk about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) and its relationship with those who serve in the military, law enforcement or security sector. Rhys and Clancy talk about their journeys pre and post SF selection and how they decided to take a break from BJJ in the lead up to special forces selection to avoid injury.
After discharging, the lads discuss how they discovered BJJ. This helped them maintain the adversity, discipline, and camaraderie they were used to. Rhys briefly discusses his previous experience working on Steve Irwin’s security team, before the lads talk to the effectiveness of BJJ . The general consensus is that BJJ is certainly a value add for any Close Protection, Executive Protective or security operative. Ben and Troy give kudos to those in the security sector working the doors and dealing with violence.
Rhys and Clancy explain the process of receiving their Black Belts, and mentoring lower grade belts. Ben also talks about the need for a better system of training in the Dig Pro. and .gov space so that the industry can improve.
Theres something in this episode for everyone – wither your defence, military, security or just a martial arts enthusiast!
Reach out to Rhys at Operator Edge or Clancy at Way-Finder click the links below the podcast.
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Rhys Dowden
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Website
Clancy Roberts
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Website
Panoptic Solutions