The monarch surprised a standout student with a black belt in Jiu Jitsu during a visit to a renowned martial arts academy.
Participating in the event at the Roger Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy in Hammersmith, the King engaged with various students showcasing their skills. Reflecting on his time in the Royal Navy, he humorously likened their grappling abilities to his experiences on HMS Bronington.
Charles, who served on the mine hunter between 1971 and 1976, shared anecdotes with the students, comparing their actions to a tug-of-war scenario aboard the vessel.
The 77-year-old King met members of REORG, an organization dedicated to promoting Jiu Jitsu among military personnel, veterans, and individuals facing physical and mental challenges. REORG was established in 2017 by Sam Sheriff MBE, a Royal Marines veteran and BJJ black belt holder.
Prior to the belt presentation, Mr. Sheriff commended Trent Scanlen for his commitment in advancing from a brown belt to a black belt. Scanlen’s journey began in 2015 when he opened a gym in Richmond and connected with Sam, eventually becoming a Trustee of REORG in 2020.
Expressing pride in Scanlen’s achievement, Sheriff highlighted the dedication required to attain a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt, a process that typically spans 10 to 15 years.
Following the ceremony, the King was honored with a white belt, the starting point in Jiu Jitsu. Playfully waving the belt while the students applauded, Charles engaged with the Jiu Jitsu community.
The Roger Gracie Academy, founded in 2004 by Roger Gracie and Mauricio Gomes, embraces a blend of traditional Gracie family Jiu Jitsu with contemporary training techniques.
Mauricio Gomes, known as the “Godfather of British Jiu-Jitsu,” has significantly contributed to the global spread of BJJ. Holding an eighth-degree black belt, Gomes has dedicated over 50 years to training and teaching Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Former Royal Marine commando Mark Ormrod MBE described how Jiu Jitsu revitalized his life and that of fellow service members after their military service. Ormrod, who lost limbs in combat, highlighted the transformative impact of the sport on his physical and mental well-being.
Pop star Tinie Tempah, a purple belt practitioner, recounted how actor Tom Hardy introduced him to Jiu Jitsu, leading to a seven-year journey to his current belt level. Tempah shared his ambition to support disenfranchised youth through the sport, aligning with Charles’s interest in utilizing Jiu Jitsu for youth development.
Influencer Paul Olima also engaged with Charles on using Jiu Jitsu to empower young people, emphasizing the positive impact of the sport in steering individuals away from negative influences.