Martial Arts Journeys: From Aussie Special Forces to Black Belts with Rhys Dowden and Clancy Roberts

Welcome back to the Wheels Up Podcast. Today Troy and Ben are joined Rhys Dowden and Clancy Roberts as they talk through there martial arts journeys.

Guest 1: Rhys Dowden (Operator Edge)

• Background: Joined the Australian Army in 1999, initially in the Cavalry. Attempted SAS Selection in 2002. Later, after contracting in Iraq as a private security contractor, rejoined the military, successfully passing Commando selection in 2008 with 4RAR (later 2CDO). Rhys served for 12 years, including two deployments to Afghanistan—one as an assaulter and another as a Special Forces sniper. Now runs Operator Edge, focusing on prepping future SF candidates and offering mindset and physical training.
• Website: Operator Edge
• Socials: Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook

Guest 2: Clancy Roberts (Way-Finder Field Skills)

• Background: Joined the Army Reserves in 2003 and went full-time with 3RAR in 2005. Deployed to Timor multiple times and passed selection in 2010. Deployed to Afghanistan three times and Iraq twice before discharging in 2016. Currently runs Way-Finder Field Skills, focusing on preparing military and law enforcement personnel in navigation and field skills.
• Website: Way-Finder Field Skills
• Socials: Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook

Episode Overview: This episode is part of a series discussing the intersection of martial arts, military service, and the security industry. We are joined by two Australian Special Forces veterans, Rhys Dowden and Clancy Roberts, both of whom have achieved black belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). We explore their journeys through martial arts, how it has shaped their careers, and its impact on their lives.

Topics Covered:

1. 1. Military Background:

• Clancy: From Army Reserves to full-time 3RAR and later Special Forces. Multiple deployments to Timor, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Transition into civilian life and launching Way-Finder Field Skills.
• Rhys: From initial military service in the Cavalry, attempting SAS selection, to contracting in Iraq. Returning to the military, passing Commando selection, and serving as an assaulter and sniper.

Introduction to Martial Arts:

• Martial Arts Journey: Both Rhys and Clancy have trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) for years, achieving black belts. Discussion of their progression, challenges, and the benefits martial arts have provided in their military and post-military careers.

Impact of Martial Arts on Security Industry:

• Practical Skills: How martial arts, particularly BJJ, has translated into practical skills in the security industry, especially in high-stress environments.
• Mental Toughness: The role of martial arts in developing mental resilience and discipline.

Individual Business Ventures:

• Rhys: Operator Edge focuses on preparing future SF candidates through mindset and physical training. Discussion on the "small wins phenomenon" and how to mentally and physically prepare for high-pressure situations.
• Clancy: Way-Finder Field Skills prepares military and law enforcement personnel in navigation and field skills, helping them gain confidence and proficiency in critical tasks.

Martial Arts and the Future:

• Past, Present, and Future: Reflections on how martial arts have evolved and where Rhys and Clancy see the industry going. Discussion on the