Rodrigo Stanisci on the Importance of Teaching Self Defense to the Armed Forces

By Daniel Finch

While most would view the Armed Forces as the highest form of combat, there are those who can still teach them a thing or two. As we have gotten further and further away from hand to hand combat, the art of close quarters self defense has gotten lost in the shuffle. As Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) became more mainstream, people began to understand the importance of teaching hand to hand combat at a high level.

One of these practitioners is Rodrigo Stanisci, a BJJ black belt born in Brazil. Having trained for many years, Stanisci received his black belt from the acclaimed ‘Master Gordo.’ At the core of BJJ is the dedication to continual learning and teaching and as such Stanisci has taken an active involvement in passing along his skills to others.

One such group who benefited from the outstanding training of Rodrigo Stanisci was the Qatar Armed Forces. During his time there he taught BJJ and defense courses as well as training and refereeing in tournaments. “I was honored to be one of the first coaches in this program,” he says fondly, remembering his time in Qatar. 

“I believe it is important to understand self defense skills, even if you are armed,” states Stanisci. In combat you have to be prepared for anything, if you are ambushed, then all of a sudden the long range weapons become useless. Also, knowing BJJ instills a level of self confidence that goes well beyond physical defense.

As with most martial arts, BJJ has a strict code that it adheres to, one that is based on respect and commitment. These tenants help to provide the backbone of an art that can provide a level of mental relief. “We help people build their confidence, and their mental resilience,” says the Brazilian born teacher. During training the ultimate goal is to clear one’s mind and focus only on the task at hand, doing this opens up avenues of both self discipline and mental control.

These two attributes are not bad to have as a member of the armed forces. “Teaching BJJ helps to slow down the mind in difficult situations, so you can think clearly and react correctly.” Once again, not the worst thing if you find yourself caught in an ambush. Stanisci believes that the training helps to provide another couple of weapons in their arsenal.

Teaching soldiers was a different experience for the Brazilian who had previously done most of his training in a traditional BJJ gym. In Qatar, he was working with those who are already at the highest level of discipline possible. “The soldiers learned fast, but were also happy to learn and enjoy the experience,” Stanisci admits having a receptive audience always makes teaching easier and more enjoyable.

During his time in Qatar, he made many connections, and still considers some friends to this day. “I loved my time there, not only is the country very safe, but the people are incredible!” To most it seems strange to find friendship while at the precipice of the battle field, but for Stanisci, he merely viewed the soldiers as comrades in training. Afterall, in BJJ when you are on the mats all that matters is respect.

It takes a special character to travel to parts unknown, and an even stronger one to teach in that foreign land. Rodrigo Stanisci has done both, having ventured from his homeland of Brazil to the United States and eventually to teaching the Qatari Armed Forces. His journey is inspirational and one that is centered around making connections and improving people inside and out.

Through his time working in Qatar, he became a supervisor in his department and made many lasting connections. Along the way, he helped countless individuals, who were already trained at the highest levels. Through Stanisci’s educated teaching, these soldiers were able to learn new self defense techniques as well as improve their mental abilities in stressful situations.

Education never ends, and that is no different for those in the Armed Forces. Improving the safety and wellbeing of those on the front line is of utmost importance, and it is thanks to individuals like Rodrigo Stanisci that this is possible. His reach goes far beyond mere self defense, helping to instill in his students a mental fortitude that goes beyond the mats.