2026 King’s Battalions Combatives Tournament
On 24 July 2026, soldiers from the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions, The Royal Australian Regiment, competed in the annual King’s Battalions Combatives Tournament at the Lavarack Barracks Area Gym, hosted by 2 RAR (A). Conducted in a dual-meet format, the tournament brought together teams from each Townsville-based battalion to compete for the title of champion battalion.
The competition was based on a bespoke ruleset that combined elements of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo and Freestyle Wrestling while reinforcing the principles of the Army Combatives Program (ACP). Through a series of individual bouts, competitors applied grappling, takedown and control techniques in a demanding and highly competitive environment.
Combatives training is a physically arduous and mentally demanding activity that develops attributes directly relevant to military service. It builds controlled aggression, resilience under pressure and the ability to remain focused while operating under duress. The discipline also reinforces personal courage, self-confidence, self-discipline and esprit de corps, while developing soldiers’ ability to respond appropriately across the spectrum of force.
The continued relevance of combatives on the modern battlefield is supported by studies of US Army personnel returning from operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, which identified grappling techniques as the most commonly employed skills in close-quarters engagements. This reinforces the importance of grappling as a foundation of contemporary combatives training.
The tournament provided soldiers with an opportunity to test their skills against opponents from outside their own unit while strengthening professional relationships and healthy competition across the Regiment. Throughout the day, competitors engaged in demanding bouts characterised by extended grappling exchanges, takedowns and positional battles that required both technical proficiency and mental resilience.
The standard of competition was high across all three battalions. Soldiers were required to draw on their training, endurance and determination while competing against capable and motivated opponents. The event showcased the fighting spirit, professionalism and commitment to self-improvement that underpin the Regiment’s combat culture.
Beyond the competition itself, the tournament strengthened the bonds between the battalions by bringing soldiers together in a shared challenge that demanded physical robustness, combat mindset and mutual respect. In doing so, it supported both individual development and the broader objective of fostering esprit de corps across the Regiment.
At the conclusion of the tournament, 2 RAR (A) claimed the overall title, securing victory through a series of strong performances across the competition. The result reflected the battalion’s preparation and skill, while the performances of 1 RAR and 3 RAR ensured the championship was earned in a highly contested environment.
Combatives training is physically arduous, mentally demanding and carries over to all other military pursuits. It is a highly effective tool for instilling courage and self-confidence, controlled aggression and the ability to remain focused and composed while under duress. The conduct of the activity directly reinforces the Army Core Behaviour – ‘every soldier an expert in close combat’.
