Photo By Master Sgt. Alexandre Montes | Technical Sgt. Argelio Chappotin poses for a portrait with a Brazilian white belt...... read more read more
FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. - Slap, tap and roll ... a sequence that leads into a mental and physical confrontation that would break most, for one Airman, 'Excellence in all we do' motivated him to several Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu medals in less than two weeks.
A plans and implementation supervisor for the 707th Communications Squadron, Technical Sgt. Argelio Chappotin instills a warrior mindset inside the cyber world and on the mat. Starting where other greats have, Chappotin wears the rank of not only Tech Sgt., but as a white belt as well. Hard work and dedication gave him the opportunity to compete and receive gold medals for championing at two separate events.
"Roll, Roll, and then Roll some more. Rolling is a term used to indicate grappling. In BJJ, you get better by rolling on the mat as much as possible. You can learn from the highest ranked person in the class, as well at the newest person in the class," Chappotin said.
He began competing recently at a local tournament in Millersville, Md called the 'Good Fight Thanksgiving Throwdown'. This gave him a chance to apply what he learned in his many rolling sessions. Here, he won two separate medals for Gi and No-Gi. The Jiu-Jitsu Gi, a kimono similar to karate and No-Gi competition, wearing shorts and rash guards.
Soon after he went north to New York and competed in the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation Championship, gaining first place in the white belt division. Though it seems quick, Chappotin does have a background in the mixed martial arts world.
"I have been doing Martial Arts since I could walk because of my father," Chappotin said. "Currently my father is a 10th Degree Black Belt, highest rank in Kenpo Karate, therefore naturally, my Martial Arts life started with Kenpo Karate."
After raising his hand and enlisting, Chappotin decided he wanted to enlist in other forms of the 'Art'. He began with Muay Thai and Tae Kwon Do. He used his experience growing up with Kenpo towards these other crafts; helping him rank up quick then began instructing himself. In 2010 a co-worker introduced him in to BJJ, and he was hooked.
In BJJ, he noticed it was different, a foreign world where he no longer had the 'upper hand'. Chappotin said that BJJ is the first Martial Art where he actually felt like a beginner... as if he was in an ocean full of sharks and did not know how to swim. In this 'gentle art' he wanted to lose, this gave him the drive to learn and from his mistakes and grow.
"When I lose there is a motivation to be better... train better... improve in one way, shape, form or fashion," Chappotin said.
This mindset translates over not only to his personal life but to his work center as well. He talks about the positives of BJJ to his airmen and co-workers. He lets them know the benefits of not only physical, but how mentally, 'rolling' can help build character and motivation for daily task and stressors. "
After a BJJ class... I usually have this euphoric feeling. I'm happy, decompressed and enlightened. How can you be stressed out after overcoming a possible life or death situation? I know that it sounds extreme, but ultimately that's what is happening," Chappotin said.
Chappotin also mentioned that the Air Force teaches resiliency and what more of way to use that than being faced with 'death/hardship' while training. He went on to explain that his path of BJJ also helped him with his health as well. He said that when people go to the gym they have the option to stop; in jiu-jitsu you are given two options, 'snap or tap', and his resiliency has helped face those options victoriously.
"He [Chappotin] brings the same energy and enthusiasm to the squadron that he does in his sport," said Lt. Col Wade Dillard, 707th Communication Squadron commander. "He energizes the physical fitness program by bringing phenomenal workouts to all our Airmen, and leads by example in our core values for all our Airmen to follow."
With two gold medals in two weeks, Chappotin is on the road to his next belt and is looking forward to his journey ahead. He said 'In martial arts there are no destinations... only plateaus. One plateau I am trying to reach is to attain Black Belt in BJJ and open my own school. With that being said... I know it won't be easy, but I'm looking forward to the awesome journey ahead.'
"During my competition at IBJJF there was a moment where I became so emotional that adrenaline, spirit, motivation, determination and perseverance were absolute. It was during my final match for the Gold medal. I was in a very comfortable position battling my opponent, but to the untrained spectator, because I was on the bottom of the duel, it looked like I was in trouble. As I was trying to bait and sweep (to go from a defensive position to an offensive position in one move) I can hear my couch, Edward Akers, yelling at me on how to improve my position because I was down on points... but more importantly I heard my daughter, Sofia, yelling at me "GET UP, DADDY... GET UP, DADDY".
Family is a big part of his life and a motivator, with a wife and four children, he lays his success on their support. He also mentioned the support from his other family, his BJJ family; the training partners that have helped each other grow through 'blood, sweat and tears.'
"What is family but the people who try to make you better, stand by you and have your back no matter what? Wingman Concept at its finest!"
| Date Taken: | 02.09.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 02.09.2016 13:26 |
| Story ID: | 188370 |
| Location: | FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, MD, US |
| Hometown: | CHICAGO, IL, US |
| Hometown: | ELIZABETH, NJ, US |
| Hometown: | MELBOURNE, FL, US |
| Web Views: | 264 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Gentle art taps into Core Values for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu champion, by MSgt Alexandre Montes, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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