LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --
“Imagine running around in a storm, not knowing what to do
or what’s going on,” said Staff Sgt. Peter Beyer, 19th Civil Engineer Squadron
firefighter. “For some people, that’s what starting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
training might feel like, but if you trust in your instructors and your peers,
you’ll soon learn how to take cover from the storm.”
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, or BJJ, is a submission-based martial
art focused on groundwork and grappling. While it can be challenging, it can also
lead to an overwhelming sense of confidence and physical ability.
Beyer and his wife Letia Eclavea, University of Maryland
University College student, share a passion for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and host free
training lessons Monday through Thursday at the Fitness Center on Little Rock
Air Force Base, Ark.
Beyer has trained in BJJ for seven years, acquiring a purple
belt in the martial art. His technique is methodic and his instruction is as
calm as his persona.
However growing up in Hawaii, he often found himself grappling
with unwanted confrontation.
“I fought a lot when I was younger,” Beyer said. “I was
bullied, and I always stepped in for others who were too. I won and lost fights
until I got to a point where I needed to learn how to defend myself properly.”
Beyer eventually joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed
at Yokota Air Base, Japan. While living in the dormitories, he attended a
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class where he not only fell in love with the craft, but also
with a charismatic girl from Guam.
Eclavea, a vibrant Guamanian gold medalist, began her
passion for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as a bucket list item. Initially thinking she
would try it once or twice, the humbling experience captivated her from the
start.
“It gave me a sense of humility,” Eclavea said. “I walked in
my first day thinking I was better than people who had been doing it for way
longer. But every single time someone beat me, I was humbled.”
Now a 16-time gold medalist who has competed in various tournaments
and world trials, Enclavea dedicates her time to train others with her equally committed
husband.
“Brazilian Jiu Jitsu teaches technique over strength and
power,” Beyer said. “It teaches that even if you are a small guy, you can beat a
bigger opponent. It’s almost like a maze. Sometimes you’ll run into a dead end,
but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck. There is always another way around.”
They also teach life skills their students can apply both on
and off the mat. The duo teaches others how to control their anger, not to take
things personally and to let life take its course while having a positive
attitude.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu stimulates the mind, body and spirit while
creating social bonds which strengthen the four pillars of Comprehensive Airman
Fitness. CAF is a program built to sustain a thriving and resilient Air Force community
through mental, physical, social and spiritual fitness.
“It definitely helps you become more resilient,” Beyer said.
“You get beat up sometimes, but you just have to keep coming back. A lot of
people develop a drive, especially service members who are always striving to
get to the next rank or complete training. It’s a really good challenge for
those who are driven in their military career."
Beyer and Eclavea instruct and train as a team, providing an
uplifting atmosphere filled with music and hands on instruction.
“Our main purpose for the class is to create a family environment
and to open up a program where people can have an outlet to relieve stress, have
fun and get them out of their dorms,” Eclavea said.
Classes are free and available to everyone from 6 -- 7:30 p.m.,
Monday—Thursday in the Fitness Center racquetball room.
(Editor's Note: The 19th Force Support Squadron does not sponsor the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu lessons. The lessons are currently free but this could change in the future.)