Post match flanked by hubby

Warrior Training Centre leaves its mark with female debutante boxing star

by with No Comment News

Apart from the odd bruise during one of London’s major Ultra White Collar Boxing charity match held on 24th November 2018, one of the stars for the evening, Laura Moffat, successfully won her match in her boxing debut.
Laura before the match

Weeks before the bout, the WTC’s Claudio Chiste had a training session with Laura in London to work with her on the focus pads and provide pointers in the build up to fight night.

Reflecting on this, Laura said she felt humbled by the offer to be trained, and grateful time was found despite a busy schedule. She added, “I’m no real boxer and for someone of his experience to take this seriously enough to come and train me, I have to say I felt honoured. He has a very calm nature which I think is important as an instructor, it took him seconds to look at my shadow boxing and analyse my strengths and weaknesses and gave me tips for my fight, which seemed to work. Also keeping it simple. For a first fight it’s impossible to remember too many strategies, so focusing on less things made me feel more confident.”

Focused energy yields results
Laura is regarded as an inspiration in the UK martial arts scene, but it wasn’t always that way. She had been battling with mental health issues, anxiety and depression namely, for several years, which Krav Maga actually helped her deal with in many ways. At the time of signing up to the boxing challenge she had hit a rough patch and needed a goal to help her refocus and work towards some sort of achievement, needing the adrenaline and to feel alive again and face her fears. She also wanted to know how she would actually do in a real fight, after a couple of years of aggression drills in Krav, she wanted to put her aggression to the test. Lastly, her aim in life is to inspire people and prove that life doesn’t stop because you have children or are married, contrary to many peoples belief. She especially wants her daughter to know that. If you want to do something, do it and don’t worry what people think, the people that matter will support you.

Claudio taking Laura through the paces in London

Asked on how she felt after the fight, Laura commented, “I am very happy that I have won, I am absolutely ecstatic and still buzzing. It’s the greatest feeling in the world but I think I would’ve felt a winner even if I’d lost. Winning was a big part for me at the beginning of the journey but I have realised that it isn’t all about winning the fight, it’s about the experience and the people that support you along the way, the people you meet on the journey and finally the realisation that you have more people that are there for you than you thought. It’s the best feeling in the world.”

The very next day, she passed her P3 exam (Practitioner Level 3) in Krav Maga with one of the UK’s leading clubs, Krav Maga Combat Academy (the WTC’s affiliated training centre).

The evening succeeded in raising GBP 9,000 for cancer research. The odd bruise on Laura will heal, with the indelible mark in the fight against cancer remaining.

Post match flanked by hubby

Inaugural elite warrior “HAND-TO-HAND COMBAT” course a success

by with No Comment News

On 22-25 May, the inaugural Elite Warrior training course was held at SAS SALDANHA led by Senior instructor of the Warrior Training Centre, Claudio Chiste. Participants consisted of instructors from the Maritime Reaction Squadron and the PTI branch.

The programme focused on techniques to ensure optimal mind-body connection, adhering to the principle that to have a strong, healthy body, a strong healthy mind is needed first. This principle so eloquently captured in the words of the world’s greatest military strategist Sun Tzu:
“The victorious warrior wins with his mind before going into battle.”
Why does this matter? If you want to win the war, you have to be a warrior.

Team lined up for training drills.

Participants were taught about the Elite Warrior Mindset, and the techniques to evoke the warrior within. Following the forging of mental toughness and high performance, participants were taught Hand-To-Hand Combat (both armed & unarmed combat). The course was taught at Level 1 (Part 1 of 3), with accreditation by the UK’s Krav Maga Combat Academy.

“It is very motivational and this courses needs to be introduced to most of the SANDF members, because it helps not only self defence (but) it motivates people how to achieve their goals and prepare for worse things in life” said one of the participants.

A warrior mindset is of primary importance in one’s ability to overcome a challenge. In hand-to-hand combat, one must have the attitude that he will defeat the enemy and complete the mission, no matter what. In any combat situation, one must have the frame of mind to survive above all else; the prospect of losing cannot enter one’s mind. Key focus on forging mental toughness to succeed at an elite level. This needs to be in a sustainable way – to ensure mental readiness at all times – to achieve high performance whenever the need may arise, in all aspects of one’s life, be it professional or personal.

Participants go through striking and counter-attacks.

Claudio is a former Combat Officer who served as XO of SAS FLEUR in his final appointment, for a brief period as the Acting
Officer Commanding before the decommissioning of the so-called “workhouse of the navy” (affectionately known as the “Mighty Fluff”). During which time he was the Navy boxing representative winning the Western Cape Light-heavyweight title, as well as the Western Province title making it to the SA championship final. He then went on to qualify as a Fitness Instructor, Master Life Coach and an instructor in the highly regarded Krav Maga – the official self defence system of the Israeli Defence Force – under Professor Itay Gil, the chief instructor of the elite anti-terror unit of the IDF.

Claudio is the Senior Instructor at the Warrior Training Centre, focusing on optimal mind-body connection, the component dealing with the body (hand-to-hand) being recognised by a leading UK martial arts academy, the Krav Maga Combat Academy.

Officer Commanding thanking WTC Training Commander Claudio Chiste. Photo credit to Helen Galanakis

After a period overseas, where he excelled in his post-navy endeavours – highlights include winning the South African Business Leader of the Year award from the Chamber of Commerce, the Highest Contribution Award from the military veteran community and the Best Shipping Network in the world Award in his capacity as chairman of the network building to be the world’s leading networking association – he has since returned to his beloved South Africa. He is passionate about sharing the mental toughness and high performance techniques which helped him lead a balanced, centred & successful life…

Claudio stated “I would like to add value to the SA Navy in particular, which helped me in my development. It’s time to ‘give back’, whether it be to provide a follow on course from time to time, or possibly even as a reservist to be involved on a more regular basis.”

Fighting spirit

From grassroots to gold: The positive after effects of the first Youth Development Programme

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The first sports community outreach programme for children from previously disadvantaged backgrounds ever to be held on the West Coast in the discipline of boxing took place at the Navy base SAS Saldanha in 9 December 1998, with the positive after effects still lingering to this day…

Lined up and ready: participants being taught punching techniques, top defence force trainer, Jan Louwrens guiding the aspirant youngsters

This community outreach program served firstly, to positively influencing children; providing role models, exposing them to a healthy activity and thereby turning them away from a life of crime. Secondly, to contribute towards community building – seen as regional aspect of nation building – with the bringing together of major aspects of the community: youth, government, local businesses which supported the event and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). In the process strengthening the SANDF’s relationship with the local community.

Sport as a unifier
In an often-divided world, sport is a unique and important connective tissue that binds people together, both within and across societies. Nelson Mandela recognized the unique power of sport to heal and bring together a divided South Africa. At a time of great tension over his appointment as the country’s first black president, Mandela appeared on the field after the Springboks won the 1995 Rugby World Cup, wearing the team’s cap and traditional green and gold jersey. The stadium was filled largely with white South Africans, who were initially stunned but soon started chanting “Nelson! Nelson!” in a moment that will be remembered forever as one of the ultimate example of sport’s power to heal division. 


Fighting Spirit. A group of the participants showing their fighting spirit. Macneal flanked by Claudio (to his right) and former World Champion Gary Murray (to his right)

Mandela would then go on to say, “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else can. Sport can awaken hope where there was previously only despair.” (Nelson Mandela, Laureus World Sports Awards Ceremony 2000)

Positive effect of outreach programme lingers still today
A shining example of how sport can awaken hope is Macneal Samuels, who was a youthful 11-year-old at the time when he attended this sports youth development program. 

The organiser of the sports outreach, Claudio Chiste – who conceptualised and organised the programme whilst Chairman of the Military Academy Boxing Club – recently returned to Saldanha as the Senior Instructor of the Warrior Training Centre to train the South African Navy in Hand-To-Hand Combat and forging mental toughness. During this visit – his first since the outreach programme almost 20 years earlier – he rather fortuitously managed to establish contact with one of the participants of that memorable occasion, Macneal Samuels, the then 11 year child who is today a 29 year old man. Asked how that experience changed his life – he has not shared this story with many – this is his story, which could inspire others to make something of themselves.


Flashback. The photo which appeared in leading newspapers covering the youth development program. Macneal (encircled in blue), with organiser Claudio Chiste in the background.

How did the clinic have a positive impact on you?
After the sports development program I applied myself at a number of worthwhile activities with a level of success, making the Boland chess team, earning my provincial colours, where I was fortunate to travel all around country. Thereafter making it in the Boland regional volleyball team, as well as playing rugby for the first team of Saldanha, where we recently won the golden trophy following our victory over our fierce rivals, Vredenberg. 

Whilst being active in sports at a competitive level, I was also able to manage my time by working part time to fund my studies. I completed my NQF level in tool making and machining and my N3 in mechanical drawing, maths & science. In my spare time, when I am not playing competitive rugby, working or studying, I am a youth leader in my local church.

I plan to start my N4 later this year and will also be applying to go on the next programme to qualify as a mechatronics technician, specialising in electrical, mechanical, and computer technologies. It is a 6 year programme, so quite a commitment but that it is my goal.


Today as a young man: Macneal with the ball playing for Saldanha.

What do you remember of ‘that’ day… attending the outreach program as a young 11 year old?
I remember I was so excited to attend this sports day in the navy base of SAS SALDANHA. After learning punching techniques and self-defence, we had to spar one round. I remember being knocked down…then being  encouraged by the coaching staff “You can do it”… I forced myself to get back on my feet to finish the round and successfully complete the programme, being awarded my certificate. That taught me a valuable lesson about life. 

What was the major lasting impression for you of that day?
This generation of youth needs hope, it is our job to make sure they don’t perish or waste their talent. There is extreme poverty in the region, but that does not necessarily need to be one’s destiny. That sports programme planted the seed that we can all be destined for greatness. 

This created a lasting legacy in two ways; not only did it inspire those that attended, it also laid the seeds for follow on outreach programmes – supported by subsequent OCs of the Military Academy – inspiring even more young lives. A case in point being Pte Gregory “The Hitman” Gans, where at the age of only 13 he attended one of the follow-on community outreach programmes.

This photo was taken after PTE Gregory Gans triumphed against his international opponent from Azerbaijan.

With dedication and hard work he won the SA Kickboxing Championships, being selected for the national team in an international bilateral competition against Mauritius (which he won with a spectacular knock-out). He subsequently represented South Africa in numerous international events, including two World Kickboxing Championships in 2012 and 2014.

Outreach programmes such as these are in line with the Department of Sports and Recreation’s “National Sport and Recreation Plan” which highlights the need to develop and invest in previously disadvantaged communities. The mission statement of the department is “To transform the delivery of sport and recreation by ensuring equitable access and excellence at all levels of participation and to harness the socio-economic contributions that can create a better life for all South Africans.”

Development is a bottom up approach, meaning we must invest in sports facilities and the development of talent at grassroots level (amongst the young), particularly in underprivileged communities which do not readily have access to suitable sport facilities. This equips young people with the means, so they are not disadvantaged because of the communities they are born in.

Claudio Chiste SA Business Leader of the Year

From Military Leader to Business Leader of the Year: Insight from two perspectives

by with No Comment News

Historically military leaders were drawn from a social class defined by membership of the aristocracy or landed gentry. According to the military historian, Gary Sheffield, “the relationship of the Edwardian officer and soldier reflected the sort of ideal country in which leaders had the responsibilities of ruling, guiding and helping those in their charge.” This changed in during World War 1, after so many of this officer class were killed, in their position the British Army sourced men raised up from the ranks who had some education or had shown courage and raw leadership in battle. These men were taught the basics of ‘officership’, donning the mantle of the ‘officer-as-leader’.

Today, with the increased uncertainty and rapidly changing business environment, corporate leadership appears to resemble military leadership in the face of the tremendous pressure to meet short term targets and solve functional problems. Solving problems and overcome challenges has become the new “business as usual”. The common denominator to these two leadership arenas is that of courage, competence, and character. Character being the foundation, with competence relating to your skills of leadership and execution, and courage is the energy that keeps you doing the right thing, even when there are challenges.

A personal realization is that in comparing corporate and military leaders, I always regarded military leadership as a far more serious form of leadership, with life and death of humans being at stake. However, my view has been modified somewhat. Although it may be true that the two are not directly comparable, as the military leader’s decisions may result directly in life or death; both military and corporate leaders have competitors who are trying to beat them. In this context, both require the latest intel, strategies, tactics, and effective execution in order to succeed.

Claudio Chiste SA Business Leader of the Year

At the time of receiving the award, I dedicated it to all those who feel stuck in their lives, with self-doubt and fear of failure impeding action. The press quoted me with the message to those with these debilitating thoughts:
Chiste, who spent ten years in the South African military as a naval officer before becoming a banker, said at the time, “As with many others looking to move into the private sector after such a long period in the military, I was concerned about having transferable skills. However, in my own experience, it seems long-term career success is heavily influenced by an individual’s self-belief and determination.”

Claudio Chiste SA Business Leader of the Year - The South African Newspaper Article

Source:

And the 2012 SA Business Awards winners are…

SPNL Chairman wins Leadership award

References:
https://www.proshareng.com/news/World-of-Business/Military-and-Corporate-Business-Leadersh/44871