King Charles’ hilarious reaction to being awarded Jiu Jitsu white belt | Royal | News
King Charles smiles as he receives a white belt (Image: Chris Jackson/PA Wire)
The King appeared thrilled to be gifted a Jiu Jitsu white belt as he waved the belt in the air during a visit to a world-famous martial arts school on Wednesday.
Wearing bright blue disposable covers over his leather shoes, Charles watched in fascination as students of all abilities performed at the Roger Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy in Hammersmith, one of the world’s leading Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) schools.
The King joked that their grappling skills reminded him of his Navy years when he took part in tug-of-war on HMS Bronington.
Charles, who served on the mine hunter during his naval career from 1971 to 1976, told them: “It was like you were in a tug of war. We used to do this on HMS Bronington too, but the rope was attached to the stern so you couldn’t see the other team. It was like a never-ending pulley system.”
King, 77, was introduced to students of REORG, an organization founded to promote sports among serving military personnel, veterans, emergency service workers and others facing physical, mental and social challenges.
REORG was founded in 2017 by Royal Marines veteran and BJJ black belt holder Sam Sheriff MBE, and the King had the honor of surprising star pupil Roger Gracie with a black belt during his visit.
Praising his student for his determination to progress from brown belt to black belt, Mr Sharif said: “There are very few people on the planet who achieve Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt because it takes 10 to 15 years to achieve that.”
Following the presentation, the King was presented with his own white belt, the entry-level rating in the sport. As the students applauded, the King chuckled and waved his belt in front of his eyes.
Pop star Tinie Tempah, who is currently a purple belt (two away from the top class), told the King how actor Tom Hardy introduced him to the sport after they met at a King’s Trust event in 2018.
King Charles watches the spectacle on the mats during his visit to the REORG charity (Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Meanwhile, former Royal Marines commando Mark Ormrod MBE told how sport gave him and others a “new lease of life” after their service.
Mr Ormrod, 42, lost both legs and his right arm when he stood on an improvised explosive device while on patrol in Afghanistan on Christmas Eve in 2007. He has broken records through various challenges, including breaking the fastest triple amputee swimming record of 1km, and has raised more than £150,000 by running a 5km (3.2mi) race with prosthetics.
He said: “It may sound ridiculous, but this sport has given me so much. The ability to take on another man, the ability to challenge every time I step on the mat, and the gift of community that surrounds Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I have been in the fortunate position to watch Sam grow this organization from the very beginning and reach thousands of people around the world, and I have watched many of these people’s lives change.”
“There is no ego in this sport, the outside doesn’t matter. We have people from all walks of life, from senior military and emergency service personnel, to world champions or people new to the sport. There is dignity, respect and patience there and the King saw that today. It was a pleasure for him to visit.”
