Martial Arts Journeys: From Aussie Special Forces to Black Belts with Rhys Dowden and Clancy Roberts

Welcome back to the Wheels Up Podcast. Today Troy and Ben are
joined Rhys Dowden and Clancy Roberts as they talk through there
martial arts journeys.


Guest 1: Rhys Dowden (Operator Edge)


Background: Joined the Australian Army in 1999, initially in
the Cavalry. Attempted SAS Selection in 2002. Later, after
contracting in Iraq as a private security contractor, rejoined
the military, successfully passing Commando selection in 2008
with 4RAR (later 2CDO). Rhys served for 12 years, including two
deployments to Afghanistan—one as an assaulter and another as a
Special Forces sniper. Now runs Operator Edge, focusing on
prepping future SF candidates and offering mindset and physical
training.

Website: Operator Edge

Socials: Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook



Guest 2: Clancy Roberts (Way-Finder Field Skills)


Background: Joined the Army Reserves in 2003 and went
full-time with 3RAR in 2005. Deployed to Timor multiple times and
passed selection in 2010. Deployed to Afghanistan three times and
Iraq twice before discharging in 2016. Currently runs Way-Finder
Field Skills, focusing on preparing military and law enforcement
personnel in navigation and field skills.

Website: Way-Finder Field Skills

Socials: Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook



Episode Overview: This episode is part of a series discussing the
intersection of martial arts, military service, and the security
industry. We are joined by two Australian Special Forces
veterans, Rhys Dowden and Clancy Roberts, both of whom have
achieved black belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). We explore
their journeys through martial arts, how it has shaped their
careers, and its impact on their lives.


Topics Covered:
Military Background:

Clancy: From Army Reserves to full-time 3RAR and later
Special Forces. Multiple deployments to Timor, Afghanistan, and
Iraq. Transition into civilian life and launching Way-Finder
Field Skills.

Rhys: From initial military service in the Cavalry,
attempting SAS selection, to contracting in Iraq. Returning to
the military, passing Commando selection, and serving as an
assaulter and sniper.



Introduction to Martial Arts:


Martial Arts Journey: Both Rhys and Clancy have trained in
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) for years, achieving black belts.
Discussion of their progression, challenges, and the benefits
martial arts have provided in their military and post-military
careers.



Impact of Martial Arts on Security Industry:


Practical Skills: How martial arts, particularly BJJ, has
translated into practical skills in the security industry,
especially in high-stress environments.

Mental Toughness: The role of martial arts in developing
mental resilience and discipline.



Individual Business Ventures:


Rhys: Operator Edge focuses on preparing future SF candidates
through mindset and physical training. Discussion on the "small
wins phenomenon" and how to mentally and physically prepare for
high-pressure situations.

Clancy: Way-Finder Field Skills prepares military and law
enforcement personnel in navigation and field skills, helping
them gain confidence and proficiency in critical tasks.



Martial Arts and the Future:


Past, Present, and Future: Reflections on how martial arts
have evolved and where Rhys and Clancy see the industry going.
Discussion on the importance of continued training and
innovation.



Shout Outs and Closing Thoughts:



Websites: Operator Edge, Way-Finder Field Skills



Socials: Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook

Contact Info: Emails for direct inquiries.



Media: Include relevant images or clips from their training
sessions, martial arts events, or previous interviews.


Sponsor Shout-Outs: WheelsUp Whiskey


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