Champions Forged - Exercise RELENTLESS WARRIOR 2026

Male and female athletes competed under identical rules and expectations in a fully integrated format, divided only by body weight (six classes from 60 kg and below, to 110 kg and above) and training experience (beginner, intermediate or advanced). Victory was earned through decisive submissions or through points gained from takedowns, guard passes, sweeps and other key techniques. Stalling resulted in penalties while continuous action was rewarded.

“Grappling has challenged me in every possible way, but it has also given me confidence I never knew I had. I’m proud to stand here as a [Canadian Armed Forces] athlete, and I hope more women see that this sport is for them too. We rise by lifting each other up," stated Corporal Tanis Burke, grappler and medic serving with 16 Ambulance Company (Saskatchewan), 38 CBG.

The following five principles were alive in every exchange: Decisiveness. Speed. Concentration of Force. Flexibility. Simplicity.

"I couldn't be prouder of what I'm seeing here. I think we're going to have around 130‑some‑odd competitors, which is double what Relentless Warrior was before. Let me be clear. This is the start," announced Chief Warrant Officer Rob Clarke, 3^rd Canadian Division Sergeant‑Major during his opening remarks at the meet‑and‑greet event for Ex RELENTLESS WARRIOR 2026.

The meet‑and‑greet offered competitors an opportunity to ask last‑minute questions before the tournament began and built camaraderie between units from across Western Canada.

This was more than a tournament. It was high‑intensity training that built and demonstrated the confidence needed to close distance, control posture, and finish a fight the moment it goes hands‑on. Competitors learned hard lessons in both victory and defeat. Their preparation showed in their discipline and consistent training. There were no shortcuts, no extreme weight cutting; just hard work to stay ready for anything.

Lieutenant‑General Michael Wright, Commander of the Canadian Army, has stated that “the Army we have is not the Army we need,” a reminder of the need to build a force ready for the challenges of tomorrow. While grappling itself is not a core battlefield skill practised by all, the resilience, confidence under pressure, and physical and mental toughness it develops directly contribute to soldier readiness – especially in close quarters. Training that pushes members to perform under stress strengthens the Army’s foundation of discipline and fitness – attributes essential to meeting evolving operational requirements.

Strong performances across all formations highlighted the collective combat proficiency that defines 3^rd Canadian Division and supports its ongoing transition to a Manoeuvre Division. As the Canadian Army’s primary combat force, the Manoeuvre Division will be responsible for rapid deployment and high‑readiness operations. It integrates all core operating functions—command, sense, act, shield, and sustain—under a unified tactical headquarters, enabling decisive action in major combat operations and crisis scenarios while facilitating expeditionary mobilization and scalable brigade- and division‑level operations.