RFMF puts 67 soldiers through 12-week unarmed combat training

Fitness, endurance and discipline will be put to the test as 67 Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) personnel begin a 12-week unarmed combat training programme aimed at strengthening their combat skills and operational readiness.

The 1/26 Unarmed Combat Training Programme was officially opened yesterday at Tuvasu Hall, Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua by Major Etika Vakaenei.

Addressing the trainees, Maj Vakaenei said the programme was about much more than learning martial arts.

"Today, you stand at the threshold of a journey that will test not only your physical endurance, but also your character, patience, and discipline," he said.

Major Vakaenei said Hapkido was not about brute force but about self-control and restraint.

"Hapkido is about knowing when to act, how to act, and when to stop the effect of your actions. True strength lies not in domination, but in restraint," he said.

Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, he reminded trainees: "Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will."

He encouraged participants to persevere through the physical and mental challenges ahead.

Major Vakaenei also urged the soldiers to uphold the highest standards of discipline, saying they were the future leaders of the RFMF.

"You are not just students—you are future leaders. Lead by example, respect your instructors, support your comrades, and never forget the value of humility," he said.

He encouraged the participants to embrace the training wholeheartedly and allow Hapkido to shape their body, mind and spirit.

The programme is designed to equip soldiers with fundamental Combat Hapkido knowledge and skills while enhancing individual combat proficiency and overall operational readiness. It is open exclusively to RFMF personnel.