Grappling

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All grappling competitors must adhere to the following equipment guidelines. For questions or verification, please consult with the center judge before the match. Competitors with improper or unsafe equipment will be asked to change prior to competing.

Mandatory Equipment

Gi Divisions: Complete Karate or Judo uniform (jacket, pants, belt)

• Jacket sleeves must reach at least mid-forearm
• Pant legs must reach at least mid-calf

No-Gi Divisions: T-shirt or rash guard (tucked into pants/shorts) and athletic shorts or pants

• No major tears or holes are allowed

Additional Requirements:

• Mouth guard
• Male groin protection
• No jewelry is allowed during competition

• Youth Divisions (5-10 years): Combined gender divisions; may combine further if needed based on registration.
• Youth Divisions (11-13 years): Separate divisions by age and gender, with possible weight class divisions on the day of the event.
• Teen and Adult Divisions (14+ years): Separate divisions for males and females.
• Submissions: Allowed in Teen and Adult Divisions only. Any successful submission results in an automatic win.

Note: Weight classes will be finalized on the day of the tournament to maximize match opportunities for all competitors.

Youth Divisions (13 and under): 2-minute rounds with a 1-minute overtime if tied.

Teen and Adult Divisions (14 and up): 3-minute rounds with a 1-minute overtime if tied.

A winner will be determined by one of the following:

• Points: The competitor with the most points at the end of the match.
• Submission: The competitor who submits their opponent (Teen and Adult Divisions only).
• Inability to Continue: If an opponent bows out or cannot control bleeding.

• Overtime: If tied after regulation time, a 1-minute overtime will decide the winner. If still tied, the first competitor to score wins.

Points are awarded when a position is stabilized for 3 seconds or upon a completed takedown with control. Competitors may only receive points for advancing to a new position, not for returning to a previous one. 

• 2 Points: Minor takedown (trip or tackle with control)
• 3 Points: Major takedown (advanced martial arts takedown with control and style)
• 3 Points: Side control (holding opponent flat on their back)
• 4 Points: Mount (both knees and feet on the ground)
• 4 Points: Back mount/rear guard (both feet hooked)
• 2 Points: Reversal (moving from a losing to a dominant position)
• 1 Point: Escape (moving from a losing to a neutral position)
• 1 Point: Submission position (Youth Divisions only; a controlled, non-applied submission)

• Automatic Win: A successful submission in Teen and Adult Divisions.

The following techniques are not allowed in any division:

• Neck cranks
• Toe and finger locks
• Biting and gouging
• Slamming an opponent from the guard position
• Kicking, punching, or any striking
• Any other unsafe or inappropriate techniques at the judges' discretion

The judge may stop the clock at any time as necessary, including but not limited to out-of-ring calls, injury, blood control, or scorekeeper consultation.

• Blood Time: If bleeding occurs, competitors have up to 5 minutes to stop bleeding and clean any affected areas. Failure to do so within the time limit results in a match default loss.
• Out of Ring:- When on feet, an "out of ring" warning is issued if one foot steps off the mat.- When grounded, if 2/3 of both competitors’ bodies move off the mat, the judge will reposition them at the center.- Submission holds in progress near the mat boundary will not be interrupted unless to prevent injury.
   

Warnings are divided into four categories:

Illegal Technique Warnings:

• 1st offense: Verbal warning
• 2nd offense: 1 point to the opponent
• 3rd offense: Disqualification

Out of Ring Warnings:

• 1st & 2nd offenses: Verbal warning
• 3rd offense and beyond: 1 point awarded to the opponent for each additional infraction

Stalling Warnings:

• 1st offense: Verbal warning
• 2nd offense: 1 point to the opponent
• 3rd offense and beyond: 2 points to the opponent for each additional infraction

Poor Sportsmanship:

• 1st offense: Verbal warning
• 2nd offense: 1 point to the opponent
• 3rd offense: Disqualification

Note: Judges may disqualify a competitor at their discretion for serious infractions at any time.