Techniques, maneuvers, and counters applied to an opponent in order to gain a physical advantage, such as improving relative position, escaping, or submitting to the opponent.
Uniform Requirements
Competitors in Grappling events are required to wear traditional blue or white judo or jiu jitsu gi. Student karate gis are not permitted in the grappling event at any age level. The gi top sleeves are to come to the wrist when the hands are extended forward and the pant legs are to reach the ankle when standing upright. Uniforms are to be clean and free of stains or markings other than patches and name embroidery. Shoes or foot coverings are not permitted. Mouthpieces are recommended and permitted but not required. No other gear is permitted to be worn. Jewelry, with the exception of wedding bands, is not permitted.
Time Limit
Competitors that are 12 & under will have matches of 3 mins competitors 13 yrs & up will have 4 min matches.
Scoring
Competitors will be scored by a single judge. 1 timekeeper and 1 scorekeeper are also needed for the match. Grappling matches are conducted between 2 opponents.
Points are accumulated continuously. The match is not stopped after each point scored, but advantage is awarded to the scorer.
4 points – Mount, Back Grab
3 points – Passing the Guard, into a control position
2 points – Take downs, Sweeps, Knee on Belly
Fouls/Penalties – Fingers in the face, Slam from ground, Cranking the neck, Knee lock, Finger lock, Wrist lock, Leg locks. Green belts and above may use Leg locks. Brown belts and above may use Wrist locks.
If there is a tie, after the match is completed, the winner is awarded to the competitor who had the last advantage.
Winner Determination
Winner is determined by:
- Competitor successfully causing the opponent to submit or “tap out”
- Competitor accomplishing more points than the opponent within the time frame
- Judges determination of a “tap out” due to the appearance of danger in the submission
- Opponent’s disqualification by any other rules