Tournament cost: $50 for unlimited divisions.

Each weight division will be broken up by experience level. Experience should be calculated on any grappling experience, not just BJJ. If you wrestled or competed in MMA, you need to consider that as you determine your division.

Gi Experience Levels (taken from BJJ Belt System):

White Belt: no more than 2 years of total grappling experience.
Blue Belt: up to 4 years of grappling
Purple Belt
Brown Belt
Black Belt

No Gi Experience Levels:

Novice: Less than 6 months of training
Beginner: 6 months – 2 years of training
Intermediate: 2 – 5 years of training
Advanced: 5 or more years of training

Weight Classes will be posted soon…

Absolute Tournament

We will also be hosting a Absolute Tournament with a cash prize. Each entry must pay $50 for the tournament, and an additional $50 that will go into a winner takes all pool.

Additional $50 to winner pool.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=160531774026218
http://www.nationallyranked.com/events/index.cfm?ac=EventDetail&EID=40352

If you would like to compete, you may register online by clicking this link: http://tiny.cc/p1zl2.

You may also register the day of the tournament. Weigh ins will begin at 9am and continue until 11am. The rules meeting will take place at 1030am and the matches will start by 11am. Please do not be late. Kids and Teen Divisions will go first, followed by the adult weight divisions and finishing with the absolute division.

Divisions will be bracketed at the event. Please use this as a guide, but realize that some divisions may be changed to accommodate a fair competition with several matches per division.

Youth Matches will be split into two categories:
Position only and Submission. The position only division is a requirement to compete in the submission division. The submission division will be optional….

Teen and adult matches will be submission based.

Youth Age and Weight Divisions.

Youth divisions will be set up based on age and weight.

Age guidelines: up to 6 yrs, 7 & 8 yrs, 9 & 10 yrs, 11 & 12 yrs. Anyone over 12 will be placed in the teen division or the weight division.

Weight guidelines: up to 65lbs, 66-80lbs, 81-100lbs, 100 and up.

Adult Age and Weight Divisions.
Age Guidelines: 13-17yrs, 18+, (we will have a master’s division if enough competitors show up)
Weight Guidelines: up to 145lbs, 146-155lbs, 156-170lbs, 171-185lbs, 186-205lbs, 205 and up, Absolute (all weights)

Each match will be scored with the exception of the initial round of the Adult Absolute matches.

Scoring is based on the following point scale:

Takedown to control: 2 points
Dominant Top Position: 2 points
Sweep from Guard or Half Guard: 3 points
Week Submission Attempt: 1 point
Strong Submission Attempt: 2 points

At the end of the round, the grappler with the most points or who submits his or her opponent will win and move on to the next bracket.

Each match will have a time limit. The time limits will vary based on division.

All Youth matches are 3 minutes.
Novice and Beginner Matches will last 4 minutes.
Absolute matches are 10 minutes without points followed by a 4 minute overtime with points if necessary.

Class schedules and curriculum will remain the same. We look forward to training with you at our new location. Bring some friends!

NEW LOCATION – SAME GREAT SERVICE!
2127 Boundary Street, 18-B
Jean Ribaut Shopping Center (Beside Bi-Lo)
Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
(843) 379-2424 Omni’s Phone Number (ask about Beaufort MMA)

$500 cash prize for the men’s no-gi advanced absolute!

Saturday weigh ins will be held from 8 AM to 10 AM for anyone competing in no gi divisions, and will be extended to noon for anyone that will only be competing in the gi. Competitors can also register and weigh in Friday night (more info coming). Competitors do not need to wear the gi during weigh ins.

First matches will begin at 11 AM.

Check out our Submission Only rules.

Note: This event is for adults only. Teens may compete in adult divisions with permission of their parents and coaches.

Preregistration is open.

Preregistration Fees:
(Through 8PM EDT 2/11/2010)
One Division – $60
Up to 4 divisions – $85
Each additional division – $15

Day of Registration Fees:
(including Friday night)
One Division – $75
Up to 4 divisions – $100
Each additional division – $15

Spectator Fees:
Ages 12 and Up – $10
Ages 6 to 11 – $5
Up to Age 5 – Free

First we have to establish a few principles. Mma events are usually of little or no cost to the fighters themselves and draw in more money for the promoters through ticket sales. Most grappling tournaments start at $30 or more just to enter; some as high as $100 for registration. Then there are the travel costs, hotel and food. If you bring family members, it gets more pricy…

MMA is definitely the better option for fighters that cant afford to compete but want to.

But even though we are in a recession / depression, money isn’t the only consideration. One good thing about competing in a grappling tournament as compared to a mixed martial arts match is the amount of matches you can get and the lowered risk of not getting punched or kicked.

I recommend that most of my fighters compete in grappling tournaments especially if they are considering mma competition. This allows them to warm up to a competitve atmosphere, get experience in listening to me coach them from the side and generally in getting used to the tunnelvision and “fog of war” associated with competing for the first few times.

Competition can be stressful and grappling tournaments allow fighters to get the butterflies out before stepping up into the cage and taking on another opponent.

Another point is the takedowns and submission abilities required to win in a grappling tournament. With less offensive weapons, it is sometimes easier for your opponent to defend techniques when they arent “distracted” with getting punched or kicked in the face. This trains you to be more effective with the takedowns you are attempting which in turn makes them more efficient in mixed martial arts.

There are drawbacks and bad habits learned from grappling tournaments though including neglecting the respect of position. Whne your opponent is unable to hit you in the face while in mount, you can grow complacent and not be as defensive as in the cage.

Overall, I see grappling tournaments as an opportunity for fighters and non-fighters to better their grappling and stay competitive as well as learning to stay calm under pressure.

If you would like to compete in a grappling tournament, please contact us about beginning a training routine. Whether you are a beginner or have been training for a while, we will get you ready and keep you in shape for tough competitions.

YOU MUST BE A U.S CITIZEN, CANADIAN CITIZEN OR HAVE A GREEN CARD TO COMPETE IN THIS EVENT.

This is a Gi event.

Abu Dhabi Registration Form
Abu Dhabi WORLD Pro North & Central America Trials
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Brevard Community College Melbourne Campus
Building # 6
3865 North Wickham Road
Melbourne, FL.  32935
Weigh – ins will be held at: (Weigh-in is without Gi on)
The Sandbar Sports Grill
4301 Ocean Beach Blvd.
Cocoa Beach, FL.  32931
Phone: 321-799-2577
Friday February 27, 2009
Weigh – in time from 5:pm to 9:pm

Entry Registration Fee:
$85.00 BEFORE February 21, 2009
$100.00 after February 21 , 2009
You can register here with a credit card
or
Make a check or money order out to: NAFA
Mail it to:  NAFA
1010 Old Dixie Highway
Vero Beach,  Fl. 32960
(Please fill out print out form and mail with your check).
$10.00 Adult (18 and older) Advance Spectator tickets
(tickets paid in advance can be picked up at the will call ticket Booth day of event.  Please bring your credit card receipt.)
$15.00 at the door

$5.00 Pre teens and teens 12 to 17 Advance Spectator tickets
(tickets paid in advance can be picked up at the will call ticket Booth day of event)
$10.00 at the door

Prizes and Awards:
The first place winners of the Blue belt weight class brackets shall receive $300.00
The winner of the Absolute Blue belt shall receive an additional $500.00, and advances to WORLD PRO JIU JITSU CUP 2009, receiving a Air Line ticket to Abu Dhabi, Hotel accommodations and meals.  Fighters must compete in the brackets to participate in the Absolute.

The Purple belt division will be held first. The first and second place winners from each weight bracket division will move to the Brown/Black belt division. The first place winner of each Purple belt weight division will receive $300.

The first place winners of the Purple/Brown/Black belt weight division brackets shall receive
$1,200.00 and advance to WORLD PRO JIU JITSU CUP 2009 and receive, Air Line ticket to Abu Dhabi, Hotel accommodations and meals.

Fighters in the Purple/Brown/Black Belt must compete in the weight brackets to participate in the Absolute.

The winner of the Absolute Purple/Brown/Black belt shall receive an additional $2,000.00

MASTERS DIVISION: This is for ages thirty and up.  The prizes associated with these brackets are Abu Dhabi Pro World Trial Medals.

Perks:
Available to all fighters:

Free event tee shirts to all contestants.

25% off event tee shirts for family members of all contestants.

Reserved seating for family members.

Our venue has two full sets of locker rooms with showers and lavatory facilities non accessible to the public.

We will have a massage therapist at the venue for fighters that want to be loosened up before or after their fight.  THIS IS FREE.

After fight party at Sandbar Sports Grill.

Sandbar Sports Grill is offering a 15% discount on meals and drinks to everyone associated with this NAFA Event.  This will include family and friends.  This offer is good for the entire time you are in town.
Visit Sandbar at: www.sandbarsportsgrill.net

Hotel Arrangements:

NAFA has made arrangement with the following hotels to assist our fighters, their families and friends in reducing travel cost.  This is high season in Florida.  On an average we have been able to reduce hotel rates by 39%.   We suggest you book soon!

Holiday Inn Cocoa Beach Oceanfront Resort: $89.99 (under the group code NAFA)
1300 N. Atlantic Ave.
Cocoa Beach,  FL.  32931
Ph: 321-392-1628
www.hicocoabeachhotelsite.com

Comfort Inn Cocoa Beach: $95.00 (cut off date 1-27-09)
Comfort Inn Cocoa Beach
3901 N. Atlantic Ave.
Cocoa Beach, FL.  32931
Ph: 321-783-2221 ext. 613 (2009NAFA).
http://www.comfortinncocoabeach.com/

Double Tree Cocoa Beach: $109.00
Double Tree Cocoa Beach Oceanfront
2080 N. Atlantic Ave.
Cocoa Beach, FL.  32931
Ph: 321-783-9222
www.cocoabeachdoubletree.com

Holiday Inn Melbourne-Viera Conference Center
Rate: $93.00 (code Abu Dhabi)
8298 N. Wickham Road
Melbourne, FL.  32940
Ph: 321-255-0077
www.holidayinn.com/melbournefl

Courtesy Notes:
Matches will be scheduled for six minutes.
There will be ten fighting mat areas. Each mat area will have four chairs for the next two matches.  You will be expected to be seated in those chair when you are called. You will progress up in the chairs as the matches before you finish until it is your turn to fight.

In respect for those fighters on the mats, no one will be allowed on the mats or to cross the mats except for those involved in the matches.

Andre Allen is currently undefeated at 3 wins with No Losses, and is a strong match at 145lbs. Knowing that Efrain would be taking this match, we increased his cardio training and have been working strategy as well as staying focused on our game plan.

The fight will be held in a cage at the “Last Man Standing” event Saturday, February 21st at Cowboy’s in Kennesaw, GA. The main event pits Tim Stout against Brent Weedman in a highly anticipated matchup. There are numerous other fights scheduled as well.

Efrain Lopez has been training for quite some time and is looking forward to his second amateur mixed martial arts fight. Efrain is currently enlisted in the Navy and works in the Medical field. His military training helps him prepare for competition, but unfortunately he has missed a few great fight opportunities based on his work schedule. He is hungry for this fight and wishes to continue undefeated in MMA competition as he faces a tough challenge.

If you are interested in fighting and live near Beaufort SC or Savannah GA, please give us a call at 843-522-1703 for Beaufort MMA, or call 912-412-4653 for Savannah MMA. We will meet with you and give you the chance to train and eventually to compete in mixed martial arts competition.

Here is to Legalized MMA in South Carolina!

Here is the actual Bill:

South Carolina General Assembly
118th Session, 2009-2010

Download This Bill in Microsoft Word format

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

H. 3042

STATUS INFORMATION

General Bill
Sponsors: Reps. Merrill, Parker, Huggins, H.B. Brown, Anderson, J.E. Smith, Miller, M.A. Pitts, Toole, Hayes, Bales, Jennings, Herbkersman, Vick, Rutherford, Hart, Sellers, McLeod, Moss, Hiott, Alexander, Gambrell, Bingham, Brady, Sandifer and Bedingfield
Document Path: l:\council\bills\ms\7041zw09.docx
Companion/Similar bill(s): 115

Introduced in the House on January 13, 2009
Currently residing in the House Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry

Summary: Mixed martial arts

HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS

Date Body Action Description with journal page number
——————————————————————————-
12/9/2008 House Prefiled
12/9/2008 House Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry
1/13/2009 House Introduced and read first time HJ-31
1/13/2009 House Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry
HJ-31
2/4/2009 House Member(s) request name added as sponsor: Huggins
2/5/2009 House Member(s) request name added as sponsor: H.B.Brown,
Anderson, J.E.Smith, Miller, M.A.Pitts, Toole, Hayes,
Bales, Jennings, Herbkersman, Vick, Rutherford, Hart,
Sellers, McLeod, Moss, Hiott, Alexander, Gambrell,
Bingham, Brady, Sandifer
2/10/2009 House Member(s) request name added as sponsor: Bedingfield

View the latest legislative information at the LPITS web site

VERSIONS OF THIS BILL

12/9/2008

(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)

A BILL

TO AMEND SECTIONS 40-81-20, 40-81-50, 40-81-70, 40-81-230, 40-81-280, 40-81-430, AND 40-81-480, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, ALL RELATING TO REGULATIONS OF VARIOUS ATHLETIC AND SPORTING ACTIVITIES BY THE STATE ATHLETIC COMMISSION; BY ADDING SECTION 40-81-445 SO AS TO MAKE THE COMBATIVE SPORT OF MIXED MARTIAL ARTS LEGAL IN SOUTH CAROLINA, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE MANNER IN WHICH THE STATE ATHLETIC COMMISSION SHALL SUPERVISE AND REGULATE MIXED MARTIAL ARTS COMPETITIONS; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 40-81-530 RELATING TO ULTIMATE FIGHTING EVENTS AS BEING UNLAWFUL.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1. A. Section 40-81-20(26) of the 1976 Code, as added by Act 28 of 2003, is amended to read:

“(26) ‘Promoter’ means a person, club, corporation, organization, or association which promotes, advertises, presents, conducts, holds, or gives a boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts, or wrestling event or exhibition in this State.”

B. Section 40-81-20(34) of the 1976 Code, as added by Act 28 of 2003, is amended to read:

“(34) ‘Ultimate fightingMixed martial arts’ means an event or exhibition, or part thereof, where the contestants are compensated and allowed to use any variation or combination of combative sports or fighting skills, or weapons,which may include, but are not limited to, boxing, wrestling, kickboxing, or martial art skills.”

SECTION 2. Section 40-81-50(A) of the 1976 Code, as added by Act 28 of 2003, is amended to read:

“(A) There is created the State Athletic Commission consisting of eight members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate to regulate boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, mixed martial arts, and other combative sports in this State. One member must be appointed from each congressional district of the State and two from the State at large. One of the at-large appointments shall be a physician licensed and in good standing in the State. The terms of the members are for four years and until their successors are appointed and qualified. Vacancies must be filled by the Governor for the remainder of an unexpired term. The commissioners of the State Athletic Commission may not have any financial interest, direct or indirect, in the promotion, management, or result of any boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts, or wrestling event or exhibition.”

SECTION 3. Section 40-81-70(D) of the 1976 Code, as added by Act 28 of 2003, is amended to read:

“(D) The commission designee in conjunction with the department representative shall review the Association of Boxing Commissions’ National Registry or any other approved registry along with all additional appropriate information and approve or deny all pairing of contestants.”

SECTION 4. Section 40-81-230 of the 1976 Code, as added by Act 28 of 2003, is amended to read:

“Section 40-81-230. The commission shall issue licenses pursuant to this chapter as follows:

( 1) boxer;

( 2) wrestler;

( 3) manager;

( 4) second;

( 5) trainer;

( 6) announcer;

( 7) promoter;

( promoter’s representative;

( 9) referee;

(10) judge;

(11) timekeeper;

(12) matchmaker;

(13) professional kick boxer kickboxer;

(14) mixed martial arts contestant.”

SECTION 5. Section 40-81-280 of the 1976 Code, as added by Act 28 of 2003, is amended to read:

“Section 40-81-280. In order to be licensed as a professional kick boxer kickboxer or mixed martial arts contestant for an event or exhibition, an applicant:

(1) must be between the ages of 18 and 35 eighteen and thirty-five, unless the commission by a majority vote waives this requirement as to an individual applicant over the age of 35 thirty-five;

(2) shall submit a completed application with payment of the prescribed fee; and

(3) shall submit documentation, on a commission-approved form, that the applicant has undergone a comprehensive physical examination by a licensed physician subsequent to his last kickboxing match or fifteen days before an event or exhibition in this State. The examining physician shall indicate on the approved form that the applicant is physically able to participate or compete. The comprehensive physical exam shall include a clinical, neurological, neurophysiological, and ophthalmologic examination that may include, but is not limited to, an EEG, EKG, and CAT scan by a licensed physician. If, at the time of these examinations, there is any indication of brain injury, or for any other reason the physician considers appropriate, the applicant shall undergo further neurological and neurophysiological examinations by a specialized physician including, but not limited to, a computerized tomography or medically equivalent procedure. The commission shall not issue a license to an applicant until all examinations are completed and the physician determines that the kick boxerkickboxer is eligible to participate or compete;

(4) shall submit evidence that the applicant has been tested not more than one year before the scheduled event or exhibition and is not infected with the human immunodeficiency virus and shall show proof of immunity for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C; and

(5) shall submit any additional documentation required by the commission.”

SECTION 6. Section 40-81-430 of the 1976 Code, as added by Act 28 of 2003, is amended to read:

“Section 40-81-430. The following licensure fees must be established by the department, in conjunction with the commission, and adjusted in accordance with Section 40-1-50(d):

( 1) promoter;

( 2) promoter’s representative;

( 3) referee;

( 4) manager;

( 5) wrestler;

( 6) matchmaker;

( 7) boxer;

( kick boxer kickboxer;

( 9) trainer;

(10) second;

(11) timekeeper;

(12) announcer;

(13) judge;

(14) event permit for boxing;

(15) event permit for wrestling;

(16) mixed martial arts contestant and event.”

SECTION 7. Section 40-81-480 of the 1976 Code, as added by Act 28 of 2003, is amended to read:

“Section 40-81-480. Events or exhibitions involving more than one of the combative sports orin which weapons are used are unlawful in this State. A person violating this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be punished in accordance with the provisions of Section 40-81-200.”

SECTION 8. Chapter 81, Title 40 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

“Section 40-81-445. The department and commission shall require that mixed martial arts events comply with the rules of a recognized professional organization or sanctioning body recognized by the commission except where those rules conflict with the laws of this State in which case the laws of this State shall apply.”

SECTION 9. Section 40-81-530 of the 1976 Code is repealed.

SECTION 10. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

—-XX—-

First of all, MMA is still illegal in South Carolina, so for fights, we usually travel to Atlanta or Macon or NC or Alabama or Florida… That doesn’t mean we cannot train and train effectively. We train hard and compete hard. Just don’t compete in South Carolina. So please come and train with us as soon as you would like so that when the state changes its mind, we will be ready to fight in our own state.

NEW LOCATION in Beaufort SC

The new location is located at 111 Savannah Hwy in the Shell Point area of Beaufort. From Lady’s Island, Parris Island, or Downtown Beaufort, you will head down Ribault Road until you pass the Bilo, then you will take a left onto HWY 802 (Savannah Hwy) toward the Broad River Bridge as if you were headed to Hilton Head SC. Our Martial Arts Gym is location on the left three buildings after Shell Point Elementary. The sign currently says “Cain’s Upholstery”.

From Laurel Bay, Grays Hill, Burton, the Marine Corps Air Station, or from farther out, just follow HWY 21 to Hwy 280 like you are headed to Walmart. At the 4 way intersection, take a right onto Hwy 170 and follow it until the light directly before the Broad River Bridge. Take a left at that intersection then head up Hwy 802 for about 2 miles and our gym is on the right directly after the new Apartment Building Complex.

MMA Class Times in Beaufort SC

Class times are the same as our previous location. We will be expanding once we get more classes lined up, but we are currently meeting Monday – Thursday from 7-8:30pm for MMA and Saturday Morning from 10:30-12:00pm.

So come by and visit our class and try it out if you aren’t a member. We look forward to having a great team in Beaufort and are looking forward to the upcoming MMA fights in Atlanta GA.

Call the school at 843-522-1703 or stop by for more information!