There’s a great grappling tournament in Phillipsburg, New Jersey this Saturday where contestants will be competing for FIVE GRAND!

And I will have the honor of doing some announcing at the event, so if you want to hang out, come on down!

You can check out their website at worldgrapplingchampionships.com

Here’s a press release for the event:

FULL CONTACT FIGHTER PRESENTS
THE WORLD GRAPPLING CHAMPIONSHIPS
NOVEMBER 22, 2008 IN PHILLIPSBURG, NJ
This inaugural tournament will serve as a catalyst for the growth of grappling and MMA in the northeast and on the east coast. The two tiered competition will feature a five weight team tournament along side individual weight class competition based on levels of experience. However, the team tournament features a $5,000 cash prize and a feature in Full Contact Fighter’s monthly publication; one of the most widely distributed and respected publications in the greater mixed martial arts community.

Individual weight class winners and other participants will qualify for a WGC/FCF ranking system which will evolve through future WGC productions. Those rankings will also become a staple in FCF print and online publications.

In additional to cash prizes, intense competition, and the ability to build and showcase ones skills, the WGC will feature appearances from undefeated UFC Fighters Jon Jones and Mike Massenzio. In addition, current WEC and Affliction athletes will be on hand to conduct demonstrations. November 22nd proves to be the next big step for the sport of grappling and its role in advancing mixed martial arts. Come be part of the action and excitement as the World Grappling Championships invades New Jersey.

The WGC will have a $5000 prize for the winners of the Team Tournament. The weight classes for this competition are 145, 160, 175, 190, and HWT. Teams will be put in a bracket format. If your team wins you advance to the next round to face another team that has won until you have the final 2 teams. Each team will be allowed to enter 8 people in case you want to switch the line-up around or you have an injury. The point system for this tournament is very simple. If your team wins the match by decision, you receive 3 team points. If your team earns a tap out then your team receives 5 team points. Each match will be 7 minutes in length.

Weigh-Ins & Start Times
Kids, Teens, Masters, Women Divisions Weigh-in from 8am-10am, Start Time 10:30am

Adult Men (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced) and Team Division Weigh-in from 8am-12noon, Start Time 12:30pm-8pm

Complete rules after the jump.

FULL CONTACT FIGHTER PRESENTS
THE WORLD GRAPPLING CHAMPIONSHIPS
NOVEMBER 22, 2008 IN PHILLIPSBURG, NJ
Scoring:

Takedown & Throw = 2 points
Reversals & Sweep = 2 points
Pass opponents guard = 3 points
Mounted position = 4 points
Back Control with Hooks in = 4 points
Back Control without Hooks in = 2 points
To gain points for position, the competitor must show clear control for 3 seconds.

Each match will start from the standing position. If the competitors move out of bounds in a definite position, they will be brought back to the center of the ring and restarted in the same position. If the competitors are standing or not in a defined position when they go out of bounds, they will be restarted facing each other.

Shorts must be worn by all competitors. Women must wear tops. Mouth piece and groin protection are required.Wrestling shoes are not allowed. No lubricants, oils, or lotions of any kind permitted of any part of the body or clothing. Matches are won by submission, points or advantages (when no submission or points are scored). In case of a tie, the referee will decide the winner.

Advantages: (submission attempts that posed a real threat to opponent, near takedowns, near sweep, near passes, etc.). Any competitor with top position who makes no attempt to advance will be viewed as inferior to competitor in the guard position who is making attempts at advancing. Advantages will only be used in the case of a tie with points. No Stalling: Referee will issue warnings for the 1st offense of stalling (i.e. backing out of the guard without engaging, no activity, butt scooting, fleeing the ring to avoid takedown or submission attempts). A 2nd offense will result in a 2 point deduction. A 3rd offense will result in a disqualification. Referee has the discretion to call a match for use of excessive force (i.e. competitor refuses to release pressure after opponent submits or opponent refuses to submit and the referee believes that the submission will cause immediate damage or injury). The referees will be shown maximum respect at all times. Their decisions are final and will not be disputed.

No grabbing or use of opponents clothing, shorts, rash guards, t-shirts, etc.

Heel Hooks, Twisting Knee Locks, and Neck Cranks are ILLEGAL in Children, Beginner, Intermediate, Masters, and Women’s Divisions. All submissions are allowed in Advanced divisions and in the Super Fights.

No strikes, biting, eye gouging (includes chin to eye), head butting, small joint manipulation (finger or toe locks), hair pulling, or ear pulling. No attacks to the windpipe or groin.No unsportsmanlike conduct allowed as observed by referee (includes spitting, use of foul language, obscene gestures, etc.). Warnings will be given for unsportsmanlike conduct. Repeat offenders will be disqualified. No Slamming allowed. Illegal slamming will be defined as slamming your opponent to escape submissions and/or to pass the guard; or standing from the guard and/or jumping from a standing position to slam your opponent. Takedowns are NOT considered slams, but you must deliver your opponent safely to the mat.