Has anyone been in a grappling tournament?

[darkyellowsky]

I am thinking of entering that Machado grappling tournament in Las Vegas on Feb. 24. I need to know about these tournaments. So please respond with any info you can give me.

[John Bennett]

What do you want to know?

[darkyellowsky]

?

How much experience would I need? What is the general atmosphere? What are your experiences?

[penguinman000]

I have never been to a Machado tournament but the east coast tournaments I have been to have been a ton of fun. Met lots of cool people, traded tech after we choke each other...etc... I highly reccomend going. It's fun.


Tournaments are usally broke up into, Gi and No-GI. Then by experiance and weight class. Go give it a whirl. Have fun and check your ego at the door. Introduce yourself and talk to everyone. Have fun.

[John Bennett]

I've competed in several of Carlos Machado's tournaments in Dallas.

The atmosphere is good.

Before you enter one, go and watch one. That's the best way to get a feel for the rules, call-up procedures, etc.

I think you'll be impressed with the sportsmanship and level of comradery. Talk to as many people as you can. I've met some really great friends at the tournaments.

[Angel_of_Pain]

I have not been in big grappling tourney but I did a couple of local tourney and one fight challenge and I say GO! GO! GO! its fun, you meet a lot of great people who give you a lot of great tip. I remember at my last fight night I was facing a guy who was 5 inch taller then me and a black belt came to me when he knew I was facing the guy and gave me trick that really worked and it helped me to win, but the win was nothing beside the experience you get when the crowd scream "let's go kid, beat that guy" and all your school is behind you its really a great feeling.

[dan downard]

GO! It will totally change the way you think and train.Get in there with some guys who are pumped up and going 150%.And don't forget to check your ego at the door.(Cause it may be handed to you inside).And have fun,and meet people.

[oldguy]

Tournaments are fun!

I have been to grappling tournaments all over the country and general find that the atmosphere is congenial and a good time. I recommend you go.

[Bahala Na]

These guys have said it best. I've only been in two submission tourneys, both with gis, but I had a blast at both. I think it is a really good idea to go watch first, though. I took third at my first tournament, I feel for two reasons. One, I wasn't used to the rules, and how points were awarded, and two, because the guy choked the piss out of me. My second go 'round, I took first and had a lot of fun, even though it was a small tournament. I'd definitely go get used to the rules first though.
Mike