Grappling Common Questions

GATOR NATIONALS Grappling Common Questions        

First time fighting in a GATOR event?
If this is your first time competing in a GATOR event, you are certain to have questions. We hope that by detailing what will happen during the day your experience will be enhanced. If you have concerns not addressed below, please contact GATOR Nationals Grappling Director James Sang Lee at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Who can enter?
GATOR does not require you to be on a team in order to compete. GATOR events are open to all styles: Wrestling, Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Japanese Jujitsu, Sambo, Jeet Kune Do, etc. There are no restrictions on what form of grappling you practice. We have divisions for children and adults of all ages and of all skill levels, in both No-Gi and Gi competition.

What time do I show up?
Registration will open at 8:00 AM Saturday morning and the rules meeting begins at 9:00 AM. Matches start promptly at 10:00 AM!

When is my first match?
GATOR Nationals Grappling takes place Saturday May 15, 2010 with matches beginning at 10:00 AM. Upon registration, you will receive a sheet indicating what ring your division is in and the order of divisions in each ring. A schedule will be located at each ring for start time estimates.

What is the order of events?    
Children’s/Teens Divisions go first, followed by Adult No-Gi, and finally Adult Gi. As a general rule, arrive early and see the schedule located at each ring for division start time estimates.

Registration: pre registration or at the door?
All competitors must register and this can be done at the door Saturday morning at 8:00 AM or the night before on Friday from 6:00-9:00 PM.  
Pre-registration for the Grappling Competition is available by completing and returning the registration form along with the entry fee no later than May 3, 2010. If you pre-register by May 3rd, you will receive a complimentary spectator ticket. Please mail your registration to Gator Nationals c/o Charlie Lane, 2271 Springs Landing Blvd, Longwood, FL, 32779. NOTE: Also, specify that the registration and payment is for the Gator Grappling Event.

Division Cards and Weigh In
When you register you will get a division card. If you enter more than one division, you will receive a card for each division. After registering, proceed to the weigh-in station to weigh-in. If you do not make your intended weight, you can enter a heavier division or you can cut weight and weigh-in again before 10:00 AM.  Scales are open Friday night from 6:00-9:00 PM and Saturday from 8:00-10:00 AM. Adults must have photo ID on hand when weighing-in.

Where is my division?
GATOR utilizes 8 rings that will run continuously throughout the day. When you register, you will be given a sheet indicating what ring your division is in and the order of divisions in each ring. This information is also posted at each ring and at the weigh-in station.

What happens when my division is called?
When your division is called you will bring your card for that division to the ring and give it to the ring coordinator at the table. The coordinator will verify that the competitor is in the division that was called and competitors will be separated by weight, skill, and school, if need be.  Byes will be given based on the draw in the bracket and the number of competitors. When the draw is completed, the first two fighters will be called onto the mat, whereupon they will shake hands and the referee will start the match. At the end of the contest the referee will raise the winner’s hand (decided either by Tap Out or Referee’s Decision). When you win, go to the coordinator to ensure that you are properly advanced to the next round. This process continues until there is a single winner! As we award 3rd place, you may be asked to fight again, even if you lost your prior match.