NMA/ISKA SPORT MMA

INTRODUCTION:

QUESTION: What constitutes the majority of students training at Dojo’s throughout the country?

ANSWER: Beginners, lower/Intermediate grades, people looking to experience the opportunity to learn a form of Martial Art and through it increase general health and achieve some level of balance in life. These students do not fall under the bracket of professional competitor and definitely not wanting to experience any kind of injury be it mild or serious.

This however does not change the fact that they are more than willing to train like professionals and in some way would like to experience the “look & Feel” of most particular fighting styles within reason. MMA is on top of the list with its global explosion and huge media exposure. With majority of amateur students being children under the age of 18 it becomes relevant to offer this experience to them within a secure and safe environment with regulated rules. Offering such divisions to this, the majority of students ensures their dedication and loyalty towards the Organisation and prepares them for the day they could make a decision to becoming a full contact fighter at any level of competition.

For these reasons NMA/ISKA has developed two forms of SPORT MIXED MARTIAL ARTS.

SPORT MMA

Targets all junior divisions as the only MMA format they can enter but is also available to senior weight groups as an option

SPORT FULL CONTACT MMA

Available only to senior divisions. NO FULL CONTACT IS ALLOWED AT JUNIOR LEVEL.

SPORT MMA

DESCRIPTION: Think of it as the equivalent of light contact version of MMA. A division were competitors can compete against each other utilising most of the regular techniques associated with MMA including strikes, shoots, grappling and submissions. Only semi or light contact is allowed at all times at both stand up and ground positions. The main unique rule imposed is that of “best of three tap out”. This rule was introduced to allow competitors to gain as much experience as possible’ especially at large tournaments where there is not enough time to include a “loser’s pool” or round robin system.

Basically two competitors start from stand up position as is the case in semi & light contact, utilise their striking (stand up skills) to close the gap and create opportunity for a shoot or take down. Once on the ground the grappling comes into play together with semi/light contact striking. There are strict rules pertaining to Legal and illegal techniques in strikes, grappling/Jiu-jitsu and submissions. The ultimate will always be to obtain a submission over your opponent.

EXPLAINING THE BEST OF THREE SUBMISSION RULE

If fighter A obtains a submission over fighter B, it is recorded on the score sheet and the fight gets restarted from centre stand up position. Fighter B must now obtain a submission over fighter A in order to level the field. Herein begins the chess game of SPORT MMA. Regardless of how good the rest of the fight is from fighter B, even if he is the superior technical competitor, gains more points for striking or outclasses fighter A for the duration of the bout, fighter A will win the match should fighter B not obtain a submission over fighter A. Two submissions over any fighter ends the bout immediately!

The final outcome of the fight is decided by (1) if there is a leader by submission (2) if there is no leader by submission the bout is decided by way of points in one of the following options;

1. By show of hands of all three officials according to whom they judged to be the superior fighter. (elaborated in rules later. 1 Chief referee and 2 side judges are used at all times

2. By way of utilizing score cards filled in by each official and handed to Chief referee or senior table official to tally the points and issue winners choice. ( this system comes from the SPORT FULL CONTACT MMA SYSTEM DESCRIBED LATER)

The objective of the competition obviously becomes the balance between defending your position to minimise submission, and the timing of your offence in order to create opportunities to submit your opponent. The game changes as the bout continues. If you are submitted, it becomes critical to re gain neutral position by submitting your opponent thereby being able to continue your plan of attack. Likewise if you gain submission first, you can concentrate more on defence, technique and ring craft to keep your opponent at bay utilizing your stand up striking skills but without “spoiling the fight”. This way students have to become skilled at all levels and cannot rely only on one particular strength to win each bout. Just like the real thing but without the concussion and un-wanted facial alterations.

As a fight, it has all the requirements of a MMA bout but without the risk of serious injury. It does not guarantee no injury! It still remains very tough, challenging and extremely physical. Clashes will still occur by accident and blood might still be drawn without malicious intent. But by far, it becomes a division all sport orientated competitors would want to enter.

NMA/ISKA believes there is a demand for these divisions and as advocates for non full contact with juniors we feel that these divisions give everyone the opportunity to experience the thrill of MMA knowing it’s going to still be tough, that you still have to prepare as if going into a full contact fight but with the knowledge that your organisation, instructors and officials have your safety and best interest at heart. More importantly, can you imagine the skill and experience obtained throughout your youth competing in these divisions in preparation for one day competing in full contact MMA.

BASIC RULES

SAFETY EQUIPMENT ALLOWED:

• Combined foot & shin protectors only. (must cover entire foot incl heel and toes)

• Equipment should have only elastic bands for support. Velcro must be limited to the boot.

• Gloves must be NMA/ISKA approved open finger gloves (NOT MMA GLOVES) see photo below.

• Slim design head guards (scrum guard) must be worn at all times by juniors and seniors.

• Mouth Guard is compulsory as well as groin guard.

• Knee & elbow pads are not permitted. Neither is strapping of any king which can cause grip advantage.

• Shorts with draw string must be worn, (no pockets) no kickboxing pants. Competitors must wear a T-Shirt, vest or rash guards when competing.

• No “grease” (Vaseline) is allowed to be applied to any part of the fighter.

• No Jiu-Jitsu Gi, fighting/wrestling shoes are allowed.

• HYGIENE RULE: All competitors must wear a clean competition uniform (shorts, shirt, etc.). If a referee feels this criteria has not been met, he will not allow the competitor to compete. Please wear clean clothing

ALLOWED TECHNIQUES:

STRIKES - HANDS:

• All punching techniques applicable to semi / light including back fist and ridge hand strikes, all controlled sport karate/kickboxing techniques, except those listed as illegal.

• Fighters can “push off” opponents as they move forward.

• No elbow strikes are allowed at any time of the bout to any part of the body or face.

• Contact to the face is equivalent to semi contact fighting and to the body, light to moderate contact.

• Ground and Pound is still an option as long as contact remains semi/light. Even moderate contact to face will be met with penalty points and/or DQ. Ground and Pound must be met with clinch or counter by defender. If neither is attempted, a TKO can be awarded.

• Striking to the kidney area, behind the head or neck is not permitted.

STRIKES – LEGS & FEET:

• All kicking techniques applicable to semi / light contact fighting including jumping spinning kicks, all controlled sport karate/kickboxing techniques, except those listed as illegal is permitted.

• Thrust kicks are permitted to keep opponent at length but not on a continuous basis or in a way to cause injury.

• Contact remains at all times semi to face and semi or light to the body. A well executed light contact technique to the opponent’s body causing him/her to drop will be met with a standing count rather than penalty.

• Low kicks to the legs and knees to the body or face are not permitted in any junior divisions but fully incorporated into all senior divisions. All Low kicks must land with the foot or bridge of the foot and not be “Thai Shin kicks”. Any knee kick executed in senior divisions can only be executed to the body area and not Head/Face. No Thai pulling down of the opponents head is allowed at any time of the bout.

• All low kicks must be minimum 6 inches above the knee and all other kicks, above the waist.

• No kicking to opponents is allowed once the fight goes to ground by either of the competitors.

SHOOT & TAKE DOWNS:

• Any attempt at executing a takedown or Shoot must be done so with the primary motive to go to ground as quick as possible. Any attempt to walk with the lifted opponent or raise the opponent higher off the ground than is deemed necessary to execute a safe take down will be considered a serious foul with a high probability of immediate disqualification. No exception to this rule will be allowed under any circumstance.

• No “spearing” or dive tackling is permitted.

• All shoots must be premeditated and followed up with at least a guard mount or attempt to pass the guard. Shooting or taking down of opponent without an attempt to follow up will be met with one and only one caution.

• No slamming of the opponent into / on the floor is permitted.

• No going to ground with the intent of landing on top of the opponent is allowed.

• Hip throws are permitted.

• All prevention necessary must be taken to not attempt to have you opponent fall on his/head or attempt to drop the opponent that their back of neck or head falls to the ground.

• You are allowed to pull opponent towards you when going to ground.

GRAPPLING – SUBMISSIONS & LOCKS:

• WAYS TO WIN: Submission, whether given by tapping or verbally. It is VERY important that all competitors understand how to "Tap Out" when caught in a submission technique. Tapping out can be done either verbally or through a physical tap. Competitors can tap with their hands, feet, or even a nod of the head. This "Tapping" is a conscious admission of loss or surrender to an opponent. Referee Stoppage (TKO, cuts, feels fighter is not capable of defending himself), Doctor Stoppage, Corner throwing in the towel, Referee Decision, Disqualification, Forfeit, No Contest. If the fight does not end by submission or by points, the referee will choose the winner based on the Decision Making Criteria included in this document. If a match is considered a “Draw” by the referee, there will be two-minute overtime (one minute for Kids & Teens). Referees are encouraged to choose a winner in every match should it not end by submission or points.

• All submission techniques are legal for adults with the following exception; No neck cranks or knee straight ankle locks where the leg crosses the body (reaping of knee).

• SPECIAL RULES FOR KIDS & TEENS: No heel hooks, toeholds, slamming, or neck cranks are allowed. No straight ankle locks where the leg crosses the body (reaping of knee).

• OTHER FOULS: Fighters are not allowed to grab and use their opponents’ clothing. Attacks to the front of the windpipe (i.e. finger in throat), eyes (elbows, palms, fingers, etc.) or groin. No pushing the palm or elbow directly into the nose. No dropping or slamming an opponent on his head. No slamming from the Guard position. eye gouging, fish hooking, biting, hair pulling, pinching, twisting of skin, sticking a finger into an opponent’s cut, small joint manipulation (finger or toe locks), and putting a finger into any orifice are all FOULS and grounds for disqualification. No interference by a corner with any official or fighter. No throwing an opponent off the mat. No unsportsmanlike conduct. The Boston Crab technique is not allowed. Any intentional use of an illegal technique or act of poor sportsmanship will result in the immediate ejection of those competitors/spectators.

• SCISSOR TAKEDOWN – When initiating a scissor takedown, at least one hand must be on the ground when applying the takedown.

• Rear naked chokes are allowed but only with direct frontal pressure. No neck artery restriction is allowed and will be met with immediate disqualification if attempted.

• Guillotine Chokes are permitted but without pulling your opponents head or neck down.

• The Chief referee reserves the right to stop any attempt at any submission or lock, listed and un listed at any time of the match should he deem any such technique to be considered dangerous in any way but not restricted to the effect it has on an opponent. In other words while the attempt is being made to secure any technique which could be deemed as unsafe.

LENGTH OF MATCH: JUNIORS: Two 1.5 minute ROUNDS. SENIORS: One 3 minute round.

POINT VALUES AND WINNER DETERMINATION: as described above

MAJORITY VOTE: Points are awarded by a majority vote of all judges. The majority of judges do not have to agree collectively who the winners are. Majority of the judge’s decision will ensure the win.

During the match, if there is stalling on the ground, the referee has the right to restart the match standing. If the competitors go off the mat, the match can be stopped by the referee, and the competitors will be moved to the middle of the ring/mat in the same position, if that position can be determined by the referee. The referee has the right to stop time and check the condition of the fighters. If no Takedown occurs, fighters may be restarted from the Guard Position.

LEGAL TARGET AREAS: Head and face, ribs, chest, abdomen & legs.

ILLEGAL TARGET AREAS: Spine, back of neck/Head, throat, sides of the neck, Kidneys, groin, knees and back.

NON-TARGET AREAS: Hips, shoulders, buttocks, arms, and feet.

LEGAL TECHNIQUES: As described above. Legal techniques are all controlled sport karate/kickboxing techniques, except those listed as illegal.

ILLEGAL TECHNIQUES: Head butts, hair pulls, bites, scratches, elbows, knees (Juniors), eye attacks of any kind, take downs on a hard surface floor, any stomps or kicks to the head of a downed competitor, slapping, uncontrolled blind techniques, any uncontrolled throws, takedowns or sweeps with the intention of slamming the opponent to the ground or landing with excessive force on top of opponent and any other uncontrolled dangerous techniques that are deemed unsafe in sport Martial Arts.

GRABBING: Is allowed but no pulling on any part of the pants or top worn by any competitor.

SWEEPS, TAKEDOWNS, GRABS AND GROUND FIGHTING: Sweeps to take down an opponent, to obstruct the balance so as to follow up with a technique is allowed. A sweep must be deemed a proper sweep and not a kick, to be legal. Controlled sweeps that are meant to take down an opponent are allowed only on a declared approved padded surface.

LIGHT TOUCH CONTACT: Means there is no penetration or visible movement of the competitor as a result of the contact. Light touch is required to all legal target areas in all sparring divisions. The face and of a head gear is a legal target area whilst stand up fighting is in play but only to head gear when on the ground.

MODERATE TOUCH CONTACT: Means slight penetration or slight target movement. Moderate touch contact may be made to all legal target areas except the headgear, face.

WARNINGS AND PENALTIES: One and only one warning is allowed for breaking the rules before a MINUS POINT is recorded on the draw sheet or score card. After the first warning is given, a Minus point is awarded for each and every rule violation. If a competitor receives 3 warnings (three penalty points) in any one match, he/she will be disqualified. If the severity of the first rules violation is deemed by the referee to be too severe, a minus point can be issued immediately or immediate disqualification can be enforced.

If, in the opinion of the referee and/or the medical personnel, a competitor cannot continue because of an injury caused by an illegal penalized attack executed by his/her competitor, the offending competitor shall be automatically disqualified.

Other Cause for Penalization: Attacking illegal and non-target areas, using illegal techniques, running out of the ring to avoid fighting, Preventing your opponent from initiating combat, continuing after being ordered to stop, excessive stalling, blind, negligent or reckless attacks, uncontrolled techniques, showing unsportsmanlike behaviour by the competitor, his/her coaches, friends, etc., excessive contact, and delay of time are examples of possible penalization.

DISQUALIFICATION: Requires a majority vote by all officials, unless it is an automatic disqualification.

Non-Competing Penalty: If, in the majority opinion of the officials, it is considered that the competitors are not making an obvious attempt to fight in the true spirit of competition, both competitors will be warned and if it continues, will be disqualified.

Wrong Division: If any competitor competes in a division he/she does not qualify to compete in due to age, weight, rank, gender, style, etc., he/she will be disqualified.

COACHING: The luxury of having a coach is something that most competitors do not have access to. Therefore, it sometimes can become an unfair advantage over a competitor who does not have a coach. The rules are made and enforced so no one competitor has an advantage or disadvantage over another competitor. Therefore, coaching is allowed but only under the following guidelines:

Never, at any time, can a coach enter the ring without the referee’s permission, 2. No abusive, violent, unsportsmanlike or overzealous coaching; 3. Coaches cannot ask for a time out (only the competitor may ask for a time out), 4. Coaches can never, at any time, interfere with the proper running of the ring or the decisions of the judges. A Coach is defined as anyone who is trying to help one competitor in anyway. A coach could be but is not limited to a friend, parent, team mate or official coach. The centre referee can issue a warning to a competitor for each time his/her coach is interfering with a match or disrupting fair play between contestants.