November Grapple Pit

Get ready to hit the mats! Join us Sunday, September 29th for a sweaty evening of LGBTQ-friendly wrestling and grappling, open to all! Whether you're a seasoned wrestler or just starting out, our open mats are open to all levels. Get ready to roll with fellow wrestling lovers.

This is a casual event for grappling and struggle play, though it is at a kink space and other play is allowed if it doesn't get in the way of the matches. Mats will be down at Birdhaus and we'll have matches all night. No experience needed and you don't need to come with a partner. There's usually at least a few people there who can show you a few things if you're new.

Covid vaccination is mandatory for this event.

This is an LGBTQ+ inclusive event. Discrimination will not be tolerated.

Please note the entrance to BirdHaus is off Gwynne Ave (look for the pink building)

WHAT TO EXPECT

SETUP:
You arrive at BirdHaus and we have wrestling mats down in the main play area. There's a few small snacks on the table and water available. Most people are just in their gym clothes, though occasionally some will choose to wrestle in singlets or something sexier

MATCHES:

Only one match per mat happens at a time (we will have a few sets of mats), and everyone else is hanging out and watching. There's always enough time for whoever wants to wrestle. Most people have several matches throughout the evening, though we sometimes get people who just come to watch.

SELECTING GRAPPLING PARTNERS:

Most people are up for grappling with almost anyone else, regardless of gender. You ask someone if they'd like to grapple and if they agree you do a quick negotiation and go over any injuries/limits/concerns, how your match will end (usually they go to tap, but we've had matches where you try and get the other person naked, or wrestling for control of a stuffed animal), and if things like hair pulling or biting is allowed. All this is up to those grappling.

MATCH RULES:

The rules that apply to all matches are that everyone starts on their knees and there's no standing up, because we don't want someone getting hurt in a big take down. No messing with small joints, like fingers. Nothing sharp on the mats. If you know how to do more dangerous moves like leg locks or kneebars, don't.

The matches are probably closest to brazilian jiu jitsu in style, but most of us don't have formal training, we just like to roll around with each other.

OPEN MAT TIPS AND ETIQUETTE

Remember good hygiene - No one wants to be THAT person. Shower before showing up, keep nails trimmed, tie your hair back if needed. Remove all jewelry and ear rings. Keep all outside shoes off the mats. Avoid heavly scented products

Dress appropriately - Avoid baggy clothes (no one wants a match to end with get a limb getting caught in someone's shorts) or clothes with zippers or buttons.

Don't be shy - Want to get the most out of open mats? Ask people to roll! If you get a no, ask someone else.

Respect limits - Open mat's are for fun and practice - not gladitorial fights. Negotiate rules before your match. If someone's a beginner, go easy. Don't be afraid to stop a match if you are feeling uncomfortable.

Tap early, tap often - Not tapping is one of the stupidest things you can do. Leave your ego at the door. Tap with your hand and/or verbally with the words "tap" or "stop".

Don't take it too seriously - Attending open mats for the first time may seem intimindating, but everyone is there for the same purpose, to practice, share our love of wrestling, and have a good time!

TICKET PRICING

General Admission – $20 (plus Eventbrite fees)

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

BirdHaus, 1233 Queen Street West, Toronto, Canada