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Spring Showdown Against Parkinson’sSubmission-Only Grappling Tournament for a Cause
Join us for Spring Showdown Against Parkinson’s, a submission-only grappling tournament bringing together athletes of all experience levels for a day of competition, sportsmanship, and community impact.
This event raises funds to support Parkinson’s research and treatment, helping improve quality of life and advance care for those affected by Parkinson’s disease.
Modern Gladiator Fight Training Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Portions of registration fees and all donations are tax-deductible.
Whether you’re competing on the mats or supporting from the sidelines, every match helps push the fight forward.
Event Highlights
7-minute submission-only matches
Beginner & Advanced divisions
Sudden death overtime (takedown with control)
Individual and team-based scoring
All proceeds benefit Parkinson’s research and treatment
Fees
Men’s divisions: $50
Women’s divisions: $25
Children’s divisions: $25
Event Schedule
Date: April 18, 2026
Weigh-ins: Begin at 8:30 AM
Location: Modern Gladiator Fight Training Academy
Mat Area Notice
To ensure smooth scheduling and efficient event flow:
Beginner Division matches will take place on the entry room mat (front mat area)
Advanced Division matches will take place on the main training area mat
Divisions will run concurrently
Please remain near your assigned mat and listen for your name when called
Event staff will coordinate brackets to ensure adequate rest between matches
Official Grappling Ruleset
1. Match Format
Regulation Time: Adult divisions = 7 minutes, submission-only
Children = 5 minutes, submission-only
Overtime: If no submission occurs, the match proceeds to Sudden Death Overtime
First athlete to score a valid takedown with dominant control wins (see Section 7)
2. Divisions
Beginner Division
Intended for:
Competitors with less than 2 years of total grappling experience across all styles (BJJ, wrestling, judo, sambo, etc.)
Recreational or entry-level competitors with limited or no competition background
Restrictions:
Heel hooks prohibited
Standing submissions prohibited
All general safety rules apply
Advanced Division
Intended for:
Competitors with 2 or more years of consistent grappling experience
Athletes with formal training or prior competition experience
Additional Techniques Allowed:
Heel hooks permitted
Standing submissions permitted (must be applied with control)
Reaping permitted and recognized as a valid control position
Muffling permitted (covering mouth/nose to disrupt breathing), applied safely and with control
3. Legal Techniques
(All divisions unless otherwise noted)
Joint locks on arms, shoulders, legs, and feet
(e.g., armbars, Americana, knee bars, toe holds, straight ankle locks)
Chokes and strangles (air or blood-based)
Positional control from mount, back control, side control, turtle, knee-on-belly
Controlled takedowns meeting safety and control criteria
Reaping (Advanced only)
Standing submissions (Advanced only)
Muffling (Advanced only)
4. Illegal Techniques
(All divisions unless otherwise noted)
Spinal attacks (can openers, cervical cranks)
Heel hooks (Beginner division)
Standing submissions (Beginner division)
Muffling (Beginner division)
Flying scissor takedowns (kani basami, etc.)
Jumping guard pulls
Slams to escape submissions or cause injury
Small joint manipulation (fingers or toes)
Striking of any kind
Grabbing clothing in no-gi divisions
Unsportsmanlike or invasive actions
(oil checks, fish-hooking, fingers to throat, etc.)
Using walls or barriers (if present) for advantage
Intentional stalling or disengagement
5. Division Consolidation Policy
If registration numbers are low in one or more divisions, event organizers reserve the right to combine divisions.
When divisions are combined, Beginner Division rules will be applied to prioritize safety and fairness.
6. Sudden Death Overtime – Takedown Criteria
If no submission occurs during regulation time:
Definition of a Valid Takedown
A maneuver in which one athlete causes the opponent to transition from standing to the ground while maintaining or achieving dominant control.
Requirements:
Both athletes start standing
Clear offensive action causes the takedown
Clear cause-and-effect relationship
Initiating athlete lands in or immediately establishes dominant control
(side control, mount, back control, seatbelt, knee-on-belly, north/south, etc.)
Not a Takedown:
Guard pulls (even if followed by a pass)
Slips or trips without offensive initiation
Throws where the attacker lands underneath
Scrambles without a clear initiator
A takedown must result in decisive top or dominant control.
7. Team Awards & School Recognition
In addition to individual competition, team results will be tracked to recognize school performance.
Team Points System
Win by Submission: 3 points
Win by Sudden Death Takedown: 2 points
Participation: 1 point per registered athlete (per school)
Team Champion Award
The academy with the highest total score will be recognized as the
Spring Showdown Against Parkinson’s Team Champion
Awards will be presented and results shared on event and academy platforms
This system rewards both competitive success and team participation—every athlete counts.
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Event Venue
1110 Vinyard Rd, Vinton, VA, United States, Virginia 24179
Tickets
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