Our Preferred Tournament: Controlled Combat

Our team’s preferred tournament for students beginning their competition journey is Controlled Combat, an event run by Coach Mike and Coach Eric.

We choose Controlled Combat as our primary tournament because it is:

• Organized

• Efficient

• Beginner friendly

• Focused on safety

• Designed to give athletes meaningful mat experience

While students are welcome to compete in other events, Controlled Combat is typically where our Black Belt Team begins their competition experience.

For many students, this tournament provides the best introduction to sport Jiu Jitsu competition.

Why We Start with Controlled Combat

Controlled Combat uses a Round Robin format, which gives competitors more chances to learn.

Instead of a one-and-done bracket, competitors may have multiple matches in their division.

That means students can:

• Get more real experience

• Settle in after the first match

• Learn more in one day

• Build confidence faster

If a competitor enters both Gi and No Gi, they may have even more opportunities to compete.

Time Expectations

Controlled Combat aims to finish a competitor's bracket within about 45 minutes per division.

For example, if a student competes in a Gi division and a No Gi division beginning at 9:00 AM, the goal is to have both divisions completed efficiently rather than stretching the day out unnecessarily.

That helps reduce the stress and exhaustion that often comes with long tournament days.

Even with strong planning, tournament timing can still shift, so families should arrive prepared and stay flexible.

Weigh Ins

Weigh ins begin at 8:00 AM on the day of the event.

Competitors should be weighed in at least 45 minutes before their scheduled division start time.

Important notes:

• Competitors may weigh in with or without their Gi

• There is no weight cutting expected or encouraged

• Controlled Combat uses the Madison Weight System

This system is designed to create fair matchups based on:

• Age

• Belt rank

• Weight

• Experience

The goal is to match students with others of similar size, age, and experience level in a safe and equitable way.

Match Length

Match length is based on age:

• 4 years old: 2 minutes

• 5 to 12 years old: 3 minutes

• 13 to 17 years old: 4 minutes

• 18 and up: 5 minutes

If needed, a sudden victory overtime may be used at the referee's discretion.

Starting the Match

Competitors begin the match:

• Standing

• Facing one another

• In a neutral position

They wait for the referee's signal before beginning.

Scoring Overview

Controlled Combat awards points for clear positional progress and control.

Points Summary

• Takedown: 2 points

• Sweep: 2 points

• Knee on Belly: 2 points

• Guard Pass: 3 points

• Mount: 4 points

• Back Control: 4 points

• Submission Attempt: 1 point at referee discretion

  
  

  Important Notes
  

  • Points must be scored within the mat boundary

  • Points are awarded at the referee's discretion

  • Most scoring positions must be controlled for about 3 seconds

  • If a match ends tied, the referee decides the winner unless overtime is used

  What Counts Most for Kids

  We want our students to focus on simple, high-value positions:

  • Get the takedown

  • Pass the guard

  • Get to mount

  • Get to the back

  • Stay in control

  Those positions often win matches and create the best learning opportunities.

  
  

  Submission Rules by Age

  Controlled Combat follows a safety-first rule set.

  Ages 6 and Under

  For competitors 6 years old and younger:

  No submissions are allowed.

  Matches are decided by:

  • Points

  • Positional control

  • Referee decision

  At this age, the focus is on:

  • Movement

  • Balance

  • Escapes

  • Takedowns

  • Guard passing

  • Position control

  This helps young athletes learn to compete safely and confidently.

  
  

  Youth Ages 7 and Up

  For youth competitors 7 years old and older:

  • Submissions above the waist are allowed

  • Submissions below the waist are not allowed

  Examples of allowed upper body submissions may include:

  • Armbar

  • Triangle

  • Rear Naked Choke

  • Collar chokes in the Gi

  Additional youth restrictions include:

  • No submissions below the waist

  • No slams

  • No flying submissions

  • No guillotines

  • No pulling the head on a triangle

  • No neck cranks

  • No small joint manipulation

  Adults

  Adult divisions allow a broader ruleset.

  • Most submissions are legal, including submissions below the waist

  • Twisting leg locks are not allowed in white belt and blue belt adult divisions

  • Slams remain illegal

  
  

  
  

  Why We Like This Progression

  At Talon Martial Arts, we teach students in a progression:

  Survive → Defend → Escape → Control → Submit

  That means our younger athletes first learn how to:

  • Stay safe

  • Escape bad positions

  • Reverse and score

  • Hold dominant control

  Submissions are introduced as students become more mature, more aware, and more capable of using them responsibly.

  This is one reason Controlled Combat is a strong fit for our team.

  
  

  
  

  Stoppages and Safety

  The referee may stop a match at any time if a competitor appears to be in danger of injury.

  A competitor loses by submission if they:

  • Tap physically

  • Tap verbally

  • Make a sound that indicates pain or distress

  Safety always comes first.

  Medical issues such as vomiting, bleeding, cramping, unconsciousness, or other concerns may also result in stoppage.

  Controlled Combat provides a medic onsite during the event.

  
  

  
  

  Disqualification and Conduct

  Controlled Combat takes respect, ethics, and sportsmanship very seriously.

  A competitor or coach may be disqualified for behavior such as:

  • Striking

  • Biting

  • Spitting

  • Eye gouging

  • Hair pulling

  • Fishhooking

  • Groin strikes

  • Small joint manipulation

  • Taunting

  • Illegal submissions

  • Slamming

  • Foul language

  • Coach interference

  • Leaving the mat to avoid the opponent

  • Conduct with malicious intent

  Students are expected to represent Talon Martial Arts with:

  • Respect

  • Self-control

  • Courage

  • Sportsmanship

  
  

  
  

  Hygiene and Uniform Requirements

  Competitors must arrive ready to compete safely.

  Hygiene Expectations

  • Hair must be controlled and secured

  • Fingernails and toenails must be trimmed and clean

  • Uniforms must be clean

  • No skin infections

  • No lotions, oils, or grease on the body

  • No uncovered cuts or lacerations

  Not Allowed

  • Jewelry

  • Shoes

  • Hair pins

  • Cups

  • Headgear unless medically required

  • Dirty or damaged uniforms

  • Loose or unsafe gear

  Allowed

  • Mouthpieces

  • Rash guards

  • Spats

  • Fight shorts or board shorts

  • Wrestling singlets in No Gi or under Gi

  • Secure patches

  • Limb sleeves without hard material

  
  

  
  

  Brackets and Schedule

  Brackets and schedules are typically released by 8:00 PM on Friday before the event.

  Families can check:

  • Brackets

  • Match times

  • Mat assignments

  • Results

  through Smoothcomp.

  Match times are dynamic and may move during the day, so families should refresh often and be ready.

  
  

  
  

  The Bullpen System

  Controlled Combat uses a bullpen system, which means athletes are expected to be close by and ready before being called to the mat.

  This helps the event move quickly and efficiently.

  If a competitor is not available when called, they may be at risk of disqualification.

  
  

  
  

  Spectators and Awards

  Spectators

  • Spectator admission is $15

  • Children under 4 years old are free

  Awards

  • Gold medal winners receive a gold medal and champion gear or apparel

  • Silver medal winners receive a silver medal

  • Bronze medal winners receive a bronze medal

  
  

  
  

  Exhibition Matches

  Controlled Combat may offer exhibition matches for students who want the tournament experience without an official win or loss on their record.

  This can be a strong option for:

  • First-time competitors

  • Younger athletes

  • Students who want experience before full competition

  If interested, this usually needs to be noted during registration.

  
  

  
  

  What Parents Should Expect

  Parents play a major role in the tournament experience.

  The best support looks like this:

  • Encourage effort, not just outcomes

  • Help your child stay calm and confident

  • Support the coaches and trust the process

  • Celebrate courage and growth

  • Stay positive after both wins and losses

  Competition should help your child become more resilient, not more anxious.

  
  

  
  

  What Competitors Should Focus On

  For a first tournament, we want students to keep it simple.

  Focus on:

  • Listening to the coach

  • Breathing and staying calm

  • Using the techniques they practice in class

  • Fighting for good position

  • Trying their best

  • Having fun

  A first tournament is not about being perfect. It is about learning.

  
  

  
  

  Tournament Day Checklist

  Here is a simple checklist for families.

  Bring:

  • Gi and belt

  • No Gi gear if competing in No Gi

  • Water

  • Healthy snacks

  • Change of clothes

  • Towel

  • Mouthpiece if used

  • Light warmup gear

  • Phone with Smoothcomp access

  Make sure your child:

  • Eats a light meal before the event

  • Arrives early

  • Has trimmed nails

  • Has clean gear

  • Knows where their coach is

  • Is ready when called

  
  

  Our Black Belt Team Philosophy

  We do not measure success only by medals.

  We measure success by whether a student is becoming:

  • More disciplined

  • More confident

  • More coachable

  • More resilient

  • More capable under pressure

  A student who steps on the mat, competes with courage, and learns from the experience is already moving forward.

  That is what the Black Belt Team is about.

  
  

  
  

  Questions?

  Reach out to us and we will help you understand the process, expectations, and next steps.