The OTM NorCal Hero’s Tournament Saturday, May 26 in Union City Brought to you by OntheMat.com in association with One World Martial Arts A No Gi Tournament for the Bay Area! I have literally traveled around the globe to cover submission grappling and as a lifelong resident of the Bay Area I’m proud to say that some of the top talent in the world resides right here at home. Most often to prove it athletes have had to hit the road to compete, when there is an incredible potential for competition right here at home. That’s why we’re bringing you the first NorCal Hero’s Tournament to the Bay Area. We’ve partnered with our friends at One World Martial Arts to bring to you the first local, affordable Submission Grappling Tournament in the the greater Bay Area. –Gumby OTM Founder Due to popular demand, we’ve added online registration: http://www.onthemat.com/xcart/product.php?productid=730&cat=28 I’ll have an informational web page up soon, and I’ll include a pre-registration list so you can see the potential for competition in your category. More information soon! The NorCal Hero’s Tournament will feature children’s divisions, men and women of all skill levels. Children 16 and under are welcome to participate, we’ll have two skill levels. Children will be bracketed according to size and every child will have at least two matches. Adults will have three skill levels (Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced) Men’s weight classes will work on the basis of MMA bracketing 145, 155, 170, 185, 205, 225 and Over Women will have two weight divisions Above and Below 135 Weigh Ins will take place at the event all day, or the day before at the OTM Fight Shop or OneWorld Martial Arts. Tentative Schedule 9:00 AM-11:00 AM Kids 11:00 AM- 1:00 PM Beginners 1:00 PM- 3:00 PM Intermediate 3:00 Advanced And we’ll turn you out in time to watch the UFC! For more information, e-mail Gumby@onthemat.com or drop by the OTM Fightshop in San Jose. Pre-registration is just $25! Or $40 day at the door. Spectators free with canned good donation. One World Martial Arts features a state of the art facility and 1900 square feet of mat space! 33415 Western Ave, Union City CA http://oneworldmartialarts.com/ The OTM Fight Shop in San Jose is your one stop shop in the Bay Area for all of your Fighting, Competition and Fashion Needs 1020 The Alameda San Jose, CA 408-280-0200 http://www.otmfightshop.com/sj.html Rules: Illegal Techniques (All divisions) Referee may warn, deduct a point, or outright disqualify at his or her discretion No slamming (all takedowns except those that impact directly on head ok) No intentional grabbing of clothes No small joint manipulation No Fish hooking No eye gouging No neck cranks No striking of any kind No heel hooks or twisting knee locks of any kind Scoring (Control must be established for 3 seconds) Mount, Back: 4 points Pass Guard: 3 points Takedowns, Sweeps (NOT Reversals) 2 Points Kids: 4 minute time limits Only straight ankle locks permitted No wrist locks No smother type chokes No attacking the knee Referee may stop match on a “catch” Beginner: Recommended for 18 months or less of training (white, new blue belts) 5 minute time limits Only straight ankle locks permitted No wrist locks No smother type chokes No attacking the knee Intermediate Recommended for under four years (Blue, new purple belts) 6 minute time limits Straight Ankle locks, inside toe hold permitted Wrist locks allowed No attacking the knee Smother chokes okay Advanced Recommended for four years and above (purple, aspriring cage fighters) 7 minute time limits Straight Ankle locks, inside toe hold permitted Wrist locks allowed Straight knee bars allowed Smother chokes okay All Advanced Finals will take place on center mat with referee and judge and will be included on DVD. Tap Rule: If you give any indication to the referee you have submitted including yelling out something unintelligible or in pain, the match will be halted and your opponent will be awarded a submission victory. Moral of the story, don’t get caught in a bad situation, and if you do, practice your poker face!