COMPETITIONS

 

A look at the history of combatives systems reveals two fundamental mistakes, both of which are related to competition.  The first mistake is having no form of competition, which is generally due to the thought that the techniques are “too dangerous” for competitions.  Although many techniques are too dangerous for live competition, many benefits can be gained by competing even in a limited set of techniques.  The boxer is a better puncher than the traditional martial artist not because of the mechanics of punching, but because his technique has been refined through competition.  Competitions are useful for military units for many other reasons.  The problem of developing is really the problem of how to Competitions can motivate subordinate unit leaders to emphasize combatives training, which leads to a strong unit program.  Competitions also encourage the pursuit of excellence in Soldiers.

 

The other mistake is that once a method of competition has been selected, training will naturally become focused on winning at competition rather than on winning in combat.  To gain the benefits from competition without falling into the trap of a competitive focus, the unit must have a graduated system of competition rules.  In this way there will be no competitive advantage to training specifically for competitions.  Those who do will find themselves unprepared for the additional techniques that are allowed at the next level of competition.  This also allows for a very safe subset of techniques to be used at the lower levels without loosing the combat focus.

 

Three sets of rules govern combatives competition—basic, standard, and special.  Although other combative sports are encouraged, they sometimes reinforce bad combative habits.

 

BASIC COMPETITIONS

 

The basic competition rules are designed for entry-level Soldiers, or Soldiers with a limited knowledge base.  Soldiers will begin with a handshake, face each other on their knees, and fight until submission or for a designated time limit.  On reaching the time limit, a winner will be designated by the referee based upon aggressiveness and display of superior technique.

 

STANDARD COMPETITIONS

 

Standard competitions are conducted using the following guidelines.

 

Uniform.  Soldiers compete wearing BDUs/ACUs and PT shoes.  For ease in scoring, one Soldier may wear a DBDU top.

 

Duration.  Matches last six to ten minutes.  Specific match duration is decided in advance.

 

Scoring.  Points are awarded to establish good fight habits and emphasize the importance of dominant body position.  Submission will end the fight regardless of the score.  All positions must be stabilized to the judge’s satisfaction to earn points.  The point values are:

 

· 2 Points Take Down: From the standing position, the fighter places his opponent on the ground but fails to gain dominant position.

· 3 Points Take Down: From the standing position, the fighter places his opponent on his back and gains side control or the mount.

· 3 Points Pass the Guard: From between his opponent’s legs, the fighter clears the legs and gains side control or the mount.

· 3 Points Sweep: From the guard position, the fighter changes positions, placing his opponent on his back.

· 3 Points Knee in Chest: From side control, the fighter establishes one knee in his opponent’s chest and or abdomen and the other knee up and away

· from him and stabilizes himself.

· 4 Points Mount: The fighter establishes the mount with both knees and feet on the ground.

· 4 Points Back Mount: The fighter establishes the back mount with both feet hooked in position.

· 1 Point deduction: Stalling: From either within the guard or side control, the fighter must try to improve his position.  The judge will give two warnings and then subtract a point. If the stalling continues, the judge gives two additional warnings, then subtracts an additional point, continuing this pattern until the end of the match or action is conducted.

 

Judging.  Each match has one judge and one score keeper.  It is the judge’s responsibility to ensure a safe and fair match.  All decisions are final.

 

Illegal Techniques.  The following are illegal and dangerous techniques.  Their use may result in disqualification:

 

· Strikes of any kind.

· Twisting knee locks.

· Finger techniques.

· Wrist techniques.

· Grabbing the fingers.

· Toe holds.

· Attacking the groin.

· Picking up the opponent to pass the guard.

 

Tie Breaking.  If the score is tied at the end of the allotted time, the match will continue until the next point is scored or deducted.

 

Time Limits.  Although time limits tend to change the types of techniques commonly employed, they are necessary, especially when conducting a large number of matches (as in a tournament).  If time limits are used, a specific time limit will be decided on in advance, commensurate with the number of matches to be conducted.  An alternative to time limits is to have a set amount of maximum points (usually fifteen).  The first fighter to reach that limit is the winner.  A victory by submission is far preferable to a point victory.

MACP Standard Competitions