Empire Grappling: Northern Sub Only Championships 2026
Organized by Empire Grappling
The Northern Sub Only Championships is organized by Empire Grappling. This tournament features both Gi and No-Gi divisions for various age groups.
Event Description
Empire Grappling organizes the Northern Sub Only Championships, a jiu-jitsu tournament that follows IBJJF rules and allows both Gi and No-Gi entries across various divisions including Adult, Kids, Teens, and Absolute. Athletes are expected to compete continuously and sportsmanlike, with a scoring format that emphasizes submission attempts. The event takes place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the John Charles Centre for Sport in Leeds, United Kingdom. The lowest standard entry fee is £45, with registration deadlines set for August 8, September 12, and October 15, 2026. Weigh-ins begin at 8:00 am, and matches start at 9:00 am. Registration is available through the link on this page.
Divisions
Rules
IBJJF rules are the standard most BJJ competition rules descend from. Matches are scored on positional progress: 2 points for a takedown, sweep, or knee-on-belly; 3 points for passing the guard; and 4 points for mount, back mount, or back control with hooks. Advantages are awarded for near-scores and close submission attempts and act as the first tiebreaker, followed by penalties and finally referee decision. Match length scales with rank, from 5 minutes for adult white belts up to 10 minutes for black belts.
Legal techniques expand with age and belt. White belts face the tightest restrictions (no wrist locks, slicers, or kneebars); jump to purple and brown/black and more leg attacks and pressure submissions open up. Since the 2021 rule change, heel hooks and inside knee reaping are legal — but only in the adult brown/black no-gi divisions. Kids divisions run shorter matches with a much more restrictive legal-technique list.
Uniform rules are enforced: gis must be white, royal blue, or black, properly fitted, with a rank-appropriate belt; no-gi divisions require rash guards displaying the competitor's belt color. Referees can disqualify for illegal gear, so check the uniform checklist before stepping on the scale.
Always confirm the official rulebook before you compete — organizations update rules between seasons. See the official event page for current rules.
Community results
No results logged yet. Results show up here once competitors log them after the event.
Frequently asked questions
- When and where is Empire Grappling: Northern Sub Only Championships 2026?
- The event is on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the John Charles Centre for Sport in Leeds, United Kingdom.
- What is the cost to enter the tournament?
- The lowest standard entry fee is £45, with various entry options available.
- What divisions are available for competitors?
- Divisions include Adult, Kids, Teens, Gi, No-Gi, and Absolute.
- How do I register for the event?
- Registration is through the link on this page (Smoothcomp).
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