FIRST TIME FIGHTING IN A NAGA EVENT?
If this is your first time competing in a NAGA event you are certain to have questions. Competition is always stressful; we hope that by detailing what will happen during the day, your experience will be enhanced. If you have concerns not addressed below, please contact us at 860-632-2753 or President@NAGAFighter.com.
WHO CAN ENTER? The NAGA does not require you to be on a team in order to compete. In fact, about 25% of our fighters are independent. NAGA events are open to all styles - Wrestling, Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Japanese Jujitsu, Sambo, Jeet Kune Do, etc. There are no restrictions on what form you practice. We have divisions for children and adults and masters, men and women, different skill levels, and for Gi and no Gi competitors. WHAT TIME DO I SHOW UP? The doors will open each day at 8:30 AM. It generally takes about 2 hours to register and weigh in all competitors, so the matches do not start until approximately 11 AM. On Sunday, the event will start at 10 AM because the venue closes at 4 PM. WHEN IS MY FIRST MATCH? Kids, Teens, Women and Masters/Executive Divisions are run first. Then follows Novice through Advanced Adults, by increasing skill level. As the exact number of competitors is unknown until event day, it is difficult to precisely predict when your division will run. As a general rule, if you are a beginner, get there early; if you are fighting in the advanced divisions, you will likely compete towards the end of the day. REGISTRATION: PREREG or AT THE DOOR? All competitors must register. This can be done at the door the morning of the event, or you can pre-register by filling out and returning the enclosed form along with the entry fee or by going to our website (Use your Visa/Mastercard). All pre-registered competitors get a FREE t-shirt, and the use of a special expedited line at the door. Athletes choosing to register at the door on event day do not get the shirt, and may have a considerable wait, due to the time necessary to process paper work. INDEX CARDS & WEIGH IN: When you register you will get an index card for each division you are competing in that day. If you enter more than one division, you will have a card for each. Once you are registered and inside the venue, go to the weigh-in station to be weighed. If your weight is high, you can enter a heavier division, or you can cut weight and be rechecked. The scales are open all day! If your weight is correct, a staff member writes it on your index card. WHERE IS MY DIVISION? The NAGA uses 10 Rings running continuously throughout the day. When you register, you will be given a sheet indicating what ring your division is in, and the order of divisions in each ring. This information is also posted at each ring, and at the weigh-in station. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MY DIVISION IS CALLED? When your division is up, you will bring your index card for that division to the ring and give it to the ring coordinator, who sits ringside. The coordinator will take a card from each competitor in the division, checking that the weight, skill level, etc are correct. The competitors will be separated by size and school. Byes will be given to the best competitors as required to end up with a single winner. When the draw is completed, the first two fighters will be called onto the mat, whereupon they will shake hands and the referee will start the match. At the end of the contest the referee will raise the winner’s hand (decided either by Tap out or Referee’s Decision). When you win, go to the Coordinator, to ensure that your name is properly entered into the draw. The winning competitor will take a seat and wait to be called back to fight again. This process continues until there is a single winner – the Division Champion! As we award 3rd & 4th places, you may be asked to fight again, even if you lost your prior match. IN CLOSING …Every one of the 1,000 + matches that will take place starts and ends with a handshake, because every one who competes commands respect. We hope you have a great time at the event and win every match! However, it is the mathematical nature of competition that half the athletes lose. That is why winning and losing is only a part of the reason people compete. You test yourself, both bringing out your best, and inspiring your training in future. You will see the very best athletes in the sport in action, thus learning more. Grappling is a challenging event; you are admired not just for taking first place, but for having the courage to compete in the first place. We hope to see you there.
North American Grappling Association
35 Valley Run Dr.
Cromwell, CT 06416