GRAPPLING MMA RULES

         

WEIGHT CONTROL

Weight control takes place only on the day of the competition near the venue. Athletes during weight control must wear  rashguard or  T-shirt and No-Gi competition shorts and can check their weight on the scale as often as they wish. No weight tolerance should be allowed. The athlete who showed  excessive weight at the control will have time until the scheduled time for weigh in expires, after which if he does not fall into the category, he will be disqualified.

All athletes must present an official document certifying their age and personal identity. Any athlete who tries to compete in a class below his age is automatically disqualified from the competition.

All athletes participate in competitions voluntarily and under their responsibility.

AGE CLASSESAge: from 18 years upwards. There is no age limit as long as they have a valid medical certificate and the proof of the sportsman qualification. From the fourteen years to the eighteen by agreement with the teams and organizers. Parental permission for minors is mandatory. Minors can compete in adult classes. WEIGHT CATEGORIESMEN: 60,000, -65,000 kg, -71,000 kg, -78,000 kg, 856,000 kg, -95,000, + 95 . WOMEN: -50,000 kg, -55,000 kg , -61,000 kg, -68,000 kg , +68,000 kg

UNIFORM

Athletes must show up at the edge of the carpet wearing shorts and / or SHORT OR LONG leggings and a shirt for long or short sleeve grappling competitions, called rashguard. The trousers must not have buttons, zips or pockets that can be dangerous during the competition. The shirt must be close to the body. The only accessory allowed is the mouthguard. The use of shoes and / or shell is prohibited. It is absolutely forbidden to put on the skin any type of ointment, more or less absorbent. The fingers, wrists and ankles can be blocked with a medical adhesive plaster (taping), but not with scotch of any  kind. Athletes must be clean and their hair and skin must not be greasy or sticky. Athletes should not be sweaty when they appear on the mat for the start of the fight.  During the fight the referee at any moment may ask the athletes to wipe themselves from sweat or to clean themselves. If an athlete shows up on the mat with an appearance that does not comply with these rules he has 2 minutes to get in order. If he fails to do so he loses the fight.

EXIT

If one or both of the athletes leave the TATAMI standing upright  the referee will have them start again in the middle standing. If one or both of the athletes leave the carpet in ground position the referee will make them start again in the center in the same position. The takedown that starts in the competition square and ends up beyond its limits is considered to be valid  for all purposes. The finalization that begins in the competition square continues even outside up to a maximum of 5 » after which the referee will restart the fight in the center and in standing position..In case of a position that gives the points to one of the fighters the same rule will apply but the fight will restart  from the same position.

NO SLAM

Technical points attributed to actions and positions In the fight on the ground the dominant positions are those that earn points, there are four positions of this kind: knee on the stomach, side mount, full mount and back mount. The non-dominant positions are those that do not earn points (eg. guard, half-guard, Greek, etc.). To get the points the dominant position must be maintained for at least 3 seconds.To stimulate the attempt to achieve submission the points for the dominant positions follow a progression system in which the dominant positions must be improved to earn points. The progression in the dominant positions that gives the points is the following: knee on the stomach> side mount> full mount> back mount.The athlete after having earned the points for a dominant position cannot earn the points for the same dominant position or for another inferior dominant position in the progression system, if he does not first reset the count of the dominant positions. The counting of the dominant position is reset when the athlete loses the dominant position and the other athlete positions himself for at least 3 seconds in any type of guard or in a neutral combat position.

SCORING

Overturning earns 2 points. The overturning must be carried out as an attack technique, it has no value if carried out from under the mount or side or in any case to recover the phase of domination. To be effective  the overturning must be stabilized for 3 «.   If after a reversal a domination position is assumed and maintained for 3 «the points will be given. If the reversal starts from the position of disadvantage (side, knee on the stomach, mount, back mount) and leads to a position of domination  the points will be given not for the reversal technique itself but for the position which was achieved as a result of this technique, in this case also if it is kept for at least three seconds. Projection (takedown): 1 to 3 points.Detachment of a foot – 1 point,  detachment and partial reposition — 2 points, complete detachment and / or technique correctly performed — 3 points.Lateral control, side guard and north / south (in all three variants) — 3 points. It is not valid if the arm of the person above is in the middle of the opponent’s legs. Knee on the stomach — 3 pointsMount, rear with closed hooks or triangle –  4 points N.B the dominant position must be changed after a maximum of 20 «otherwise the wrestler who is performing it will suffer a penalty point. Front mount: 4 points All positions must be held correctly for at least 3 seconds.  The chain of positions is added to the score only if the positions rise as a progressive value. Example: knee on stomach 3, side 3 (also in reverse order) mount 4. Total 10 points. If you return from the mount to the side, the three points are not added. If however there is an interruption of the action by the opponent and the fighter in the dominant position resumes his/her  position the points will be added up. NB: the position has value if  three quarters of the back are on the ground. A single raised shoulder will not be enough to cancel the position points. In self-falling projections, the positive outcome of the projector must be linear, otherwise no points will be awarded for knockdowns.

IMPORTANT

In case of submission: the athlete who suffers submission can signal with the clearly executed  normal tap of three shots on the tatami or on the opponent or shouting «Tap». The athlete who executes submission must then immediately let go the opponent. Otherwise the jury can meet and decide for the possible disqualification. The athlete who «taps» and then denies the surrender will be disqualified from the  fight,  also for the next elimination fights.

SPECIAL NOTES

All internal and external ankle twists are prohibited. Torsions and cervical compressions like crucifix are prohibited. It is prohibited to project directly on the head. The projection has value in itself as long as it is completed in a correct technical way. It is not necessary to take ground position to get the projection points.

 

Straight guillotine is allowed.Leg lock and / or kneebar is allowed.Heel hook is not allowed.

NB:  THE CROSSBAR ON THE LEG  IS ADMITTED BEYOND THE UMBILLICUS LINE PROVIDED THERE IS NO LOCK OF THE ANKLE AND THEN TORSION OF THE KNEE

PENALTY Slam is prohibited and leads directly to disqualification. The athlete who is undergoing finalization and intentionally drags himself outside will give a point  of advantage to his opponent. The second escape leads to disqualification.   Bringing the athlete into the guard will give the opponent a head start when the back or the body touches the ground. The fighter who avoids the fight with obvious intention will be penalized by one point  twice,  the next time he will be disqualified. The athlete who intentionally moves or drags himself out of the competition area during an actual combat action will be penalized by one point and the second time he will be disqualified. In case of blood loss or medical intervention two interruptions are allowed, at the third interruption for the same cause the injured athlete will be disqualified. The cramp can only be called once and the time will be interrupted for 1 ‘. The second time 2 points will be deducted and the third time will results in  disqualification.

 

 

 

Muay Thai

📜 The Application of Muay Thai Techniques in MMA

(Draft Regulation / Statute)

1️⃣ Introduction

Muay Thai, also known as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” is one of the most effective striking disciplines in combat sports. Within Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Muay Thai provides athletes with powerful striking skills, superior clinch control, and versatile offensive and defensive strategies.

2️⃣ Scope of Application
• ✅ Muay Thai techniques are permitted within MMA competitions in accordance with federation rules and safety regulations.
• ✅ Muay Thai is recognized as a fundamental base discipline alongside boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, judo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

3️⃣ Core Techniques in MMA

🥊 Punches (Chok) – Adapted for MMA gloves; used in combinations and striking exchanges.
💪 Elbows (Sok) – Highly effective in close range and clinch (permitted depending on federation rules).
🦵 Kicks (Te) – Powerful roundhouse kicks to legs, body, and head.
🦿 Knees (Khao) – Applied in clinch and standing positions.
🤼 Clinch (Chap Khao) – Used to control opponent posture, land knees, or transition into takedowns.

4️⃣ Adaptations for MMA
• 🧤 Glove adjustment: MMA gloves provide less padding, requiring modified guard and defense.
• 🤼‍♂️ Clinch limitation: Shorter clinch duration due to referee intervention and takedown risks.
• 🕹️ Cage tactics: Fighters adapt Muay Thai clinch and strikes against the cage.
• 🛡️ Ground considerations: Elbows/knees on the ground depend on federation regulations.

5️⃣ Safety & Prohibited Actions
• ❌ Strikes to the spine, throat, groin, nape, or top of the head.
• ❌ Excessive clinching without active striking.
• ❌ Illegal throws causing opponent to land head or neck first.
• ❌ Use of oils, creams, or substances not authorized by the referee.

6️⃣ Importance in MMA Training

Muay Thai is considered essential for MMA athletes because it:
• ⚡ Provides effective striking at all ranges.
• 💪 Improves conditioning, resilience, and mental toughness.
• 🔗 Builds a bridge between striking and grappling transitions.

7️⃣ Conclusion

The integration of Muay Thai into MMA enriches the sport by adding effective striking tools and enhancing the versatility of athletes. Its application must always respect the regulatory framework of MMA federations to ensure both fairness and fighter safety.

Proin quis condimentum justo, sed posuere augue. Donec facilisis nisi in mauris vehicula.

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          World Mixed Martial Arts Federation      

MUSICAL FORM RULES

Traditional Forms

A person performing a form must express and demonstrate a mentally and physically realistic approach to the various defense scenarios he/she is trying to emulate. The moves within the Form must be appropriate to the style being performed. Techniques should be performed with full power, focus and explosiveness. When executing the form all basic techniques should be performed logically and be relative to the selected Form. The Competitor’s name, the name of the form and club, (or country) must be announced to Judges in all styles. In all sections 4 people will qualify for the final, and will perform again in reverse order. It is optional at National level that the winner can be decided after only one round. In all World level competitions, wherever rankings are available, heats must be seeded.

Scoring 3-5 judges scoring with the highest and lowest scores taken away Points are given to one decimal place

In preliminary rounds will range between 6,0 and 8,0 (starting point 7), in finals between 8,0 and 9,9 ( starting point 9 )

CRW – Creative weapons – no music

A self-made Form without music but with weapons, with no gymnastic moves. The Creative weapon Form should contain only the use of standard martial arts techniques, along with the individual’s creative variation. All creative forms without music and with weapons, and any so called traditional Kobudo styles which are not listed must be performed only in this division of creative weapon forms. All Karate, Korean and Wushu weapon forms may have traditional moves only. It must consist of traditional techniques, stance and blocks. No machine gun kicks etc. In this kind of forms the competitor must wear a martial arts uniform. Weapon must be used and is highly important for the scoring. The use of stage props such as Lasers, Smoke, Fire or “Dry Ice“, is not permitted. The duration of a creative form must be between 1 and 3 minutes. The time starts with the first move of the form, not the announcement. A Timekeeper will be appointed.

Scoring should be based on: Manipulation of the weapon, speed of the weapon techniques, showmanship, degree of difficulty, basic hand and feet techniques, balance, basics stances, strength and focus. Traditional performance in all Kobudo styles of traditional forms. The form will be scored on the use of the weapon, not Kicks and other techniques.

WEAPON KATA

In WEAPON KATA division a competitor or team shows their skills in a particular weapon Kata of their choice. This weapon Kata can be a traditional or a modern weapon form (NO FIRE GUNS WEAPONS ARE ALLOWED!!!)

Weapons Kata are for real defending or/real attacking. Therefore it is not allowed to work with soft-weapons.
– Also traditional weapons like Katana (sword), Kama (sickle), Tanto (knife), Tonfa, and others have to be made of Iron / Metal / Wood and not of plastic.
– Inside the WEAPON KATA division there are 2 subdivisions : WEAPON KATA INDIVIDUAL and WEAPON KATA SYNCHRONIC

Single competitors compete in Weapon Kata and teams composed of 3 members compete in Weapon Kata Synchronic

PRINCIPLES of WEAPON KATA 7

  1. WEAPON KATA has to be alive and has to be performed with feeling. The purpose of techniques must be clear, they should have a combat value. A WEAPON KATA must not be just a dance, nice for looking but devoid of combat value.
  2. There has to be “spirit”. Energy, force and mind must come together in one point in a short moment. Here we can talk about “Focus”.


3. The power of strong and weak, hard and soft, flex and relax. This we have to see in a WEAPON KATA

4-The timing of fast and slow. There has to be a variation in speed. There is a difference between action and no action in a WEAPON KATA. In this manner there will be a rhythm reflecting a character and conveying a feeling of a battle.


5. Rhythm of breathing, the right way of breathing in and out. It is important to gather power and energy in the area of the energy-centre in the lower abdomen


6. Balance is very important in every exercise. For right and effective techniques it is important to have a good balance of the body. Some techniques in a WEAPON KATA are just for development of balance of the body

7. Synchronization is very important in WEAPON KATA SYNCHRONIC.

Disqualification in WEAPON KATA

If one competitor/team is not coming to compete, after 30 seconds follows disqualification.
– When a competitor or team stops the performance before the end, disqualification will follow.
– When a competitor or member of a team moves out of the competition area, the competitor ore the team will be disqualified.
– When a performance is less or more than the time limit .

SELF-DEFENSE COMBAT

In Self-Defense Combat a team is composed of 2 competitors, 1 attacker and 1 defender. – MALE teams is composed strictly by two (2) male members having the same age category. – FEMALE teams is composed strictly by two (2) female members having the same age category. – MIXT teams is composed strictly by two (2) members, one male and one female having the same age category.
– In Self-Defense Combat there must be 70% of the performance in a reality way of fighting, 30% of the performance is allowed for show choreographic


SELF-DEFENSE SPORT is a team of 4 competitors, 3 attackers and 1 defender.
In the choreography of Self-Defense Sport there must be 50% realistic fighting techniques and 50% of the performance must be show/choreographic. Basically 50% of the decision will be for the realism and 50% for the show/acrobatic techniques/choreography.
– All teams are composed strictly of four ( 4 ) members , from any sex category , from any age category

Weapons used in SELF-DEFENSE divisions

The weapons used for the SELF-DEFENSE performances have to be real weapons (not sharpened but made of iron / wood / metal and not from plastic, NO FIRE GUNS WEAPONS ARE ALLOWED!!!). Weapons within SELF-DEFENSE are for real defending or real attacking. Therefore it is not allowed to work with soft-weapons

WEAPON SELF–DEFENSE

In the Weapon Self-Defense division there will be a traditional fight „weapon vs. weapon”. The weapons used for the Self-Defense performances have to be real weapons (not sharpened but made from iron / wood / metal and not from plastik or silicon).Just traditional Martial Arts Weapons are allowed or traditional national weapons of somebody’s country. All weapons must be used in a very traditional manner and not in a very modern survival one. The Chairmen of Referees has the final decision in this case

TEAMS in WEAPON SELF-DEFENSE

There are two (2) kinds of WEAPON SELF-DEFENSE teams: – MALE teams composed of two (2) male members having the same age category. -FEMALE teams composed of two (2) female members having the same age category


Time limit of WEAPON SELF-DEFENSE divisions

Each team must take care of the time limits of their performances which will be mandatory as follows : 2-4 minutes

Disqualification in WEAPON SELF-DEFENSE

If one team is not coming after the head referees call them by the microphone to compete, after 30 seconds follows disqualification.
– When a team stops the performance before the end, disqualification will follow.
– When any member of a team moves out of the competition area the team will be disqualified––When the performance is less or more than the time limit

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