Grappling and Jiu-Jitsu banned in PA!

**MMAGreg** · Posted On: 7/21/2008 1:30pm

sorry to bring up an old thread but i thought i could add to the subject. To start no where on the PA State Athletic Commission website is there any mention of grappling tournaments of any kind that i could find. i have attended several BJJ tournies in PA, including the Kumite Classic which draws media attention. Anywho... just thought i would also share an article i wrote about MMA in PA which is a bit more detailed... i wrote this in April, but haven't followed up on it since.

Competitors of mixed martial arts who wish to fight in Pennsylvania won't have to wait much longer. According to the PA State Athletic Commission's executive director, Gregory P. Sirb, we should be expecting the sport to be legalized in September or October of this year. While legalization of MMA was passed by the state in 2007, the actual legislation had to be written and the written set of regulations now must be passed.

Gregory Sirb was kind enough to send me a copy of the current draft of regulations for mixed martial arts events in Pennsylvania. Professional regulations follow the standard rules commonly used in most states/events, whereas amateurs can expect to follow some stricter guidelines.

Debut amateurs will be required to complete a form detailing their experience and training and be certified by their trainer as competent for competition. The Athletic Commission may review the applicants experience, qualifications, training and competitions records before issuing or renewing their MMA license.

In addition to mouth guard and groin protector, the amateur contestant will also be required to wear shin and instep pads, as well as ankle wraps. Aside from the usual given techniques that constitute a foul, PA competitions will also disallow any striking to the head on the ground, elbows of any kind, kicks or knees to head, foot stomps, slamming (all throws must be controlled), throws against a joint, and smothering an opponent with your hand.

Efforts have been made to circulate petitions for looser regulations and can be easily found on the web. Tho i wonder if all the petitioning and fighting is what is delaying the process of finalization. I say let the rules/regulations be as they may and fight for change after the ball gets rolling.