Competition structure
Competition provides a platform for the ultimate test of skill in any sport, to include mixed martial arts.
NLMMAF make use of the following structure.
Age
National Events
International events
Rules
6-9
Club events, technical displays with minimum uncontrolled physical contact
IMMAF guidelines
10-11
Club, regional, national
IMMAF guidelines
12-13
Club, regional, national
Youth Championships
(U14) Youth MMA Rules – C
14-15
Club, regional, national
Youth Championships
(U16) Youth MMA Rules – B
16-17
Club, regional, national
Youth Championships
(U18) Youth MMA Rules – A
18-20
Club, regional, national
Youth Championships
(U21) Amateur MMA Rules
18+
Club, regional, national
(Senior) Championships
Amateur MMA Rules
NLMMAF recognises the need for a smooth transition from amateur to pro for those competitive athletes wishing to pursue a professional career. The NLMMAF Talent Pathway is being taught through IMMAF Coaches Licensing Courses worldwide, and will be published here at NLMMAF.nl soon.
Technical Criteria
Striking Technique
Posture – Balance – Space control – Footwork – Bodywork – Handwork – Fluency
Striking Combinations
Balance – Space Control – Footwork – Bodywork – Handwork – Fluency – Rhythm
Standing Techniques
Clinches – Takedowns – Throws – Fence – Control
Understanding the best situation for action
Understanding the action – reaction involved
Best grip or clamp
Use of the fence
Direction of forces
Landing position
Control
Groundwork Techniques
Attacks – Defences – Reversals – Fence Control
Starting Position
Understanding the action- reaction involved
Body, arm, leg catch or grip
Use of the fence
Direction of forces
Control
Grading assessments can be recorded in two ways
- Students to be registered with their National Federation via MyNextMatch.com
- National coaches conducting examinations to be IMMAF certified
Black belt gradings may only be considered at the recommendation of the National Technical Committee of each National Federation to IMMAF, who has the sole authority to award them.
Guidelines for young beginners
Recommendations for MMA coaches working with pre-school, primary school and young beginners
Introduction to a sport can be the first step in a lifetime journey when managed successfully, or a disappointing experience ending in the person dropping out. It is the Club coach that will have to successfully execute the task
Consideration 1
One of the biggest challenges when working with any beginners is the vast variety of their general physical conditions, as they are coming from all walks of life and all ages. They may differ dramatically in their movement experience and have different levels of confidence in the execution of the basic motor skills. Therefore, a coach working with beginners, firstly, should focus on the fundamental and general skills. Secondly, he/she should aim at elevating all the beginners in a class to an appropriate level. This consideration is critical for the sport of MMA, since most of the drills and exercises require work with a cooperative partner.
Consideration 2
We see more and more people encouraging their children to try out sports at early ages. Physical activity is one of the most important parts of a child’s health, well-being and learning; therefore, physical exercise is one of the ways in which young children interact with the world as they grow. Children’s growth, physical and emotional development undergo several phases, each of them requiring a meticulous choice of teaching methodology and specific sets of exercises. Therefore, it is mandatory that all coaches use age-appropriate physical activities when teaching novices of different ages.
Consideration 3
It is common for many sports clubs to have classes of mixed ages, however a big age difference (2 years+) is not recommended, particularly when young novices are participating in the class. When pairing up young beginners for joint exercises we need to consider the possible mismatch in their physical levels, as they could be early developers (ED) and late developers (LD)
The recommended age groups for classes of beginners are outlined below.
Age specific recommendations for running MMA classes for novices
Novices Ages 2-5
Children of pre-school age continue to learn various basic and multilateral movements (running, tumbling, throwing, catching, etc.) and the most effective learning form for them is unstructured free- play. They are too young for organised sport, and it is unlikely that they will gain any long-term advantage in terms of future sports performance if they are exposed to the strict regulations of adult sport. It is advised that children of pre-school age do not join general MMA classes, unless they are specifically tailored for their age group and focused on general physical development with the inclusion of some elements of mixed martial arts.
Competitions for children aged 2 to 5 are not recommended, unless they are organised as a technical display
Novices Ages 6-9
Children of ages 6 to 9 continue to develop all forms of coordination, learn complex movements, including changing direction, pivoting and turning. As their attention increases, they are able to focus on more complex tasks for longer. Between 6 and 9 are the best ages for the introduction of most martial arts to children. The main focus should be on the learning of the biomechanically correct technique and fundamental movements.
Children of the ages 7 to 8 could be gradually introduced to the basic strength training.
Competitions for children of ages 6 to 9 are not recommended, except for technical displays, with awards for participation and recognition of an effort and attitude. It is advised that the WHITE grade (wristband) is awarded as soon as the novices are able to display the set of Fundamental movements (See Progression Scheme).
Children of ages 8 to 9 shall advance through the Progression scheme, within the minimum time of one grade every 12 months, reaching the maximum of YELLOW grade.
Novices Ages 10-12 (Youth C)
Children of ages 10 to 12 have a mature understanding of physical movements and good ability to follow the tactics and strategies of almost any sport.
Technical development remains the prime consideration, while gradual introduction of children to speed, strength and appropriate endurance training is continued.
Children of ages 10 to 12 shall progress through the Grading Scheme, within the minimum time of one grade every 12 months, reaching their first competition as a Youth – C at “ORANGE Grade.”
Children aged 10-12 can be gradually introduced to MMA competitions under the modified rules, which nullify domination by strength through the application of technical restrictions.
Novices Ages 13-14 (Youth C/B)
Young people of ages 13 to 14 have a mature understanding of the physical movements and good ability to follow the tactics and strategies of the sport, however the growth spurt caused by the puberty may affect their balance and coordination
Young people of ages 13 to 14 shall progress through the Grading Scheme, within the minimum time of one grade every 9 months, reaching their first competition as Youth – B in the “GREEN Grade”
Young people of ages 13 to 14 can participate in MMA competitions under modified rules, which shall continue to nullify domination by strength through the application of technical restrictions.
Children aged 13 to 14 will need to show a good balance of technical and physical development
Novices Ages 16+
Novices at 16+ can join the mainstream adult classes
Novices of 16+ shall advance through the Progression Scheme, within the minimum time of one grade every 6 months
The minimum technical standard of anyone willing to start competing in Amateur Youth events (U18s) shall be at minimum of ORANGE Grade (cadets) and for a senior event (18+), GREEN Grade
Guidelines for youth events
Introduction & Guidelines for Organisers of MMA Competitions
- Rationale
Talent Identification and Development Pathways are important and are therefore offered through NLMMAF on the IMMAF platform to the practitioners of amateur MMA.
While the preeminent short-term objective of participation in sports competition is to win, the prominent long-term objective is to help young athletes develop physically, psychologically and socially.
NLMMAF promotes development, discipline, safe practise and a caring attitude towards the youth MMA sport and advocates that:
Young athletes are not “small adults”
Youth sport is only an introduction to the full game, which is far too complex and physiologically demanding for young athletes to be instantly exposed to
Youth sport is a vital “part of the learning curve”
Youth sport needs to provide an appropriate learning environment, which in the long-term can help to identify and nurture talent.
The process of growth and maturation of children is diverse and individualised, and we may very often see early developers and late developers competing in one age group.
With regards to the above considerations and the recommendations of the IMMAF Medical Committee, IMMAF strongly recommends that all National Federations and event organisers require the minimum technical standards, technical restrictions and modified rules for all national events for Youths A (age 16-17), Youths B (age 14-15) and Youths C (age 12-13), as described in the following Guidelines.
- Minimum Technical Standard
NLMMAF strongly recommends to all member clubs, that all young participants of amateur MMA events are of the following minimum technical standard
From 2020
Youth A (age 16-17) – Green level+
Youth B (age 14-15) – Orange level+
Youth C (age 12-13) – Yellow level+
- Technical Restrictions
Safety of young participants in competition remains the prime consideration of NLMMAF. Therefore, we promote a gradual introduction of young participants to the full game of mixed martial arts.
Technical restrictions will be applied for the youth age bands A (age 16-17), B (age 14-15) and C (age 12-13).
In particular, the “no headshots” policy is mandatory for all NLMMAF youth competitions.
- Modified Rules
The modification of rules for young athletes is applied with the aim of reducing the complexity of the competitive scenarios, and hence allowing them more time to shape their performance techniques and skills, which they will be relying on later in the senior game.
The purpose of this teaching strategy is to encourage the learner to develop a sound technical style as opposed to a strategy of quick wins based on physical domination.
Young contestants shall be judged using the conventional 10-point system.
In particular, “technical submissions” shall be observed in all Youth B and C events, i.e. the referee will have to be sensitive in the stopping of a match having determined a submission based on a fully extended limb or the tight hold of the neck by the attacking athlete.
- New Ethos
5.1. Breaking the stereotypes
NLMMAF recommends to all member clubs to adopt and create a new ethos around youth amateur MMA, drawing a line between it and professional sports performance to break negative stereotypes and promote positive attitudes toward the sport.
NLMMAF recommends avoiding professional entertainment terms – “cage”, “fight”, “fighter” and replacing them with “ring”, “field of play”, “competitor”, “athlete” etc.
5.2. Uniform
Taking part in a youth sport event forms a big part of the ethos and culture of sport. NLMMAF recommends that all member clubs have their participants wear the appropriate attire for club, provincial and national events. Rash-guards/shorts with the amateur MMA gloves and shin-guards appropriate for grappling.