Events

By registering for this event, you agree to the following terms, conditions, and event guidelines (as detailed on the event page in Smoothcomp).

EVENT DETAILS

ITEM	INFORMATION
Event	Yorkshire Winter Open
Date	Saturday, 10th January 2026
Venue	Barnsley Metrodome, Queens Ground, Queens Road, Barnsley, S71 1AN

EVENT SCHEDULE (APPROX.)

ACTIVITY	TIME
Doors Open	8:00am
Weigh-ins Begin	8:00am
Spectator Entry	8:00am
Matches Begin	9:00am

REGISTRATION

This is a pre-registration only event. No late or on-the-day sign-ups will be accepted.

• Registration may close early if venue capacity is reached.
  
• Each registration period is capped at 250 competitors.
  

PERIOD	CLOSES
Early Bird	Saturday, 25th October 2025
Normal	Saturday, 29th November 2025
Late	Thursday, 1st January 2026

SPECIAL OFFER

We are proud to support experienced athletes by offering discounts on registration.

ELIGIBILITY	DISCOUNT
BJJ Brown Belt	50% off
BJJ Black Belt	50% off
Pro MMA Fighter*	50% off

*Pro MMA Fighters must have 3+ professional fights.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

CONDITION	DETAIL
Minimum Fights	Pro MMA fighters must have at least 3 professional fights.
Prior Support	You must have supported Empire Grappling in the past to qualify.
Availability	Limited places are available per event.
Right to Refuse	Empire Grappling reserves the right to deny this discount if necessary.
Retroactive Discounts	Discounts cannot be applied after payment has been made.
Automatic Application	Offer is not automatic on Smoothcomp.
Claim Process	To claim, email info@empiregrapplingevents.com before making payment with the following:
	1) Which event would you like to register for?
	2) A link to your Smoothcomp profile to confirm your belt ranking (please ensure your profile is set to public).
	3) A link to your Tapology profile confirming you are a Pro MMA fighter with 3+ Pro MMA bouts.

AMENDMENTS

ACTION	DEADLINE	METHOD
Division Changes	Saturday, 3rd January 2026 – 10:00pm	Smoothcomp only

🎥 Tutorials: How to Amend | How to Cancel

WEIGH-INS

DETAIL	RULE / REQUIREMENT
Location	On the day only
With my Gi?	You can weigh-in without your Gi
Coverage	One weigh-in covers all divisions
Timing	Open usually from 8:00am until 60 minutes before division
Allowance	Zero allowance
Failure	Missed weight or late weigh-in = disqualification

IDENTIFICATION CHECKS

To ensure athlete safety, fairness, and accurate division placement, ID checks are being introduced at Empire Grappling events.

AGE GROUP	ACCEPTED ID
Adults (18+)	Driving Licence, Passport, or other government-issued photo ID
Children (under 18)	Birth Certificate or Passport

Implementation will begin with random spot checks at upcoming events. By mid-2026, ID verification will become mandatory for all athletes during check-in.

⚠️ Failure to provide valid ID when requested may result in disqualification without refund.

ATHLETES

ITEM	INFORMATION
Fees	All taxes and admin included
Waiver	May be required on the day
Minimum Matches	2 per athlete (Gi and No-Gi), unless prevented by injury or withdrawal
Absolute Divisions	Straight knockout format

REFUND AND CREDIT POLICY

CONDITION	REFUND / CREDIT	METHOD
Withdraw more than 28 days before event	100% Refund	Smoothcomp
Withdraw 7–27 days before event	100% Credit	Smoothcomp
Amendments deadline → 24 hrs post brackets	50% Credit	Smoothcomp
After deadlines	No refund/credit	N/A

DEADLINE TYPE	DATE
Refund	Saturday, 13th December 2025
Credit	Saturday, 3rd January 2026

⚠️ Credits can only be used once. If used and then withdrawn, the credit is lost and will not be reissued (including unused portions).

⚠️ Withdrawals made after the 50% credit window are not eligible for refunds or credits under any circumstances.

⚠️ Registrations are non-transferable.

🎥 Tutorial: How to Withdraw

COUPON CODES

DETAIL	RULE
Validity	24 months (2 years)
Usage	Single use only
Replacement Policy	No replacement if used and later withdrawn

BRACKETS AND SCHEDULE

ITEM	DETAIL
Release Date	Tuesday, 6th January 2026
Display	Live order on venue screens and Smoothcomp mobile
Courtesy Calls	May be made, but athlete must be ready
Bullpen Arrival	20–30 mins before match
Presence	Must be weighed in and present 60 mins before division start

MEDALS AND TEAM TROPHIES

AWARD TYPE	NOTES
Medals	Awarded once division is complete. All medallists must be present.
Team Trophies	Academy Champions
	Affiliation Champions
	Gi Academy Champions
	No-Gi Academy Champions
	Kids Academy Champions
	Kids Affiliation Champions
Eligibility	Awards given to individual academies only (not combined affiliations)
Additional	#1 Athlete of the Event (only if there is a clear winner)

VOLUNTEERS AND STAFF

We welcome referees and event staff.

ROLE	BENEFITS
Referees and Staff	Competitive pay + lunch allowance
Athlete Volunteers	Free registration in exchange for setup/pack-down or event help

📧 To apply, email: info@empiregrapplingevents.com

RELEASE OF LIABILITY

By registering, you confirm:

• You accept the risks of martial arts, including potential injury, loss, or death.
  
• You waive all claims against Empire Grappling, venues, sponsors, and participants.
  
• You are in good physical health and able to compete safely.
  
• In an emergency, you authorise licensed medical staff to treat you at your expense.
  
• You consent to being filmed, photographed, and recorded for promotional purposes, including by attending public.
  
• For minors, the legal guardian grants permission for participation.
  

⚠️ Violations may result in disqualification, forfeiture of fees, and bans from future events.

CODE OF CONDUCT

RULE	ENFORCEMENT
Zero tolerance for abuse, threats, or disrespect	Offenders will be removed immediately
Teams/individuals causing issues	May face future bans
Severe incidents	Authorities may be contacted

IMPORTANT NOTICE

If government restrictions or similar prevent the event, all entry fees will be converted into credit for a future Empire Grappling event.

POLICIES AND CONTACT

ITEM	DETAIL
Policies	Privacy, Data Protection, Safeguarding, Risk Assessments
Documents	Available at Empire Grappling Documents
Email	info@empiregrapplingevents.com
Company	Kakushin Events Ltd T/A Empire Grappling (Yorkshire)

📧 Still have questions? Contact us at info@empiregrapplingevents.com