Nordic SFC returns September 26: the Kolding event built on big mats and no shortcuts

What started as a small competition in a local gym now draws grapplers from across Scandinavia and Germany, with an ambition to attract a wider international field.

From a split mat to a regional staple

NSFC has been running competitions since October 2019. "It started as a small comp in our local gym, where we had to split our 10x10 m mat into two," says Martinus, founder and manager. Then came an offer from KIF Wrestling to host a larger event at a bigger venue, scheduled the day after their wrestling competition in January 2020.

COVID forced a postponement of the next edition, but it also reshaped the operation. Out of that pivot came two annual events: NSFC in September and Kolding Cup in January.

What was a one-mat club affair six years ago now attracts a growing field of competitors from across Scandinavia and Germany, with the championship belt established as one of the region's recognisable prizes in submission grappling.

Built around the competitor experience

Ask Martinus what sets NSFC apart and the answer is unambiguous: the competitor experience. "We are very much focused on our competitors," he says. "We want to give them the best prerequisites to compete."

That focus shows in the setup. NSFC commits to 10x10 and 12x12 meter mats, framed as a deliberate choice in favour of giving athletes room to work. "It is an experience to go to NSFC. Not just a competition."

The other thing that stands out is the operating principle behind everything they do: "there are no shortcuts taken. We just grind our asses off to build a trusted, competitive and healthy culture around our sport."

Categories for every level

NSFC runs three skill tiers based on years of training: Beginner (up to two years, white belt to early blue), Advanced (two to five years, blue belt), and Expert (five years and up, purple to black belt). New this year is an Old Boys division for masters aged 35 and up, expanding the field beyond the standard skill brackets and giving experienced competitors their own arena.

Looking outward

"We see a lot of new smaller companies develop, which is awesome," Martinus says of the broader picture. "Competitions drive engagement and more practitioners to the sport." For NSFC specifically, the ambition is concrete: more international competitors, and being a date that grapplers plan around. "We really hope to see a lot more international competitors going forward. We want to be one of those competitions that you plan ahead for."

Register before the early bird closes

The 2026 NSFC takes place on September 26 at Sydbank Arena in Kolding, Denmark. Spectators are welcome free of charge. Athletes can register on Smoothcomp; early bird pricing closes June 2, with regular registration open until September 1.

Follow NSFC on Instagram @nordic.sfc.

For weight classes, rules, and venue details, see the Smoothcomp event page.