Empire Grappling: NI Open 2026

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

ITEMINFORMATIONEventNI OpenDateSaturday, 10th October 2026VenueNewforge Sports Complex, 18b Newforge Lane, Belfast, BT9 5NW

EVENT SCHEDULE (APPROX.)

ACTIVITYTIMEDoors Open8:00amWeigh-ins Begin8:00amSpectator Entry8:00amMatches Begin9:00am

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.

PERIODCLOSESEarly BirdSaturday, 4th July 2026NormalSaturday, 15th August 2026LateThursday, 1st October 2026

SPECIAL OFFER

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

ELIGIBILITYDISCOUNTBJJ Brown Belt50% offBJJ Black Belt50% offPro MMA Fighter*50% off

*Pro MMA Fighters must have 3+ professional fights.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

CONDITIONDETAILMinimum FightsPro MMA fighters must have at least 3 professional fights.Prior SupportYou must have supported Empire Grappling in the past to qualify.AvailabilityLimited places are available per event.Right to RefuseEmpire Grappling reserves the right to deny this discount if necessary.Retroactive DiscountsDiscounts cannot be applied after payment has been made.Automatic ApplicationOffer is not automatic on Smoothcomp.Claim ProcessTo 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

ACTIONDEADLINEMETHODDivision ChangesSaturday, 3rd October 2026 – 10:00pmSmoothcomp only

🎥 Tutorials: How to Amend | How to Cancel

WEIGH-INS

DETAILRULE / REQUIREMENTLocationOn the day onlyWith my Gi?You can weigh-in without your GiCoverageOne weigh-in covers all divisionsTimingOpen usually from 8:00am until 60 minutes before divisionAllowanceZero allowanceFailureMissed 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 GROUPACCEPTED IDAdults (18+)Driving Licence, Passport, or other government-issued photo IDChildren (under 18)Birth Certificate or Passport

Implementation will begin with random spot checks at upcoming events. By the end of 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

ITEMINFORMATIONFeesAll taxes and admin includedWaiverMay be required on the dayMinimum Matches2 per athlete (Gi and No-Gi), unless prevented by injury or withdrawalAbsolute DivisionsStraight knockout format

REFUND AND CREDIT POLICY

CONDITIONREFUND / CREDITMETHODWithdraw more than 28 days before event100% RefundSmoothcompWithdraw 7–27 days before event100% CreditSmoothcompAmendments deadline → 24 hrs post brackets50% CreditSmoothcompAfter deadlinesNo refund/creditN/A

DEADLINE TYPEDATERefundSaturday, 12th September 2026CreditSaturday, 3rd October 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

DETAILRULEValidity24 months (2 years)UsageSingle use onlyReplacement PolicyNo replacement if used and later withdrawn

BRACKETS AND SCHEDULE

ITEMDETAILRelease DateTuesday, 6th October 2026DisplayLive order on venue screens and Smoothcomp mobileCourtesy CallsMay be made, but athlete must be readyBullpen Arrival20–30 mins before matchPresenceMust be weighed in and present 60 mins before division start

MEDALS AND TEAM TROPHIES

AWARD TYPENOTESMedalsAwarded once division is complete. All medallists must be present.Team TrophiesAcademy ChampionsAffiliation ChampionsGi Academy ChampionsNo-Gi Academy ChampionsKids Academy Champions Kids Affiliation ChampionsEligibilityAwards 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.

ROLEBENEFITSReferees and StaffCompetitive pay + lunch allowanceAthlete VolunteersFree registration in exchange for setup/pack-down or event help

📧 To apply, email: info@empiregrapplingevents.com

RELEASE OF LIABILITY

By registering, you confirm that:

• You understand that martial arts and combat sports involve inherent risks, including serious injury or death, and you participate at your own risk.
• You accept responsibility for risks inherent in participation and agree that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, Empire Grappling, its staff, venues, sponsors, and participants shall not be liable for injuries or losses arising from those inherent risks.
• Nothing in this agreement excludes or limits liability for death or personal injury resulting from negligence.
• You confirm that you are in good physical health and able to compete safely.
• In the event of an emergency, you authorise qualified medical personnel to provide treatment, which may be at your own expense.
• You consent to being filmed, photographed, and recorded for promotional purposes, including by members of the public.
• Where registering a minor, the parent or legal guardian grants permission for participation and accepts responsibility on their behalf.

⚠️ Breaches of event rules or conduct may result in disqualification, removal from the event, forfeiture of fees, and/or exclusion from future events.

CODE OF CONDUCT

RULEENFORCEMENTZero tolerance for abuse, threats, or disrespectOffenders will be removed immediatelyTeams/individuals causing issuesMay face future bansSevere incidentsAuthorities 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

ITEMDETAILPoliciesPrivacy, Data Protection, Safeguarding, Risk AssessmentsDocumentsAvailable at Empire Grappling DocumentsEmailinfo@empiregrapplingevents.comCompanyEmpire Grappling Events Ltd

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