Empire Grappling: NI Open 2026
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Description
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 | NI Open |
| Date | Saturday, 10th October 2026 |
| Venue | Newforge Sports Complex, 18b Newforge Lane, Belfast, BT9 5NW |
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, 27th June 2026 |
| Normal | Saturday, 15th August 2026 |
| Late | Thursday, 1st October 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 October 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 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
| 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, 12th September 2026 |
| Credit | Saturday, 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
| 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 October 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 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
| 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 |
| info@empiregrapplingevents.com | |
| Company | Empire Grappling Events Ltd |
📧 Still have questions? Contact us at info@empiregrapplingevents.com
Divisions
- Gi / Kids£35
- No-Gi / Kids£35
- Gi / Juvenile£35
- No-Gi / Juvenile£35
- Gi / Male£40
- No-Gi / Male£40
- Gi / Female£40
- No-Gi / Female£40
- Gi / Male / Absolute£25
- No-Gi / Male / Absolute£25
- Gi / Female / Absolute£25
- No-Gi / Female / Absolute£25
