NAGA Louisville Grappling Championship
At a Glance
Description
NAGA CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF GRAPPLING EXCELLENCE!
The North American Grappling Association (NAGA) promotes tournaments where grapplers of all skill levels and ages can showcase their talents and compete to win the best awards in grappling. As the world's largest mixed grappling organization, NAGA offers divisions for Gi and No-Gi competitors, providing a platform for athletes to challenge themselves in a professional and well-organized event. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or a first-time participant, NAGA tournaments promise a memorable experience.
Reasons to Compete at NAGA:
CHAMPIONSHIP BELTS AWARDED
NAGA awards HUGE championship belts to all Children, Teen, Adult, Masters, Director and Executive, Expert Division Winners. Each competitor is limited to one championship belt per event.
CHILDREN'S CHAMPIONSHIP BELTS
NAGA now awards Children's Championship belts to all non-expert Children & Teens (17 yrs. & Under) 1st place division winners. Each competitor is limited to one championship belt per event.
2 MATCH BRACKETS FOR ALL COMPETITORS
- 2-Person Divisions: Best 2-out-of-3
- 3-Person Divisions: Round Robin
- 4-Person + Divisions: 4 or more competitors will now have a 3rd place bracket for those who lose a match enabling them to compete again at no extra cost
These new bracket types will make sure each competitor has a chance at two matches per division (barring injury, opponent withdrawal, etc.) so they can gain that valuable experience on the mats.
AFFORDABLE PRICING - AS LOW AS $89 TO COMPETE
$89
- Register by 11/28/26, Use coupon code 2027LOUISVILLE30 at checkout
$99 - Register 11/29/26 to 12/12/26, Use coupon code 2027LOUISVILLE20 at checkout
$119 - Register 12/13/26 to 01/01/27 (Early Bird Registration)
$149 - Register 01/02/27 to 01/06/27 (Normal Registration)
$169 - Register on 01/07/27 to 01/08/27 (Late Registration)
* Limit 1 coupon per competitor per tournament.
* Extra Divisions including Absolute are $35 each
Prize Money Awarded to the Expert No-Gi Absolute Division Winners
NAGA is excited to offer money prizes at all our 2025 events to the winners of the Men’s and Women’s Adult Expert No-Gi Absolute divisions. To be eligible for the prize money, a competitor must participate in both their weight class division and the absolute division. There must be at least 4 competitors in the absolute division for prize money to be awarded.
The amount awarded to the winner will be based on the number of competitors entered at the start of the division.
0-3 competitors = no prize will be awarded
4-7 competitors = $250
8-11 competitors = $500
12-15 competitors = $750
16 or more competitors = $1000
*Some tournaments may have a Master Expert Absolute, this division is not eligible for the prize money.
*All absolute divisions are single elimination.
NAGA NO-GI INNOVATIONS
- Points for Submission Attempts: NAGA is the only international circuit to award points for submission attempts
- Competitor Interviews: NAGA is the only organization that interviews competitors to accurately place them in appropriate skill divisions beyond just belt rank
- Allowed Submissions: NAGA allows virtually all submissions in our Intermediate and Expert No-Gi Skill levels (Ages 18 & Above)
- Weigh-In: NAGA was the first to introduce the option of weighing in either the night before or on the day of the event. Additionally, we provide a 1-pound allowance to spare competitors from having to strip down completely during weigh-ins!
THE WORLD'S LARGEST GRAPPLING APPAREL BOOTH!
NAGA boasts the world's largest grappling apparel booth! Spanning over 100 feet, it offers an impressive selection of more than 125 items, including board shorts, rash guards, t-shirts, duffle bags, laptop bags, baseball caps, skull caps, and even samurai swords. The collection caters to both children and adults and male and female athletes.
COME JOIN OUR TEAM
NAGA organizes over 75 tournaments worldwide each year. If you're interested in becoming a referee, please fill out the Referee Application. We also have various other positions available, such as ring coordinator, security, weigh-in, and awards. If you're not competing but would like to work at an event, email us at info@nagafighter.com.
Event Details
Rules
This event runs under NAGA rules.
Gi divisions use IBJJF-style scoring. No-gi uses NAGA's own points, with no advantages and 1 or 2 points for a submission attempt, so going for the finish pays even when it doesn't land.
How NAGA rules workWhere to Stay Near the Venue
AffiliateClosest hotels to the venue, sorted by distance.
Closest
0.4 mi from venue
Extended Stay America Select Suites- Louisville - Airport
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0.5 mi from venue
Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Airport
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0.5 mi from venue
Spark by Hilton Louisville Airport
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0.5 mi from venue
Courtyard by Marriott Louisville Airport
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Divisions
- Men No-Gi$119
- Absolute No-Gi Men$35
- Men Gi$119
- Absolute Gi Men$35
- Women No-Gi$119
- Absolute No-Gi Women$35
- Women Gi$119
- Absolute Gi Women$35
- Teens No-Gi (Male)$119
- Teens Gi (Male)$119
- Teens No-Gi (Female)$119
- Teens Gi (Female)$119
- Children No-Gi (Male)$119
- Children Gi (Male)$119
- Children No-Gi (Female)$119
- Children Gi (Female)$119
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is registration and what are the registration deadlines?
Are there coupons or limits on coupons?
How much do extra divisions and the Absolute division cost?
Which divisions are offered (Gi, No-Gi, Absolute)?
What are the bracket formats and how many matches can I expect?
Who receives championship belts and are there limits?
What weigh-in options and allowances are available?
What submissions are allowed in No-Gi divisions at higher skill levels?
How can I apply to work or referee at the event?
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