U.S. Open of Catch Wrestling

The American Catch Wrestling Association (ACWA) along with the UWF USA, will hold the US Open of Catch Wrestling tournament Saturday, December 13th at Calvary Chapel, Yorba Linda. This is the National Championships of modern Catch-as-Catch-can style for wrestling and the most prestigious Catch Wrestling tournament in the United States, drawing in competitors from all disciplines, to chase the opportunity to be a National Champion.

Our goal is to bring the sport of Catch Wrestling back to the public eyes and get people back on to the mats as another addition to the existing styles of wrestling (Folkstyle/Freestyle/Greco-Roman) and grappling (BJJ, Submission Wrestling, Judo, Sambo, UWW Grappling, etc.)

A simple breakdown of the rules are:

-Win by pin, submission, or points

-A pin is when both wrestler's shoulders are pinned to the mat for a silent 3 count. A pin cannot be counted while in a wrestler's scissor (guard) or if caught in a submission (catch)

-A submission is when a legal hold makes a wrestler give up either verbally or by tapping the mat or opponent 3 times

-Points are scored as follows: 2pts takedown, 1pt escape, 2pt reversal, 3pts throw straight to an opponent's back, 4pts High Amplitude (heels over hips).

-Matches are 6 minutes in length

-Shoes are allowed

-Headgear is allowed

Illegal holds and techniques:

-Heel hooks and modified heel hooks (Reverse Toe Hold, Aoki Lock, etc.)

-Spiking an opponent on their head or neck

-Scissor takedowns

-Throwing submissions

-No guard pulling or stalling

-Singlets, Compression/Lycra shorts, Rashguards, Tights/Spats are preferred. Board or grappling styled shorts are allowed. No loose fitting clothing (t-shirts).

All levels are welcome, but there are no experience/belt divisions. Entry is $40 when registered early online, $50 late online and at the door. Women compete for FREE.

Weigh-ins will be from 8:30am - 10am. We intend to get matches up and going shortly after 11am.

Weight classes contested will be:

Men - 134 lbs (61 kg), 143 lbs (65 kg), 154 lbs (70 kg), 163 lbs (74 kg), 174 lbs(79 kg) 190 lbs (86 kg), 214 lbs (97 kg), +214 lbs (97 kg to Unlimited)

Women - 117 lbs (53kg), 128 lbs (58 kg), 139 lbs (63 kg), +152 lbs (69kg to Unlimited)

Depending on number of entries we will bracket athletes, or have them round robin. It is double elimination with consolation brackets for 3rd place.

You'll find that this system lends itself to a faster paced, more aggressive match which is not just fun to watch, but to compete in as well.

Open to wrestlers 18-up.

Spectators can purchase a ticket for $5 at the door.