Submission Grappling is a system of attack and defense. Being more innovation than invention Submission Grappling traces it’s roots to concepts held in Sombo, Jiu Jitsu, Roman-Greco/Free style Wrestling,  Catch as Catch Can, Kawaishi Judo and Thai Boxing. Fundamental principle’s of the above arts have been dissected and examined and have been blended to produce the hybrid, modern style it is now.

Are there belt’s in Submission Grappling?

There are not belts per se. If an individual is wearing a Jacket a belt must be worn to keep it closed. In this case a white belt is worn. On the belt rank will be shown by the number of black stripes and/or blocks running along the ends.

Ranks indicate the practitioner has put in the effort and time and proven that they understand and can apply the techniques as expected of them

Rank I would indicate someone with a solid foundation in the basic’s (without the basic's a person has nothing upon which to build) and Rank IV would indicate someone with a solid foundation in the advanced. The students grade is determined by Rank and Degree. Two degree’s form a rank and each degree can roughly be translated to a belt/kyu equivalency. RANKS mark the major turning points in a students progression and DEGREES mark the progression between ranks. Rank I translates to Green Belt, Rank II Black Belt, Rank III 3rd Dan and Rank IV 6th Dan.

3) Are there forms and kata in Submission Grappling?

Not in the sense of Kata as it would pertain to Judo or Karate or forms as in Tae Kwon Do or Gung Fu. Moves are practiced on willing targets to achieve accuracy, timing and skill and then are put through the test when sparring. Techniques that have not stood up in sparring and "real type" situations have been eliminated or modified in favor of effective and realistic maneuver's.

4) Are there uniforms or jackets in Submission Grappling?

Students are taught with and without the uniform. An added dynamic exsists with the jacket thus giving many more variables as well as presenting many more opportunities to learn.

5) I already have extensive martial arts training. Would Submission Grappling benefit me?

Yes. If a person is primarily a standing/striking expert they are at their most vulnerable when on the ground. Therefore a knowledge of ground fighting is paramount to escape/reverse ground positions and get to the feet again where the person can utilize their striking techniques.

Judo player’s stand to gain the knowledge of joint locks beyond the arm (i.e leg, wrist, ankle, knee, and neck), grips and set ups without the gi top and the incorporation of their grappling skills with strikes.

Wrestler’s will gain the knowledge of submissions (i.e chokes, joint locks, pressure points), using strikes when riding the opponent, fighting from the back (i.e guard and 1/2 guard position), and techniques beyond pinning the opponent.

Submission grappling is in and of itself a complete style so whether an individual is using it to supplement past/current training, or as their primary training program it has something to offer all.

6) How effective is Submission Grappling as a Self Defense system?

Very effective. Self defense is covered in general terms with principles/concepts being expressed in lieu of pre arranged forms or set-up scenarios/situations. With fundamental principles being taught and learned a student will be able to modify and adapt to the situation at hand. Combat is never static therefore a student must learn it in a non static manner. A Submission Grappling student if grabbed from behind will be able to counter based on the principle they understand in regards to physics and anatomy, not because they know a specific way that's been taught to counter a rear grab.

7) How important of a factor is size and strength in Submission Grappling?