How does the tournament format work?

Survive The Mat uses continuous rounds where competitors advance until natural elimination occurs. You can win by pinning both opponent's shoulder blades to the mat for 2 seconds, or by throwing them from standing position directly to their back.

What happens if no one gets pinned in a round?

If no pin occurs during a round, both competitors advance to the next round with new opponents. This continues until the field naturally reduces through pins and throws.

How long are the rounds?

Each round is 3 minutes long with 1-minute breaks between rounds across all divisions.

What are the uniform requirements?

Competitors must wear shorts with no metal or pockets, tight-fitting compression shirt or rash guard, and maintain proper hygiene with trimmed nails and secured long hair.

What is Survive The Mat?

Survive The Mat is a conditioning-based grappling tournament that tests endurance, technique, and mental toughness. Only pins and throws are allowed - no submission techniques.

What are the tournament divisions?

We have two adult divisions: Adult 175 lbs & Under and Adult 176 lbs & Above. Both divisions are for competitors 18+ years old.

What is the prize pool?

The tournament features a $1,200 winner-takes-all prize pool distributed among division winners.

Tournament Philosophy

Testing Your Takedowns and Pins

Survive the Mat is a unique competition that tests your ability to take your opponent down and pin them or throw them from standing position to their back.

How The Tournament Works

Two Simple Ways to Win

Pin both shoulder blades to the mat for 2 seconds, or throw your opponent from standing position directly to their back.

Continuous Rounds

Rounds continue with 1-minute breaks until natural elimination reduces the field

Both Advance

If no pin occurs, both competitors advance to the next round

New Opponents

Different opponents each round (previous matches avoided when possible)

Tournament Flow

Continuous advancement until natural elimination

Ready to Test Your Skills?

Now that you understand the format, secure your spot in this unique tournament experience.

Competition Divisions

Two adult divisions designed to test grapplers of different weight classes with the same core principles.

Adult 175 lbs & Under

18+ years old

Weight Limit

175 lbs and below

Round Time

3 min

Max Competitors 40

Rest Between Rounds 1 minute

Schedule

Weigh-In: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Rules: 11:15 AM

Start: 11:30 AM

Up to $1,200 Prize

Winner Takes All

Adult 176 lbs & Above

18+ years old

Weight Limit

176 lbs and above

Round Time

3 min

Max Competitors 40

Rest Between Rounds 1 minute

Schedule

Weigh-In: 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM

Rules: 2:15 PM

Start: 2:30 PM

Up to $1,200 Prize

Winner Takes All

Important Note

Divisions may start early if the previous division completes competition and all competitors are weighed in. Plan to arrive early and be ready for your division.

Choose Your Division

Both divisions offer the same thrilling format with $1,000 winner-takes-all prize pools. Select the weight class that fits you best.

Limited to 40 competitors per division

Registration Requirements

Uniform Requirements

Shorts with no metal or pockets

Tight-fitting compression shirt or rash guard

No baggy shorts (none extending past the knees) or baggy shirts

Hygiene Requirements

Long hair must be tied up securely

Fingernails and toenails must be clipped short

Participants must maintain proper personal hygiene

Ready to Register?

Join competitors from across the region in this unique conditioning-based tournament. Limited spots available in each division.

Maximum 40 competitors per division

All experience levels welcome