First Grappling Tournament — NAGA

[Ross Davidson]

My first competition ever is coming up in just about a month. I've read that no points are awarded for 'aggressively' pulling guard, but if you don't aggressively pull guard you are penalized two points. Does anyone know what aggressively pulling guard entails? Also, being that I'm not very good at wrestling or judo, what do you all suggest as far as taking it to the ground? Ive also read mixed reviews about NAGA, what do you guys think?

[John Mejia]

My first competition ever is coming up in just about a month. I've read that no points are awarded for 'aggressively' pulling guard, but if you don't aggressively pull guard you are penalized two points. Does anyone know what aggressively pulling guard entails? Also, being that I'm not very good at wrestling or judo, what do you all suggest as far as taking it to the ground? Ive also read mixed reviews about NAGA, what do you guys think?

Aggressively pulling guard is like jumping guard or anything where you make contact and initiate a guard pull. Just going in there and flopping on your ass is not aggressive.

[Amber Kamischke]

You also have to be the one to initiate. If your opponent looks like they are changing levels for a takedown and you pull guard at the same time, they may get points.

[Ross Davidson]

So for instance, we start hand fighting and I sit down and wrap up his leg for a tornado sweep — would that be a clean guard pull?

[HerbChao]

Check the NAGA website, I think there's a few videos there where they outline some takedown rule explanations.

Don't forget to train scissor takedown defense, some people use that (and it's not that common in some IBJJF tourneys). I sprained my ankle from one partially because I didn't recognize it coming.

[ScottRay]

Naga's "mixed reviews" come from people opinions on their rules. I think having all subs legal is wonderful, fits perfectly with our style at our gym.

[Gray]

Mixed reviews come from NAGA running anywhere between 2 to 8 hours behind schedule.

[ScottRay]

Mixed reviews come from NAGA running anywhere between 2 to 8 hours behind schedule.

^^ this is true

[Brian Debes]

So for instance, we start hand fighting and I sit down and wrap up his leg for a tornado sweep — would that be a clean guard pull?

Yes. At least in NoGi. Their Gi and No Gi rules are very different and I'm not so aware of their gi rules.

At NAGA, you need to have contact with the opponent before you pull guard. That's it. That and if your opponent is moving aggressively at the moment you sit or you sit in response to an attempt of anything by the opponent he will score. I have sat while touching a wrist many times with no points scored in NAGA.

I like NAGA, but as it said on the fliers: "Be there early and be prepared to stay late".

[Brandon Woolsey]

My first competition ever is coming up in just about a month. I've read that no points are awarded for 'aggressively' pulling guard, but if you don't aggressively pull guard you are penalized two points. Does anyone know what aggressively pulling guard entails? Also, being that I'm not very good at wrestling or judo, what do you all suggest as far as taking it to the ground? Ive also read mixed reviews about NAGA, what do you guys think?

Come to our class on Saturday at Sweatbox Boxing & Fitness 11:15-1 and we will put in some work with ya. Here is the addy:
6851 SW 21st Court, Unit 9
Davie, FL 33317