The ADCC Opens in North and South America have announced new rule changes that aim to make matches safer for athletes. The updates focus on removing or limiting techniques that have caused repeated injuries in past competitions.
Most specifically, ADCC has chosen to address the use of slams and the kani basami (scissor takedown), two techniques known for being effective but also carrying a higher chance of serious harm. These changes apply only to ADCC Open tournaments and do not currently affect Trials or other events, allowing organisers to evaluate the impact of the new rules in a controlled setting.
The rule updates have already sparked discussions across forums and social media, not just among athletes but also in sports betting circles, where safety changes can subtly shift odds and fighter strategies. As ADCC Opens continue to grow in visibility, bettors are keeping a close watch on how these adjustments might influence match outcomes. Many will likely continue turning to the top betting sites not on GamStop, which often provide faster payouts, flexible payment methods, competitive odds, and attractive perks such as welcome bonuses, free bets, and VIP rewards across Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu markets. With the dynamics of competition now shifting, these rule changes may push bettors to rethink their strategies, reassess fighter strengths, and place their bets with sharper precision.
The first adjustment is the restriction of the kani basami to just one division as it is seen as too dangerous. From now on, only the adult advanced division is permitted to use this move. The scissor takedown, while dramatic and powerful, involves jumping into the legs of an opponent and wrapping around them with force. When mistimed or poorly controlled, the technique can lead to knee injuries that are often severe. Even when executed correctly, the risk remains high due to the nature of the movement. By limiting its use to the most experienced adult competitors, ADCC is signaling that the technique should only be used by those who fully understand the timing, control, and consequences involved.
The second rule change bans slams entirely across all divisions. In past ADCC Opens, slams have often been used to escape submissions or to finish takedowns with authority. Despite being a crowd-pleasing move, slamming has led to numerous injuries, especially those involving the head, neck, and spine. Because the impact involved in a slam is difficult to control and can cause long-term damage, ADCC has now removed the technique altogether from its Open events. This marks a significant change, especially for those who relied on this method of countering submissions or turning the tide in a match.
Both changes were made with safety as the main priority. ADCC is known for its aggressive and submission-heavy rule set, which encourages athletes to push for finishes and take risks. However, these recent decisions show that the organisation is aware of the long-term toll certain techniques can take on competitors. The goal isn’t to water down the intensity but rather to protect athletes from injuries that could take them out of the sport entirely. By identifying which techniques carry the most risk and limiting their use, ADCC is working toward an environment where athletes can compete hard without putting their health in danger.
The focus on only applying these rule changes to Opens in North and South America allows ADCC to monitor how the new rules influence competition. It also gives athletes and coaches time to adapt without changing the landscape of the Trials or main championship events. These regional Opens are becoming more common and competitive, making them a natural testing ground for potential rule evolutions.
For athletes, these updates mean adjusting both training and strategy. Those who previously relied on slams or kani basami will need to shift their approach, refining other takedown entries and submission escapes. The rule changes encourage competitors to find safer, more technical ways to win, which may lead to more thoughtful matches and cleaner execution. Athletes now need to focus even more on positional control, transitions, and timing rather than relying on risky, high-impact moves.
Overall, these changes represent a turning point in how ADCC balances intensity with responsibility. While the organisation continues to prioritise high-level, aggressive grappling, it is also taking real steps to ensure that the competition does not come at the expense of long-term athlete health. The Opens will serve as the first stage in this shift, possibly influencing how future ADCC events are structured. If successful, these rule changes could lead to a safer but still highly competitive version of the sport many continue to push themselves to be part of.
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