It seems like every day a new grappling competition promotion is coming out. However there’s something quite unique about this latest development – it’s meant to put an emphasis on team spirit, something you don’t see all that often in bjj.
The promotion was established under Kazushi Sakuraba who was quoted saying to bjjstyle:
“Thanks to our sponsors and everyone involved, we were able to establish QUINTET. I would like to contribute to the combat sports world by holding these grappling events, and help nurture and encourage amateur fighters around the world. We are planning 3 events this year, the first in Japan, and then England and America where grappling competitions are popular these days. We are also preparing to hold amateur events in Japan, and aim to promote the QUINTET style of “winner stays on” Grappling Survivial Matches. HALEO is sponsoring our team for the first event.”
“The team weight limit may be 420kg or 430kg ‒ this is yet to be decided. We want competitors to fight as close to their natural weights as possible in order to reduce extreme weight cutting issues. Yuki Nakai of the Jiu-jitsu Federation of Japan (JJFJ) is being consulted regarding the rule set. The rules are being adapted to not restrict grappling arts fighters from the likes of Jiu-jitsu, Judo, Wrestling, and Sambo.”
Rules
Each team has 5 members
Total team weight must not exceed 430kg
Openweight
Winner is decided only by submission
No judge decisions
Each match is 10 minutes long
A competitor weight difference of 20kg or over means 5-minute matches
Fighters must wear rashguards
If a winner is not decided after all 5 members have fought, an extension match between each teamʼs first choice will follow. This will continue until there is a winner.
No heel hooks or closed guard
The debut event will take place on April 11th.
