By James Sablan
james@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
THE CNMI grappling community is buzzing with anticipation as Mats on Fire II, a Kids-Teen Gi/Adults No-Gi Submission Grappling Tournament Fundraiser, is set to take place on Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Roundhouse of Garapan Central Park.
Organized to support local athletes, the event will raise funds to send CNMI grapplers to represent the Commonwealth in regional competitions.
Mats on Fire II features a full range of age and weight divisions for kids, teens, and adults.
The Kids Gi divisions include: Pee Wee 1 (40-50 lbs.), Pee Wee 2 (51-60 lbs.), Pee Wee 3 (61-70 lbs.), Pee Wee 4 (71-80 lbs.), Kids 1 (81-90 lbs.), Kids 2 (91-100 lbs.), and Absolute (101-150 lbs.).
Teen Gi and Adult No-Gi competitors will vie for submission victories in weight classes including Atomweight (111-120 lbs.), Flyweight (121-130 lbs.), Bantamweight (131-140 lbs.), Featherweight (141-150 lbs.), Lightweight (151-160 lbs.), Welterweight (161-170 lbs.), Middleweight (171-185 lbs.), Light Heavyweight (186-205 lbs.), and Heavyweight (206-250 lbs.).
The registration fee is $25 for kids, $30 for teens, and $40 for adults.
Competitors should submit their names and weights promptly, as Trench Tech begins assembling the competition brackets.
A notable rule allows competitors to enter multiple divisions, provided they move up in weight for subsequent divisions. Payment is required per division entered. Registration payments are being accepted via PayPal at trenchwarriorsaipan@gmail.com/.
Participants must clearly indicate their desired weight divisions.
James Sablan has been a sports reporter for Variety since 2013. He was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College and covers all local sports.
