In an intriguing twist of fate, Karate Combat, originally a striking-focused organization, has unexpectedly paved the way for what many are calling the future of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions. Known for its ’80s blood sport ambiance, complete with celebrity appearances and dramatic flair, Karate Combat has introduced the Pit Submission Series, transforming the grappling competition landscape with just two events.
The Pit’s Innovative Approach
The Pit, a unique arena with walls that fighters can use strategically, has introduced a dynamic new element to grappling contests. This setup not only enhances the visual spectacle but also adds a tactical layer previously unexploited in traditional BJJ arenas. The walls of the Pit allow for maneuvers that are impossible in open mat environments, offering grapplers new ways to engage and subdue their opponents.
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High-Profile Matches and Tactical Innovations
A standout event in the Pit Submission Series featured renowned grappler Craig Jones against UFC fighter Phil Row. Despite the apparent mismatch—Jones being an elite-level grappler and Row a mid-tier MMA combatant—the match highlighted the Pit’s potential. Jones executed a stunning flying triangle using the wall for leverage, showcasing the kind of highlight-reel moments the Pit could generate regularly.
Addressing Flaws in Traditional BJJ Arenas
Traditional BJJ competitions often face criticism for certain static elements and a lack of engagement, issues that the Pit seems to circumvent with its innovative design and ruleset. The ability to use walls for tactical advantage not only makes matches more dynamic but also keeps the action continuous and engaging for spectators. This approach solves many viewer-related issues plaguing other grappling organizations, where matches may sometimes stall or become overly defensive.
Craig Jones recently demonstrated his skills yet again – but this time, at a Karate Combat event; securing a win via Flying Triangle Choke against Philip Rowe…
And he now says that Karate Combat’s Pit Submission Series could revolutionize the grappling scene.
Jones shared his thoughts in a recent video:
The pit walls are the best stage for grappling.
I like the pit wall because in MMA, against the cage, the guy can back up against the cage and have pretty good defensive posture, but because the pit wall is angled backwards, you’re falling backwards slightly, so you are quite vulnerable there.
Great for grappling because if you back up, you don’t just hit the vertical platform, you fall backwards.
You actually feel quite vulnerable.It has completely solved the solution of stalling in grappling.
Expressing his satisfaction with Karate Combat, Jones hinted at the possibility of exclusively competing under their banner:
Going forward I potentially might only compete in Karate Combat because, again, they take care of me, it’s a fu*king fun event
The contrast between working for them and, say, working for Flo or something is night and day.
It’s an entirely fun experience and I’ll be back.
Furthermore, he sees the format turning into the most fun one yet:
I’m gonna be a part of this, we’re gonna blow this sh*t up.
We might potentially dethrone everything in the sport through the use of the pit and proper matchmaking and actually treating the athletes well…
Going forward, Karate Combat – and I’m not being paid to say this – is probably the future of grappling.
They haven’t had a single boring grappling match yet.
Future Potential and Community Reception
The BJJ community has reacted positively to the innovative format introduced by Karate Combat’s Pit Submission Series. With only two events so far, it has sparked a significant interest in seeing how high-profile matchups unfold in this new setting. The potential for growth and further innovation in grappling through this format has both athletes and fans excited about the future.
Karate Combat’s accidental venture into grappling through the Pit Submission Series has proven to be a fortuitous development in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. By addressing many of the shortcomings of traditional arenas and introducing an engaging, dynamic format, the Pit has set the stage for what could be a new era in submission grappling. As the organization continues to refine and expand this concept, the grappling world watches eagerly, anticipating the next evolution in competitive BJJ.
