- 17 – 20 AUGUST 2022, ABU DHABI
- WATCH LIVE AT IMMAF.TV
Athlete registration opens today for the International MMA Federation’s 2022 Youth MMA World Championships for 12 to 17-year-olds, taking place in Abu Dhabi from 17 to 20 August. Hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and MMA Federation event will be live streamed at immaf.tv
Those interested in competing should contact their IMMAF-affiliated, national MMA federation for information. The deadline for entries is Monday 25 July 2022.
The 2021 Youth Worlds attracted 331 athletes from 23 nations to Bulgaria amidst continued lockdowns and restricted travel for many countries. The top 3 ranking teams were Ukraine, Russia and the USA. With lockdowns now lifted, participation can be expected from a larger spread of nations following a series of national youth championships and selections across IMMAF member nations.
RULES & ELIGIBILITY
Three categories of youth tournaments will be held under IMMAF Youth MMA Rules for 12 to 13-year-olds (Youth C), 14 to 15-year-olds (Youth B) and 16 to 17-year-olds (Youth A). The rule sets have been modified from the Unified Rules with respect to the developmental stage and safety of each age group as advised by IMMAF’s medical, coaching, and regulatory affairs committees. IMMAF does not permit head strikes for competitors under the age of 18.
The minimum technical level required to participate is “Orange” grade for 14 to 17-year-olds and “Yellow” grade for 12-13-year-olds.
IMMAF President Kerrith Brown said: “The UAE hosted a flagship IMMAF Senior and Junior World Championships in January, and we look forward to returning for a no less stellar event for the youth. I encourage all IMMAF member nations to take part.
“Again, I would like to thank His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council; His Excellency Abdulmunem Al Hashmi, President of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation; His Excellency Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council; and His Excellency Mohamed Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the UAE MMA Committee for their committed investment into youth MMA.”
IMMAF’s grading syllabus and tutorial videos can be accessed via the IMMAF App available at the App Store or Google Play store.
