Challenge of Champions is the largest mixed martial arts competition in the United States. This twenty-sixth Challenge of Champions event boasted over 1,800 competitors of all ages, backgrounds and belt ranks participating in 300 divisions of head-to-head, dual-discipline martial arts competition. The event took place in front of a sold-out crowd of over 4000 spectators.

The areas of competition included Submission Grappling and Free Fighting, for both juniors (ages 15 and under) and adults (of all ages).

Submission Grappling is one of the largest and fastest growing disciplines in martial arts. This competition’s grappling event showcased nearly 1,485 competitors in various divisions.  Submission grappling is similar to traditional wrestling in its clinch and ground fighting techniques, with the key difference of aiming for a “tap out” submission, using various choke holds and joint locks.  Due to the fact that most real life fight situations end up on the ground, this is a very practical and effective form of self-defense.
Click here for the Grappling results.

Also featured was the Free Fighting competition with 1,167 students competing in various divisions.  This fast paced sparring competition features participants in full protective gear using strategic combinations of punches, kicks and blocks to cleanly land blows on their opponent and outscore them. 
Click here for the Fighting results.

Challenge of Champions was introduced over a decade ago in 1996 and has grown to become the largest tournament of its kind in the United States. The next Challenge of Champions is scheduled for December 13, 2009.