Capital Grapple Women’s Judo and Jujitsu Tournament FAQ
May 18th Washington DC

Register Now.
Dear Albert,

Below are FAQs and answers about the Capital Grapple Judo event.

Is Capital Grapple a Judo event? Or is it a Jujitsu event?
It is a Judo event AND a Jujitsu event and sanctioned by USA Judo (#2013 -87-05)

Do I have to pay when I register online?
No. We prefer you to pay by Paypal to avoid a rush at registration in the morning, but you can select “pay at the door” as your payment option.

Is Capital Grapple open to junior (<18 years) competitors?
Yes; from the age of 6 up.

I want to go, but I’m not sure that I can. Should I wait to register?
Register as soon as possible so we can pool you with other competitors. If you don’t want to pay until you’re sure, choose “Pay at the door.” It is easier to take you out of a pool than add you into one.

Why do I have to register online?
We are working hard to construct appropriate pools among compatible competitors so that we can start competing on time. Therefore, we will be doing pooling ahead of time based on pre-registrations.

How many people are coming?
This is the first year for the event, so we can’t be sure. We are prepared for over a hundred competitors. We will know better once registration closes on May 16th (two days before the event.) We currently have registrations from Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina and the states surrounding DC.

I would like to fight in multiple pools. What do I do to get in a second pool?
Everyone will have a primary pool with best available match ups based on age, weight and skill level. We offer additional exhibition pools at no extra charge. Let us know when you register online.

What if I come to DC and there is no one for me to compete with?
All female tournaments are becoming more popular lately, so we expect a higher likelihood that participants will find good competition. We will do everything possible to make sure folks have matches. Preregistrations will help determine ahead of time if there are gaps. If we discover that you might not have a match, we will notify you of that risk a week before the event.

I have only ever competed in Judo. Do I have to learn BJJ?
No. You can choose to just compete in Judo.

I have only ever competed in BJJ. Do I have to learn Judo?
No. You can choose to just compete in BJJ.

Do I need to know the rules to be able to compete in a division?
Yes. Team Moxie, our partner in this event, is working to provide special practice sessions to help prepare competitors. We’ll send invitations to those events to everyone who has registered.

Why do I need to be a member of a Judo organization?
Insurance requirements require that participants be active members in one of the three Judo organizations. USA Judo represents Judo and Jujitsu to the US Olympic Committee and they permit Jujitsu players to join as members for only $35 annually providing appropriate insurance coverage and member benefits.

Do I have to compete in all categories?
Heck no! It’s not a pentathlon! You can compete under IJF Judo rules, in the Judo newaza (starts on the ground) only division, in BJJ under the IBJJF rules, or in Judo kata. You can pick more than one if you like, but you only compete where you want to.

What is Judo Kata?
Kata competition in Judo has a pair of judoka demonstrating formal sequences of prearranged techniques. Teams are judged against accepted National and International standards of performance and given a numeric score. (Think figure skating at the Olympics for a similar method of scoring.)

Do I have to be female to attend?
Anyone can attend as a spectator or as a helper; however, only females can compete.

Where can I stay when I come to Capital Grapple?
DC, MD, and VA are filled with hotel accommodations at all prices, and travel to the venue is easy. The closest hotels are the Hyatt Regency on New Jersey Ave, the Hampton Inn at 6th and Massachusetts Ave, and the Courtyard Marriot US Capitol on 2nd St NE. Team Moxie is planning to organize a dojo sleepover or two as well for those who have preregistered.

Do you need help with the event?
Yes. If you can volunteer as a scorekeeper, timekeeper, video operator, referee or helper, we’d love to have the help. Please let us know that you would like to volunteer.

Questions? Just reply back to this email and well get back to you as soon as possible.

Register Now.

We hope you’ll join us for Capital Grapple on May 18th! See you then :>
Terence McPartland
DC Judo

PS If you know someone else who might be interested in Capital Grapple, please forward this email to them. Thanks!
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