The ADCC is the premiere open grappling tournament in all the world. The brainchild of Sheik Tahnoon, this money tournament is held in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates on a yearly basis to determine who are the best grapplers in the world. Competitors in Abu Dhabi are the very finest competitors in various grappling arts including ju-jitsu, wrestling, judo, and sambo. Athletes are hand-picked and invited by the Sheik and his selection comittee based on individual accomplishments and submitted video applications.
If you were to look through previous rosters about 5-years ago you would discover a virtual who's who of UFC and Pride stars. Unfortunately, due to exclusive contractual obligations, it is no longer possible to see guys like Tito Ortiz, Matt Hughes, Demian Maia, and BJ Penn compete in the ADCC.
Competitors compete in various weightclasses in a scored grappling match. There are points given for control, aggressiveness, submission attempts, and defense. However, the real name of the game is to try to make your opponent submit or "tap-out". Submissions often occur when a joint (shoulder, arm, knee, ankle, foot)is held in a painful position forcing the competitor to submit. You can also "choke out" your opponent using a variety of different techniques.
At any rate, I have embeded a pretty cool highlight video of the 2007 ADCC. Please enjoy, these guys are literally the very best ground fighters the world has to offer!
Cheers,
M
