This Week in Combat Sports — 2026-W08

This Week in Combat Sports - Week 2026-W08

Hey everyone, welcome to another week in the exciting world of combat sports! This week sees a slight lull in major events after a busy start to February, but the momentum is definitely building for a massive end to the month and March packed with grappling, striking, and MMA action across the globe. Whether you're a competitor, coach, referee, or simply a passionate fan, there's something on the horizon for everyone. We’re seeing a real surge in local and regional events, which is fantastic for the growth of the sports and providing opportunities for up-and-coming athletes.

This week's calendar is dominated by grappling tournaments of all stripes, from BJJ (gi and no-gi) to Judo, Sambo, and even some Glíma! It's inspiring to see such a diverse range of grappling disciplines thriving and providing athletes with numerous avenues for competition.

Upcoming Events Preview: February 19th - March 1st

Prepare yourselves, because the next few weeks are going to be a whirlwind! Starting February 19th, we're looking at a constant stream of events. Here's a taste of what's coming:

• February 19th-20th: Starting with the Grapplers Challenge Invitational in Portsmouth on the 19th of February. FREM-CUP and 2026 Kata Sydney International Open will be on the 20th
• February 20th-22nd: A triple threat of Judo tournaments. 35th Annual Lone Star Classic Judo Tournament in Fort Worth, TX, The Winter Bjj in Setúbal, and BJJ NATIONAL AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2026 in Byron Bay.
• February 21st: Prepare for a busy Friday with a plethora of grappling industries tournaments like ADCC US Open - Portland, OR, Grappling Industries BERLIN, Grappling Industries LAS VEGAS and many more!.
• February 22nd: Polaris PSG brings us some exciting grappling action in London on February 22nd, featuring some of the best submission artists in the game.
• February 28th - March 1st: Wrapping up February with a massive wave of events, with 19th Annual Wildcat Invitational and Northeast Regional Collegiate Championships , and many Grappling Industries events such as Grappling Industries BUFFALO, Grappling Industries SAN DIEGO

This is just a small selection, and many more tournaments are happening worldwide! Be sure to check the full list above for events in your area.

Community Highlights

This week, we want to acknowledge the incredible work being done by local clubs and academies worldwide. Your dedication to teaching, training, and fostering a positive and supportive environment is the backbone of combat sports. Whether you're running open mats, organizing seminars, or simply showing up every day to help your students improve, your contributions are invaluable.

Special shoutout to organizations like "Tap Cancer Out" for using BJJ tournaments to support cancer research. Your continued commitment to combining our love of combat sports with charitable causes is inspiring.

Looking Ahead

As we head towards the end of February and into March, the calendar is packed with events. We encourage everyone to support local events, cheer on your teammates, and continue to build a positive and inclusive community around combat sports. Let's make the coming weeks a celebration of skill, discipline, and camaraderie!