Frequently Asked Questions

With a focus on safety, respect, and excellence, we’re dedicated to providing young athletes a platform to showcase their skills. Here are answers to frequently asked questions about our events:

1. Who can compete?

   JMMAC events cater to junior athletes 7-17 years old, with competitions organised by age brackets to ensure fair and safe matches.

2. How are weigh-ins organised?

   To protect the health of the athletes, JMMAC does not condone weight cutting for any of its athletes. All competitors must reach the weight on fight day. On multi day tournaments, the athletes will be weighed in every day of the tournament. Missing weight will result in immediate disqualification.

3. What should I wear?

   All competitors are required to wear mouthguards, open finger MMA-Gloves (7-9oz), and shin guards. Additionally a groin guard is compulsory for male competitors. A full list of dress and equipment can be found in our Rules.

4. How long are the matches?

   Matches are contested as 1 x 3-minute rounds. If there is no determined winner, both competitors will be given a 1- minute break with the subsequent overtime/eliminator round will be 2 minutes. Due to JMMAC’s double elimination format, each competitor will have the opportunity to compete in at least two 1 x 3-minute matches during a single competition.

5. What techniques can I use?

   Athletes may apply the entire range of techniques and actions (strikes, throws, holds, and submissions), permitted as set out in our Rules for the age category of the specific athlete. They may not use any prohibited strikes, techniques and technical actions in stand up and ground positions as set out in those same Rules for their specific age category. In competitions for the ages 7 to 17 it is not allowed to strike the head of your opponent. Disqualification is a potential result of this action.

6.  What measures are in place to keep the competitors safe?

   JMMAC has a stringent ruleset specifying permitted and prohibited techniques according to age groups. In competitions for the ages 7 to 17 competitors are not allowed to strike the head of their opponent.

   For the safety of all athletes JMMAC has measures in place to limit weight cutting.

   Protective gear must be worn and is checked before every match.

   All officials are accredited by MMA Australasia.

   A medic is in attendance at every JMMAC.

   More information on safety measures can be found in our Rules.

7. How are matches being decided?

   A match can be won by submission, stoppage, or domination.

   All matches are overseen by officials accredited by MMA Australasia and judged according to MMA Australasia best practices. 

8. Do I need MMA experience to compete?

   As an entry level competition JMMAC welcomes athletes from all martial arts disciplines and backgrounds. Specific MMA experience is not required to compete. However, we recommend you speak to your coach before registering to confirm that they think you are ready to enter into an MMA-style competition.

   We also welcome athletes who don’t feel ready to compete yet to participate in our seminars.

9. Do I have to participate in the seminar to compete?

   All athletes looking to register for the competition must also register for the seminar. We highly recommend taking advantage of your seminar registration and participate on the day. We always strive to invite the best MMA fighters in Australia to come and share their knowledge with our competitors. Take this opportunity to improve your knowledge, understanding and skill of your chosen sport. 

10. How do I register?

    All registrations must be completed through the Smoothcomp website with Smoothcomp links posted in advance on our website and social media pages.

JMMAC is more than a competition; it’s a community committed to the growth and development of young martial artists. Join us in celebrating sportsmanship, skill, and the spirit of MMA.