Where 2 find out about competitions

[Hassan]

I am from the Seattle, WA area and am wondering what would be the best way to find out where and when, if any, local competitions are held? Would these competitions be open to the public?

I have read a few posts here from people in the seattle area and am wondering if any of these people could recommend a good muay thai/BJJ school? One in particular caught my eye and that is the AMC kickboxing school under Brett Hume. I am not looking to compete really, just to improve upon and round out my couple years training in TKD and judo.

Oh yeah and one more question... Confused about whether a BJJ school is the same or similar to grappling oriented school.

Thanks very much for any replies.

[cakegirl]

Hello Hassan,

A BJJ school will teach grappling, and, unless they cross-train with another art, little else.

I can't help you out with info on schools in your area, but maybe someone else on the list can? Alternatively, you could check out all the schools listed in your local phone book.

And once you have joined a school, you will find out about tournaments and competitions there. Your instructors will probably let everyone know when there's something on that they may be interested in competing in or going to watch.

Cakegirl

[JaredExtreme]

Hassan there are 3 BJJ schools in Seattle that I know of.

http://geocities.com/marceloalonsobjj/

http://www.nwjjc.com/

http://www.ralphgracie.com/AcademiesSeattle.htm

AMC is very good cross training, but is also pretty expensive. Also, it's on the east-side so you have to be willing to do the long drive. And yes there is a difference from what AMC teaches and what BJJ teaches. In Pankration you are allowed to do strikes and submissions and there is no gi. In Bjj you are not allowed to do strikes and you ARE wearing a gi.

As for the tournaments, they are usually open to the public but it's hard to hear about them if you are not enrolled in a school.

[Hassan]

Thanks very much for the replies guys!!!

Cakegirl.. Thanks for the BJJ/Grappling clarification. It seemed to be about the same thing. I looked at schools through the phone book, but it's really hard to get details without a website or without actually going to the individual dojos. I suppose though that there are some good schools hidden away that might require a visit.

Jared... Thanks a ton for posting the links. I really appreciate it. AMC seems like a pretty good fit for me, but you are right, the commute over the water might get old after a while. I'll look a little more closely at the others you suggested. I am dying to see some tournaments though. Might have to dig a little deeper for the that info.

Thanks again, you guys.