2017 SUGA Alabama State Championships Preview

Related Product: Grappling MMA Mats 1-1/2 Inch x 1x1 Meter

March 30, 2017 -- Orange Beach, Alabama, is no stranger to the sport of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Home to the South USA Grappling Association's (SUGA) Alabama State Championships, this destination location is one grapplers look forward to visiting each year.

This year's Greatmats-sponsored Alabama State Championships will take place on April 1 at the Orange Beach Event Center on Wharf Parkway, marking the seventh year of the event.

As in years past, approximately 200 martial artists will compete in the event, hailing from as far away as Florida, Texas, Georgia and Mississippi as well as Alabama.

''This event is great,'' said SUGA founder and world champion Rafael Ellwanger. ''It is the event families look for. They want to compete and make a mini vacation out of it. Orange Beach is the perfect place for that.''

This year's tournament will feature BJJ practitioners as young as 4 and as old at 56 years of age. All colored belt ranks - up through brown belt will be competing.

''In October, we will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the federation,'' Ellwanger said, noting it will have hosted more than 50 events. ''It's a huge milestone. Nobody believed in BJJ in the South. I am glad I started the federation and stuck with it. The results are amazing. So many gyms and competitors started because of us. Now, everyone wants to do events here.''

All rings at the popular destination event are matted with Greatmats 1 5/8 inch thick Grappling MMA Mats.

Learn more about South USA Grappling Association Tournaments

South USA Grappling Association

Orange City AL 36561