NEWBREED presents The Ultimate Grappler (TUG), the pinnacle of no-gi jiu jitsu competition—where elite athletes collide in a relentless test of skill, speed, and strategy. Entry is earned, not given, through qualifiers that separate contenders from pretenders. Only the best step onto the mat. With $5,000 on the line and reputations at stake, this is not just a tournament—it’s a proving ground for the most dangerous grapplers in the game. Are you ready to claim the crown? 

Match structure: 8-minute bouts, the first half is dedicated to the art of submissions, with no points awarded. The second half introduces points. This applies to the qualifiers as well. 

TUG Qualifiers: Before the December finale, the nationwide qualifiers, hosted in specific cities, serve as the proving ground for the most skilled grapplers. Competitors must be at least a blue belt to enter. Each qualifier winner not only secures their spot in the prestigious lineup but also receives a commendable $200.00 in cash and the NJJF Championship belt. 

TUG Finale: The TUG Finale will take place in Greenville, SC on December 5th. The winner will be awarded a one of a kind TUG Championship belt but also walk away with the substantial $5,000.00 grand prize. Additionally, they will receive exclusive NEWBREED gear, marking their victory in style and cementing their legacy as the Ultimate Grappler 2025. 

If you have already qualified for The Ultimate Grappler you will not be allowed to enter another qualifier until next years season. You may still enter non-qualifier absolute divisions.

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2025 QUALIFIERS:

Atlanta New Year Open 1/18

Charlotte New Year Open 1/18

Florida State Championship 2/8

Augusta Winter Championship 2/22

Raleigh Winter Championship 2/22

American Cup 3/1

Savannah Spring Championship 3/15

Chattanooga Spring Championship 3/22

Birmingham Spring Championship 4/5

Jacksonville Spring Championship 4/5

Miami Spring Championship 4/19

Charlotte Spring Championship 4/26

Richmond Spring Championship 5/3

Nashville Spring Championship 5/10

Tulsa Spring Championship 5/10

Charleston Spring Championship 5/17

Louisville Spring Championship 5/24

Asheville Spring Championship 5/31

Georgia Samurai Series 6/7

Chicago Summer Championship 6/14

U.S. Jiu Jitsu Championship 6/21

Greenville Summer Championship 6/28

Jacksonville Summer Championship 7/12

Myrtle Beach Summer Championship 7/20

North Carolina State Championship 7/26

Georgia State Championship 8/2

Chattanooga Summer Championship 8/9

Houston Summer Championship 8/16

Alabama State Championship 8/16

NJJF World Jiu Jitsu Championship 8/23

Charlotte Samurai Series 8/30

Coral Springs Fall Championship 9/20

South Carolina State Championship 9/20

Charleston Fall Championship 9/27

Mid Florida Championship 10/4

Georgia Crystal Cup 10/11

Jacksonville Fall Championship 10/25

Columbia Championship 11/8