Liberty Games 2013 Mixed Martial Arts

Our first Liberty Games Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event for youth was a highlight for the new state games, which was produced and hosted by the Empire State Sports Council (ES Sports). Athletes from across the state, competing in 3 areas of the sport, made for quite a day!  These are the elite youth of MMA, and it showed in their technique and discipline.

“The respect amongst the competitors, coaches, and officials is certainly comforting to the spectator’s hearts, as it shows the true meaning of martial arts,” noted Master Ron McEvilly,who is the MMA Sports Chair for the Liberty Games competition.  He adds, “MMA has evolved over the years, and most folks have accepted it as a part of main stream sports.  Thanks to the Empire State Sports Council and their production of the Liberty Games, the Youth now have an avenue to display their techniques and styles. There is no question that they are fully prepared to compete!”

Submission Grappling

The day starts with Submission Grappling.  Each Youth Athlete has a chance to display all levels of Wrestling, Judo, and Jiu-Jitsu during the competition, utilizing their develop techniques and skills.

KickBoxing

Because this event is based upon Martial Arts discipline, we encourage technique and control over flailing and haymakers. There are specific safety rules for all age and experience levels!  For instance, Athletes that are six (6) years of age and under are not allowed to face/head punch, and Athletes age 12 and under must wear chest gear.

For more information on rules and guidelines please refer to: http://essportscouncil.org/liberty-games/files/2013/03/Tournament-Rules-2.pdf

Mixed Martial Arts – MMA

Diversity is certainly displayed by the Athletes during competition. Just as most sports have an aggressive side to them, MMA is no different, although we strongly encourage technique and control over aggression and wildness.  Referees control the safety of the match while the Judges fairly weigh all movements on the mat during the match.

Punching, Kicking (to Legs, Body, Head), and Knees to the body, are all allowed while standing but absolutely no Striking on the ground is allowed. (A grounded opponent has a hand or knee on the ground.)

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After the competitors establish a position, the referee will pause the match and take the helmets off, then restart the match. If one competitor gets up, then the match is paused and the helmets are put back on before Punching, Kicking and Knees are allowed.

In addition to awarding the top three(3) competitors in each age  division for each event,The Empire State Sports Council and the Liberty Games MMA Committee wish to also recognize these three competitors as the finest Youth in NYS MMA.  These athletes competed in all areas of the MMA event. They won their MMA matches and were also successful in Submission Grappling and Kickboxing.

NYS #1 RANKED YOUTH MMA UNDER 9
Aiden Dyer, Age 7
Representing TIGON Academy

NYS #1 RANKED YOUTH MMA BOYS
Connor “The Machine” Gibbons, Age 15,
Representing Jiu-Jitsu Nation

NYS #1 RANKED YOUTH MMA GIRLS
Sianna Hernandez, Age 13,
Representing Black & Blue MMA

Congratulations to all who competed and thank you to all who were a part of this momentous event. However, it is now almost February, and we are gearing up for the 2014 Liberty Games. Please be sure to Register your Team early as we are expecting to more than double the number of competing Athletes from the 2013 Liberty Games.