Purpose:

Battle of the Badge is designed to highlight the courage, professionalism, and athleticism of first responders and veterans through high-paced, submission-oriented Jiu-Jitsu. Our goal is to ensure every match is safe, exciting, and fair, while showcasing the warrior spirit that defines our community.

Submission-Only Rule Set: Matches are decided by submission. If no submission occurs, the winner will be determined by referee decision based on pace, control, and submission attempts.

Match Duration:

  • Standard matches: 6 minutes

Referee Decision Criteria (if no submission):

  • Aggressiveness: Constant pursuit of dominant positions and submissions.
  • Control: Top pressure, guard passing, positional dominance.
  • Submission Attempts: Frequency and legitimacy of finishing sequences.

All divisions (Gi & No-Gi):

  • Wrestling, Judo, or any hard takedowns and throws are permitted. passing, positional dominance.

Prohibited Techniques (All Belt levels):

  • Slams to get out of a closed Guard.
  • Heel Hooks
  • Striking of any kind.
  • Eye gouging, hair pulling, small joint manipulation, or spine locks.
  • Unsportsmanlike conduct (verbal abuse, excessive aggression after stoppage).

Tap = Stop. Any tap (verbal or physical) ends the match immediately.
The referee has full authority to stop the match at any time for safety concerns.
Competitors must demonstrate control throughout — reckless submissions or refusal to release after tap will result in disqualification.
Medical staff will be present ringside. Competitors must comply with medical direction at all times.
We encourage mutual respect this is a showcase, not a grudge match.

Gi matches: Clean Gi’s; Don’t be the stinky guy. But wear your favorite GI.
No-Gi matches: Rash guard and shorts required (CodeThree/F2W/Battle of the Badge preferred).
No jewellery, watches, or metal objects allowed.
Competitors must maintain proper hygiene and short fingernails.

Competitors represent their agency, academy, and community professionalism is mandatory.
Referee decisions are final. Any protests must be handled through the event coordinator after the match.
Taunting or unsportsmanlike behavior may result in warning, point deduction, or disqualification.
We encourage respectful intensity, push the pace, but protect your opponent.

All fighters must complete virtual or in-person weigh-ins by the posted deadline.
One-pound allowance will be granted for clothing.
Competitors must complete the event waiver and provide emergency contact information.

If no submission occurs:

  • Aggression; Forward movement, submission attempts, Awareness, pace, engagement

This is more than competition, it’s a celebration of service, resilience, and unity. Every match is an opportunity to inspire others to train, lead, and live with discipline.
“Push the pace. Protect your partner. Represent your badge.”

All competitors acknowledge and agree that participation in Battle of the Badge constitutes consent to be photographed, filmed, and recorded during the event.

By entering the competition area, you grant CodeThree, Fight 2 Win, Warriors Always Ready Inc., and their media partners the unrestricted right to capture, use, reproduce, and distribute your image, likeness, voice, name, and performance in all forms of media — including but not limited to:

  • Livestream broadcasts (e.g., FloGrappling, YouTube, or other platforms)
  • Event highlight reels, promotional videos, and social media posts
  • Digital and print publications, websites, and future marketing materials
  • This release is granted without expectation of compensation and applies worldwide, in perpetuity, for the purpose of promoting Battle of the Badge events, Code Three initiatives, and related public safety or athletic programs.
  • Competitors who participate do so with full understanding that the event is professionally filmed and publicly broadcast, and that their participation contributes to the growth and visibility of the first responder and veteran Jiu-Jitsu community.
  • By competing, you agree to represent yourself, your agency, and your academy with professionalism and integrity on and off camera