New England Grappling Events Are Heating Up – Are You Ready to Step on the Mat?
Spring 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting season for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and grappling across New England. For students at Martial Way Self-Defense Center in Colchester, Vermont, these regional tournaments offer a real opportunity to test your skills, build confidence, and become part of a growing martial arts community.
Whether you are brand new or have been training for years, there has never been a better time to take your training to the next level. Martial Way offers structured, beginner-friendly instruction in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Karate for children, teens, and adults, with classes designed to help students build skill, discipline, and confidence over time.
Why competition is an option, even for beginners
At Martial Way, training is about more than technique. It is about growth, discipline, and confidence. Local tournaments bring all of that into focus.
Today’s grappling events are more accessible than many people realize. Students can often find beginner and novice divisions, gi and no-gi categories, and brackets for youth, teens, and adults. That makes competition a realistic next step for everyday students who want to challenge themselves in a safe, structured way.
For many students, a first tournament becomes a turning point. You find out what works, what needs improvement, and what you are capable of under pressure. That kind of experience can sharpen your focus in class and give your training a clear purpose.
If you are still building your foundation, Martial Way’s children’s martial arts program and adult martial arts classes provide a strong path toward competition readiness. Our published schedule also shows regular junior and adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes for students preparing to compete.
Upcoming New England Grappling Events for Spring 2026:
Smoothcomp is where most BJJ events post their registration and details.
For Martial Way students in the greater Burlington and Colchester area, several major grappling events are within a drivable range and can provide excellent motivation for training. The upcoming events are provided by type of sport on Smoothcomp and displayed on an interactive map.
The Black Fly Kids Northeast Brazilian Jiu
Sunday, June 28, 2026
New England’s biggest and best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Championship just for KIDS! With Gi, No-Gi & 10 ABSOLUTE CHAMPIONSHIP Belt Divisions. Located in the beautiful lake-town of RANGELEY in Maine’s western mountains, THE BLACK FLY KIDS NORTHEAST BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU CHAMPIONSHIP has been New England’s best tournament just for kids since 2013. CANADIAN CHALLENGERS Welcome!
COST: $85 Early Registration thru MAY 26 for both Gi & No Gi Divisions. $25 for Absolute Belt Division. Normal Registration = $100 thru JUNE 18. 3 (or more) chances to go home Champion! Spectators = $15 (8 and under Free).
Vanguard Elite Series, Inaugural Summer Championship
Saturday, July 25, 2026
Vanguard Elite Series proudly presents the inaugural Summer Championship on July 25, 2026, in Montreal, Quebec. Canada’s Premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Experience Gi & No-Gi • IBJJF Rules • Professional Production • Athlete-Focused Operations
Built by experienced tournament organizers and competitors, VES was created with one objective: To deliver a smoother, fairer, and more professional competition experience for athletes, coaches, and spectators. From streamlined scheduling and structured staffing to premium presentation and efficient bracket management, every aspect of the event is designed to operate at the highest standard. Whether you are competing for the first time or preparing for high-level competition, Vanguard Elite Series is committed to providing an organized, athlete-first environment.
Grappling Industries New Hampshire
August 15, 2026
BJJ, GI, and NOGI in Grappling Industries Round Robin format offers every competitor multiple matches per division regardless of wins and losses. Competitors can get as many as 4 to 6 matches per division.
Location: The Hampshire Dome, 34 Emerson Rd, Milford, NH
Normal Registration 1 or 2 Divisions – (Register before July 25 at 11:59pm) $90
Late Registration 1 or 2 Divisions – (Register before August 11 at 11:59pm) $125
Per Absolute Division – $30
Spectators – $15 at the event for all attendees – Cash only
They do not take late registrations or registrations at the event.
From Training Floor to Competition Mat
Competition success does not begin on tournament day. It begins in class, week after week, through consistent attendance, focused drilling, conditioning, and live training.
At Martial Way, students develop practical self-defense ability, composure under pressure, and the kind of physical confidence that carries into everyday life. Students interested in tournaments can also benefit from having a regular training structure and a clear schedule.
- New families: Martial Arts for Children
- Teens and adults: Martial Arts for Adults
- New visitors who want to learn about the school: About Martial Way
- Ready to visit or ask questions: Contact Martial Way
Real Growth Happens When You Step Forward
Across Vermont and New England, more students are discovering that competition is not just for elite athletes. It is for beginners who want to grow, kids who want to build confidence, and adults who want a goal that pushes them beyond routine workouts.
You do not need to be perfect. You just need to begin.
For students who are curious but not yet ready for competition, visiting a class is the right first move. Martial Way welcomes beginners and offers programs for children, teens, and adults in a structured and respectful environment.
Ready to Train With Purpose?
If you live in Colchester, Burlington, Essex, Milton, South Burlington, Winooski, or the surrounding Vermont area, now is the perfect time to get started. With major New England grappling events just a few hours away, your training can lead somewhere real, measurable, and exciting.
Martial Way Self-Defense Center is located at 73 Prim Road, Colchester, VT 05446. To learn more or schedule a tryout, call (802) 863-8863 or Contact Us.
Pro Tip: Plan Ahead
Tournament registration often opens well in advance, so students thinking about competition should start training early and keep an eye on organizer calendars and registration platforms. That lead time gives beginners a chance to build confidence, improve conditioning, and prepare properly.
