Combat Jiu-Jitsu in Colombia takes shape through a three-date Super 8 and plans for a dedicated league.
Combat Jiu-Jitsu in Colombia is beginning to take shape through a new competitive circuit. The format has already gained ground internationally and brings one major difference from traditional Jiu-Jitsu: athletes can use open-hand strikes on the ground.
Fighter Pantro Valencia created the project after identifying a gap in the Colombian scene. According to Pantro, other countries had already developed the discipline while Colombia still lacked a consistent Combat Jiu-Jitsu structure.
For Pantro, Colombia already has athletes who can adapt well to the format. Many come from Jiu-Jitsu, MMA and other combat sports. Black Pantro MMA has also added Combat Jiu-Jitsu to its regular training schedule.
A different challenge on the ground
The main difference appears once the fight reaches the mat.
Competitors can use open-hand strikes on the ground. However, the rules do not allow striking from a standing position.
This changes the way athletes approach traditional grappling positions. A competitor must think about control, submissions and the possibility of receiving strikes at the same time.
According to Pantro, each match lasts five minutes. A fighter can win by submission or knockout. If neither competitor gets the finish, the match goes to overtime.
Strikes do not score points. The format keeps the focus on finding a submission..
Eight competitors across three dates
The tournament follows a Super 8 format across three dates.
Eight athletes start the competition. Four advance after the opening round. The second date reduces the field to two competitors. Those two athletes then meet in the final.
For this edition, competitors must hold a white belt or, at most, a blue belt. They must also meet the 75-kilogram weight requirement.
Professional MMA fighters can compete as well. Still, Pantro does not see professional MMA experience as an automatic advantage.
The rules create a different challenge. Athletes from several combat sports must adapt their skills to Combat Jiu-Jitsu.
Building a Combat Jiu-Jitsu league
The Super 8 forms part of a larger plan.
According to Pantro, the project aims to build a dedicated Combat Jiu-Jitsu league in Colombia. The goal goes beyond organizing isolated tournaments.
The circuit also connects with Black Pantro vs. The World. Athletes who win or stand out during Combat Jiu-Jitsu events may earn opportunities to compete there.
The next edition of Black Pantro vs. The World currently has a tentative date in December.
Looking beyond Colombia
The project is also building connections outside the country.
Pantro told Fajador that the organization is developing relationships in Panama, Aruba and other markets. These connections could create international opportunities for participating athletes.
He also identified CFL as one of the closest current connections in that process.
For now, the project will focus on building the format in Colombia. The three-date Super 8 will test the concept while the organization works toward a larger Combat Jiu-Jitsu structure.
