Sunshine & Submissions: A Grass‑Roots Grappling Festival in Saratoga Springs
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Rolling Stonerz BJJ 8 Warm up Mat Space, Photo By John Murray
Few tournaments capture the laid‑back joy of summer like Sunshine & Submissions, a grassroots grappling festival tucked away in the pine‑lined picnic groves of Saratoga Spa State Park.
On August 24, 2025 the Orenda pavilion will again fill with competitors, coaches and families for the fifth annual installment of this outdoor Brazilian jiu‑jitsu (BJJ) tournament. What began as a small, community‑driven bracket has grown into a beloved tradition for Upstate New York’s jiu‑jitsu scene—offering fresh air, friendly rivalries and a festival atmosphere you won’t find at most indoor events.
As registration deadlines approach, here’s everything you need to know to get involved, whether you plan to compete, volunteer or simply cheer from the sidelines.
Summary of Key Details
- Date & Location: Sunday, August 24, 2025 at the Orenda pavilion in Saratoga Spa State Park.
- Registration deadlines: Early (or “normal”) registration is open until July 21; late registration closes August 21. The tournament is strictly pre‑registration only—no sign‑ups at the door.
- Format: Single‑elimination gi and no‑gi brackets for adults and children; weight classes and skill levels follow typical BJJ tournament standards (white, blue, purple, etc.).
- Atmosphere: Outdoor setting with picnic tables and shade, food vendors, music and plenty of space for families. The event encourages spectators and welcomes well‑behaved dogs on leash.
- Volunteering: The organisers rely on volunteers for scorekeeping, timekeeping, weigh‑ins and general logistics. Volunteers enjoy free admission, a tournament T‑shirt and the satisfaction of helping the local BJJ community.
A Tournament Born from Community Spirit
Sunshine & Submissions was founded by a small group of jiu‑jitsu enthusiasts who wanted to showcase grappling in a relaxed, accessible environment. Unlike big‑budget championships inside cavernous arenas, this tournament sets its mats amid picnic tables and tall pines, inviting families to lay out blankets and enjoy the day.
Its mission has always been twofold: provide competition opportunities for newer grapplers and strengthen regional camaraderie across academies. That ethos resonated, and each year the event has attracted more competitors from Albany, Troy, Saratoga Springs and beyond. The 2025 edition will mark the tournament’s fifth anniversary, a milestone for a grassroots event run entirely by volunteers.
Competitors can expect standard BJJ rules: matches are submission‑only or points‑based depending on the division, and brackets are seeded by weight, belt rank and age. Because the event is held outdoors, organisers remind participants to bring sunscreen, bug spray and plenty of water. Shade tents and a large pavilion provide respite during the hottest parts of the day, and a first‑aid station staffed by local EMTs ensures safety.
Family members and friends are encouraged to attend—there is no charge for spectators—which adds to the festival feel. Food trucks and local vendors often set up near the pavilion, and many teams bring coolers and grills for post‑match potlucks.
How Registration Works
Sign‑ups for Sunshine & Submissions take place exclusively through the tournament’s online registration portal. The event page stresses that it is “pre‑registration only”—no registrations are accepted at the event and nothing after the late registration deadline.
To secure a spot, grapplers should register by July 21 to take advantage of the standard entry fee. After this date, late registration continues until August 21, but spots may fill quickly due to venue size limits. Payment is collected online (typically via Stripe), and participants receive a confirmation email with division details and a liability waiver.
The tournament offers divisions for men, women, coed and youth, covering both gi and no‑gi disciplines. Weight classes generally follow International Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) guidelines, but organisers accommodate lighter or heavier competitors if brackets are small.
A coaches’ meeting on the morning of the event confirms final brackets and rules interpretations, and weigh‑ins open early to keep the schedule on track. Because the event is outdoors, participants are advised to weigh in wearing their competition attire (gi or rash guard and shorts). Competitors should arrive at least an hour before their division’s start time to account for any bracket changes or warm‑ups.
Volunteer Opportunities and Community Engagement
As a not‑for‑profit, Sunshine & Submissions depends on volunteers to run smoothly. Organizers encourage parents, non‑competing teammates and jiu‑jitsu fans to sign up for scorekeeping, timekeeping, mat marshalling, weigh‑in assistance and general event setup.
Experience is helpful but not required; training is provided on site. Volunteers typically receive free admission, a commemorative T‑shirt, refreshments and the appreciation of hundreds of grateful grapplers.
Those interested can contact the tournament via its social media channels or the email listed on its registration page. In past years, volunteering has been a way for new students to immerse themselves in the competition scene without the pressure of competing, and for parents to contribute to their children’s clubs. Many volunteers return year after year, forging friendships across gyms and even earning credit toward free classes at participating academies.
Why Attend? More Than Just Matches
Even if you have no plans to compete or volunteer, Sunshine & Submissions offers a full day of entertainment. The Orenda pavilion sits in one of Saratoga Spa State Park’s most picturesque areas, surrounded by mineral springs, manicured lawns and walking paths. Families often combine a morning of grappling with an afternoon picnic or a stroll to the park’s historic bathhouses.
A playground and plenty of open space keep kids engaged between matches. The tournament atmosphere is friendly and informal, making it an ideal introduction for newcomers curious about jiu‑jitsu. You might watch a blue belt navigate a triangle choke, see children execute takedowns with surprising finesse, or witness a local black belt cheer on a novice competitor. Between matches, spectators mingle with coaches, check out gear booths and enjoy live music from local performers.
For regional academies, Sunshine & Submissions functions as a networking hub. Gym owners and instructors chat about training methodologies, upcoming seminars and potential team‑ups. Event sponsors—often small businesses from the Albany and Saratoga area—showcase products ranging from rash guards and hemp‑based recovery balms to gourmet food samples. The relaxed setting breaks down the competitive barriers that sometimes separate schools, fostering a sense of shared identity among Upstate grapplers.
Planning Your Visit
Here are some practical tips for attending:
- Pack the essentials. Bring extra water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray and folding chairs. Although there will be food for purchase, having your own supplies keeps you comfortable throughout the day.
- Arrive early. Parking near the Orenda pavilion can fill up, especially on sunny weekends. Gates typically open mid‑morning, with the first matches starting shortly thereafter. If you’re competing, plan to arrive at least 60 minutes before your division.
- Respect the park. Saratoga Spa State Park is a cherished public space. Clean up after yourself, follow park rules and be considerate of non‑event visitors. Keep pets on a leash and under control.
- Network. Whether you’re a competitor, coach, parent or fan, take advantage of the relaxed environment to meet new people. Sharing tips, trading techniques or simply chatting about your favorite fights can enrich your experience.
Bright Future Ahead
As the registration window narrows for Sunshine & Submissions, now is the time to commit. Whether you’re a white belt eager to test your skills, a seasoned competitor looking to sharpen your game before fall tournaments, or a supporter of the local martial arts scene, this grass‑roots outdoor tournament offers something for everyone. Early registration ends July 21, while late registration runs until August 21—and there are no walk‑ins on the day of the event. Volunteer slots remain open for those who want to contribute without stepping on the mats.
In the heart of Saratoga Spa State Park, grapplers will trade grips under dappled sunlight, and a community will celebrate the art they love. It’s hard to imagine a better way to close out summer than with a day of submissions, sunshine and shared passion.
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