OUR STORY

SUB-NORTH (2012-2013 & 2016)

Submission North (Sub-North) was founded in February 2012, with its first event held on April 1st at Fighting Fit Manchester Gym. Designed as a No-Gi, novice-only competition, its goal was to provide beginners with valuable experience in a friendly, low-pressure environment.

To maximise mat time, each match featured unlimited submissions within a 5-minute round, ensuring every competitor gained meaningful competition experience. Those who didn’t advance in their bracket were also given a second opportunity to compete.

The inaugural event welcomed 35 competitors from various gyms across Greater Manchester. Due to overwhelming demand and praise for its organization, Sub-North quickly expanded to include Intermediate and Advanced divisions.

Throughout 2012, Sub-North hosted four events—three No-Gi and its first Gi-only competition in October—growing to 75 competitors per event with 50 spectators.

With Fighting Fit Manchester’s expansion in 2013, Sub-North moved to a larger venue, hosting another four successful events that year—two No-Gi and two Gi—drawing 120 competitors and 100 spectators per event from across the UK.

After a two-year break while Grapple Nation was developed, Sub-North made a highly anticipated return with a No-Gi event at All Powers Gym in Stockport. The competition remained dedicated to beginner and novice athletes, and its revival was met with huge demand, selling out in under three weeks and attracting over 140 competitors.

Sub-North was a key part in the growth of the UK grappling competition scene, built on grassroots development, inclusivity, and high-quality events.

GRAPPLE NATION (2014-2016)

Grapple Nation was born from the success of Sub-North, recognising the need for larger venues to accommodate the growing demand for high-quality grappling competitions.

The first-ever Grapple Nation event took place on April 6th, 2014, at Sugden Sports Centre in Manchester, featuring a No-Gi-only format. It saw an impressive 200 competitors take to the mats, with 200 spectators in attendance.

In 2014, Grapple Nation hosted three events, culminating in its first dual Gi & No-Gi competition in November, attracting 300 competitors and 200 spectators.

The momentum continued into 2015, with three events held in rapid succession over just 17 weeks—on February 21st, May 2nd, and June 22nd. The year concluded with the Grapple Nation European Championships, which welcomed athletes from across the UK and Europe, including Spain, Italy, Sweden, and Bulgaria.

Grapple Nation’s final event took place on March 26th, 2016, and was its biggest and most celebrated yet. With over 450 competitors and 200+ spectators, this Gi & No-Gi event was widely regarded as the best in Grapple Nation history.

So, what came next?

We built a Nation—now it’s time to build an Empire!

EMPIRE GRAPPLING (2016 to Present)

Empire Grappling was born from the foundations of Grapple Nation, evolving into something even greater—a platform that pushes the boundaries of competitive grappling in the UK and beyond.

Following the incredible success of Sub-North and Grapple Nation, we recognized the need to take things to the next level. Empire Grappling was created to provide bigger, better, and more professionally run events, offering opportunities for athletes at every level—from first-time competitors to elite black belts.

Since its inception, Empire Grappling has built a reputation for excellence, hosting some of the best-run Gi & No-Gi competitions in the UK. Our events emphasise fairness, professionalism, and high-level competition, ensuring every athlete gets the best experience possible.

But Empire Grappling is more than just a competition—it’s a community. We represent the hard work, discipline, and passion that define the grappling world. Whether you're stepping on the mats for the first time or chasing championship titles, our mission is to provide a world-class platform for you to test yourself and grow.

From Sub-North to Grapple Nation, and now Empire...

'We don’t just run events—We Build Legacies'.