Sandbagging (grappling)

Sandbagging is a term used in martial arts to denote a practitioner who competes at a skill-bracket deemed less rigorous than their actual level of competitive ability.[1][2] The term is adopted similarly in golf and various forms of racing. In contrast to these sports however, it remains unclear whether the grappling "sandbagger" necessarily does so intentionally.[3] For example, in Judo or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where competition is generally divided by belt rank, a practitioner is conventionally not allowed to choose his or her own ranking and thus must compete at a level predetermined by his or her instructor.[4]

Sandbagging prohibitions

Some officiating organizations attempt to proactively curb the occurrence of sandbagging. These actions range from simple rule restrictions, such as the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation prohibiting those with a Judo black belt from competing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu white belt divisions, to organizations such as the North American Grappling Association employing a special tracking system designed to record competitors nationally and potentially re-assign them to a higher skill-level in NAGA events.[5][6]

External links

References

  1. ↑ Greenhill, Paul (2008). "Should You Have Sympathy For the Sandbagger?". Retrieved May 31, 2012.
  2. ↑ "NO POINTS - NO POLITICS - NO SANDBAGGING Submit or Pin to Win!". A catch-as-catch-can wrestling promo mentioning sandbagging. Retrieved May 31, 2012.
  3. ↑ "MASSIVE SHOUT-OUT TO 'ATOS VPF': BROWN, PURPLE & BLUES!". A blog post suggesting one might be an unintentional 'sandbagger'. July 4, 2010. Retrieved May 31, 2012.
  4. ↑ "IBJJF Graduation System". Official IBJJF graduation system. Retrieved June 4, 2012.
  5. ↑ "RULE BOOK GENERAL COMPETITION GUIDELINES COMPETITION FORMAT MANUAL". Official IBJJF rulebook. Retrieved May 31, 2012.
  6. ↑ "2009 Arnold World Grappling Championship". NAGA website discussing sandbagging in a promo. Retrieved May 31, 2012.