You are invited to join us for an action-packed day event of Sambo!
On Saturday 20 June 2026, Doncaster Sambo & Wrestling are hosting the annual Bez Kurtka Open Championships, in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, for individuals of all abilities, and who have may necessarily not competed in the sport.
Led and overseen by local BSF Master of Sport officials, Brian Lister and Ewan Lister, the event is a proven platform for adult and junior competitors to showcase their Sport Sambo / grappling skills in competitive matches without a Kurtka (grappling jacket), based on weight, age, and experience.
Please take some time to familiarise yourself with the event details below.
Weekend Itinerary
Saturday 3 October: Venue doors open at 9am to competitors and spectators.
ALL COMPETITORS/TEAMS MUST SIGN IN AT THE FRONT DESK UPON ARRIVAL, AND THEN PROCEED TO THE WEIGH-IN AREA.
The event matches will start approx. 10:30am following a brief welcome and overview of the day ahead.
The event will conclude with category award presentations, with an end time of approx. 5pm.
Event Pricing
Adult competitor - Early bird price: £25, Full price: £30
Junior competitor - Early bird price: £20, Full price: £25
Early bird pricing will be discontinued 2 weeks before the event date.
COMPETITOR ENTRY WILL CLOSE 1 week before the event date.
Spectators pay on the day of the event at the welcome desk upon arrival.
Adult spectator 18+ - £5
Under 18 - £2
Under 5’s - Free
Common FAQ
How do I enter the event?
Select the correct competitor entry at the bottom of this page and click Buy Now. Follow the instructions on the booking page, ENSURING YOU ALSO COMPLETE THE HYBRID ENTRY FORM; and pay to secure your place. You should receive a confirmation email to acknowledge successful registration to the event.
What is the competition ruleset?
This competition will be officiated in accordance with the official FIAS Sport Sambo ruleset, with the exception of no submission holds will be allowed for those aged under 12.
International SAMBO rules (Sport SAMBO)
Do I need to have all my own kit to participate?
It would be preferred if participants have their own Sambo shorts, Sambo mat shoes, and rashguard.
All kit can be purchased through us prior to the event. Please place orders early for kit to avoid late dispatches.
We would also recommend that participants bring and use a gumshield and/or groin guard which is appropriate for combat sports.
Please contact our team on doncastersambo@hotmail.com if you have any concerns about kit requirements/orders.
What are the categories?
Junior competitor weight categories will be matched on the day based on information provided and weigh-in weights. Juniors are most commonly matched by age then weight, however under special circumstances this may change.
Adult competitor weight categories will be as per standard Sambo competition weight categories:
Male: 58kg, 64kg, 71kg, 79kg, 88kg, -98kg, +98kg
Female: 50kg, 59kg, 54kg, 65kg, 72kg, -80kg, +80kg
Weights may be merged into smaller categories.
What facilities are there at the venue?
There are separate male and female changing areas for juniors and adults.
Items left in the changing rooms are done so at the owner’s risk.
The venue has male and female bathroom facilities for students, spectators, and staff.
There is a seating/standing viewing area available for parents, partners or friends, of participants.
Will there be refreshments at the venue?
There will be a selection of hot and cold refreshments available for purchase inside the venue.
Is card/cash accepted at the venue?
We accept cash and card/contactless payments.
Is there parking at the venue?
The venue has its own allocated parking, however there is street parking directly outside the venue, and street parking on several side streets in case we reach full capacity.
Is the location accessible by public transport and near hotel accommodation?
The venue is located within a 15 mins drive from Doncaster train/bus interchange. If you’re travelling to Doncaster for the event, there are several hotels within a short taxi drive to the venue.
Are refunds accepted?
Once a participant has paid for their entry, we won’t issue refunds in case of cancellation or non-attendance.
I have another question?
Please email doncastersambo@hotmail.com and a member of our team will be happy to help.
About Doncaster Sambo & Wrestling
Doncaster Sambo & Wrestling is a local, family-friendly mixed martial arts gym, for adults, teenagers, and infants. Our gym is the only place in South Yorkshire where classes are taught in Sport Sambo, Combat Sambo, and Wrestling. Our other classes include No-Gi, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Padwork, and Open Mat access. We offer group classes, as well as 1-1 training.
About the event officials and staff
The event’s main officials are accredited National Masters of Sport by the British Sambo Federation - the UK governing body for the sport of Sambo. Supporting event officials and staff will be present on the day to ensure competitors, coaches, and spectators enjoy the event and ensure it runs as smooth as possible.
To ensure the safety of all involved, the event operates a strict zero tolerance for the use of alcohol and drugs. Any person(s) found to be in violation of this will be immediately asked to leave the venue. Any verbal/physical abuse towards event staff, spectators, or competitors will be dealt with by the event management team swiftly and the appropriate action taken.
Our team look forward to welcoming you to this year’s Bez Kurtka Open Championships 2026!
Purchase your ticket(s) by clicking Buy Now and follow the on-screen instructions: