Ocean BJJ Pro Championship hasn’t even started their 2025 season yet snd they’ve already caused a stir by announcing several changes to their rules. The promotion only began in 2024 and their inaugural season was a huge success, culminating in a fantastic grand finale at the end of the year. There were several big names and talented grapplers competing in the event and there was plenty of exciting moments throughout the year, so there’s a lot of anticipation for their next season. It will begin with their first Trial event in Pistoia on March 16th, 2025 and the new ruleset will debut there, with registration available here. The second Trial has already been announced as well; and it will be taking place in Warsaw, Poland on April 19th, 2025 with registration available here.
It’s a great decision because the promotion is allowing for even more techniques than they have done before, but it’s actually drawn criticism from some of their fans. They will now be allowing all submissions that are legal under both IBJJF and ADCC rules, which includes every different type of leglock and all variations of neck cranks and spine locks. They will also allow any smothering technique like the mother’s milk and the muffler, giving their competitors every option imaginable. The only thing they can’t do is small joint manipulation, something that has never been made legal under any Jiu-Jitsu ruleset.
None of that was particularly contentious though, it was their decision to include more standing grappling options that some fans took issue with. Ocean BJJ Pro Championship 2025 have changed their rules to allow any kind of slam or suplex, but most notably the Kani Basami will now be legal. It’s the famous takedown that involves leaping directly from standing into a leg entanglement known as the saddle, and it’s often referred to as one of the most dangerous techniques in the sport. That’s due to the comparatively high risk of injury compared to most other takedowns or throws, as it can sometimes put the opponent’s knee at risk.
Although some fans might have taken issue with the decision to legalise Kani Basami, it’s still a legitimate grappling technique that has existed in Judo for a very long time. For any professional grappling promotion that wants to have as few restrictions as possible, they need to allow it. Although it is a risky technique, it’s also one that has been performed hundreds of times at the highest level without any issue. When some of the best competitors in the world are meeting on the mats, they do so knowing the risks involved and they’re all prepared to take them in order to win.
Ocean BJJ Pro Championship announced the decision to change their rules for the 2025 season in a recent post to their official Instagram account:
