New Japanese fighting promotion with CRAZY rules to debut in February *Brian Douwes*
A new fighting promotion with some noteworthy names behind it is set to debut in February in Japan, and the rules are pretty unique to say the least.
Is the world ready for a new Japanese fighting promotion? Well, it's getting one. And while it's not even really MMA, the names involved and the crazy rules (along with a major TV deal) means that it should get some eyes on it right away. It's called "Ganryujima", and Dave Meltzer's Wrestling Observer newsletter (subscription required) shared a lot of information regarding it:
The rules explained at the press conference today in Tokyo are that it will be partially MMA fighting, but without submissions. The matches will be held in an elevated flat circle, similar to sumo, with no ring or a cage. The fighting surface will be surrounded by water. One of the ways to win is to put your opponent off the surface and into the water. A fighter who goes into the water three times would lose the fight by TKO. Punching will be allowed on the ground. Wrestling is allowed. All types of throws from wrestling and judo are legal. Kicks to the head and face of someone on the ground will be illegal, but kicks and stomps to a downed opponent from the shoulder down are legal. There will be quick stand-ups from lack of punching on the ground, as the ground work will be allowed only if there is an attempt to finish the fight. MMA gloves will be mandatory.
Fighters will be allowed to wear gi's, but they have to be sleeveless.
The promotion, which will make its debut on February 28th in Differ Ariake in Tokyo, is considering some other things as well: The complete rule set is not finalized. Other rules under discussion include allowing kicks and knees to the groin standing, but not on the ground. They are also considering allowing head-butts, and elbows on the ground (in Pride, they never allowed elbows on the ground). These rules were not told to me but have been talked about, but the talk may just be for attention and not that they are actually considering them. 12/6 elbows are not being considered, however. Also under discussion are time limits, whether to use rounds, to do no time limit matches (figuring the throwing into the water rule means matches will not go forever). The size of the circle and a point system, if they do go with time limits, are also still under discussion.
Ganryujima (which is named after a small Japanese island that has seen some historical battles) will be headed by Sadaharu Tanikawa, the man who ran K-1 from 2003 to 2012. Others involved are Hiro Hase (influential Japanese senator and former pro wrestler/booker), and Masato, a top Japanese K-1 fighter for many years. The shows will air on Fuji TV, which was where Pride aired before their Yakuza downfall.
