We are proud to announce that all 2023 US Open Black Belt “A” and Under Black Belt Point Sparring divisions will be DOUBLE ELIMINATION.

In a single-elimination tournament division (the norm), after one defeat you are eliminated.

Double elimination rules gives each competitor a second chance to claim first place in their division.��

The divisions are bracketed the exact same way, but when a competitor loses, they are moved to a second, Redemption Bracket.
If a competitor loses again while competing in one of the redemption rounds, they are eliminated.

If, however, they advance to first place in the redemption bracket they earn the opportunity to challenge the fighter with no losses from the original bracket.

They will then need to beat that fighter twice to claim first place in that division.�