The city of Torrejón de Ardoz is set to host the GSLS Madrid International Open on Saturday, July 11th, one of the most important grappling events on the national calendar. Organized by Ground Sub League Spain (GSLS) in collaboration with the Torrejón de Ardoz City Council, the competition is the second official event of the 2025-2026 GSLS Ranking and a crucial date for athletes aiming to earn points in the circuit.
The event will take place at the Jorge Garbajosa Pavilion with free admission. Competition sessions are scheduled for the morning (10:00 AM to 2:00 PM) and afternoon (3:00 PM to 6:00 PM). The official presentation included the mayor, Alejandro Navarro Prieto, the Councilor for Sports and Tourism, Miriam Gutierrez, and representatives from the Wrestling Federation such as Miguel Ángel Martínez San José and Diego Rodeiro.
Hosting this championship reinforces Torrejón de Ardoz's status as a hub for major sporting events. Hundreds of athletes, coaches, families, and fans are expected to attend, enjoying a discipline that combines technique, strategy, respect, and personal improvement. The event will bring together fighters from all over Spain, along with clubs, trainers, and combat sports enthusiasts.
Mayor Alejandro Navarro Prieto highlighted the event's significance, stating, "This grappling competition, one of the most important in Spain, is another event added to Torrejón de Ardoz's sports calendar in a year when we are the European City of Sport." He also mentioned significant investments in new and improved sports facilities.
Grappling is a combat sport focused on controlling an opponent through grips, takedowns, and submissions, without striking. Its objective is to achieve a dominant position or win by points. It incorporates techniques from martial arts like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, judo, Olympic wrestling, and sambo, playing a vital role in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).
Beyond its competitive aspect, grappling training enhances strength, endurance, coordination, and fosters values such as discipline and respect for opponents. The Torrejón de Ardoz event marks the second stage of the 2025-2026 season, making it vital for competitors aiming to improve their overall ranking.
The championship will feature three modalities: Gi (with traditional uniform), No-Gi (without uniform, using technical clothing), and Team Clash, a team-based format designed to foster collective strategy. Academies will present teams of five main competitors and up to two substitutes.
Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each category, along with team trophies. The Team Clash modality will also offer cash prizes. Additionally, the organization will recognize the tournament's Most Valuable Player (MVP) and the best submission of the day (Submission of the Day).
