Warrior Grappling Announces Inaugural “Battle of Saratoga” at Wilton Mall November 8
New Capital Region Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament promotion, founded by third-degree black belts Jesse Bowman Bruchac, Edward Anthony, and James Bruchac, will feature Gi and No-Gi competition, double elimination, custom awards, team trophies, and cash prizes.
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — September 23, 2026 — A new era of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition is coming to New York’s Capital Region this fall as Warrior Grappling (WarriorGrappling.com) officially launches with its inaugural tournament, The Battle of Saratoga, on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at Wilton Mall, 3066 NY-50, Saratoga Springs, New York.
Founded by third-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belts Jesse Bowman Bruchac, Edward Anthony, and James Bruchac, Warrior Grappling was created to raise the standard of regional grappling competition while providing a professionally run tournament experience for athletes of every age and experience level—from children entering their first competition to seasoned champions and black belts.
The Battle of Saratoga will be Warrior Grappling’s first major event and the beginning of a new tournament series serving competitors throughout New York’s Capital Region, the Adirondacks, Hudson Valley, New York State, New England, and the greater Northeast.
“We wanted to build the kind of tournament we would want our own students and families to attend,” said Warrior Grappling co-founder Edward Anthony. “That means strong competition, a professional atmosphere, opportunities for athletes of every level, and an event that competitors will want to return to. The Battle of Saratoga is our first event, but we are building Warrior Grappling for the long term.”
Cash Prizes, Double Elimination, and Competition for All Levels
The Battle of Saratoga will feature Gi and No-Gi competition, with divisions for athletes across age, experience, and belt levels. Unlike the traditional single-elimination format used at many grappling tournaments, Warrior Grappling will feature double-elimination competition, giving athletes additional opportunities to compete and making the trip to Saratoga more rewarding for competitors and teams.
Warrior Grappling will also award cash prizes in the Men’s and Women’s Adult Absolute divisions, bringing an additional level of excitement to the promotion’s inaugural event.
Competitors will vie for specially designed Battle of Saratoga awards, while top-performing academies will compete for distinctive Warrior Grappling team trophies.
The promotion is also placing a strong emphasis on athlete safety and cleanliness. Founding sponsor Matador will provide Ready, Step, Clean technology at every competition mat, helping Warrior Grappling maintain an exceptionally clean and professional competition environment throughout the event.
Bringing a New Grappling Tradition to Saratoga
Hosting the inaugural Battle of Saratoga at Wilton Mall places competitive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in one of the region’s most accessible public venues and gives families, spectators, and members of the public an opportunity to experience the sport up close.
The tournament’s name reflects its Saratoga County setting and pays tribute to the region’s extraordinary history.
The Battle of Saratoga invokes the determination, courage, and fighting spirit associated with the Saratoga campaign of 1777 while establishing a new competitive tradition for today’s athletes.
“We wanted our first tournament to belong to this region,” Bruchac said. “Saratoga has a history recognized around the world, and the idea of the warrior—discipline, courage, resilience, respect, and the willingness to test yourself—is at the heart of grappling. We could think of no better place or name for the beginning of Warrior Grappling.”
Registration Now Open
Register at: WarriorGrappling.com
Registration is now open for the inaugural Warrior Grappling Battle of Saratoga:
Sunday, November 8, 2026
Wilton Mall
3066 NY-50
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
The tournament will feature Gi and No-Gi competition, youth and adult divisions, women’s and masters divisions, double elimination, custom awards, team trophies, and cash prizes in the Men’s and Women’s Adult Absolute divisions.
About Warrior Grappling
Warrior Grappling is a new Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and submission grappling tournament promotion founded by third-degree black belts Jesse Bowman Bruchac, Edward Anthony, and James Bruchac.
Built by competitors, coaches, and event professionals, Warrior Grappling was created to deliver high-quality, professionally organized tournaments for athletes of every age and experience level throughout New York’s Capital Region and beyond.
The Battle of Saratoga is only the beginning.
A new era of competition begins November 8.
