In the ever-evolving world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, few tournaments have left as deep an imprint as the Eddie Bravo Invitational (EBI). Launched in 2014 by its namesake — the always-innovative Eddie Bravo — EBI broke from tradition with a bold, submission-only format that helped usher in a new era of grappling competition. Part spectacle, part proving ground, EBI has been home to some of the sport’s most electric moments and breakout stars. Here’s how it all began — and why it still matters.
Origins and Evolution of EBI
Eddie Bravo created EBI as a response to what he saw as stagnation in traditional Jiu Jitsu competition. Points-based systems, stalling tactics, and referee decisions were sucking the excitement out of matches. His solution? A tournament where submissions are the only path to victory.
The first EBI event took place in Los Angeles in 2014 and quickly attracted attention for its action-first approach.
It wasn’t long before the tournament gained traction, drawing elite grapplers and a dedicated fanbase. EBI’s popularity exploded when it partnered with UFC Fight Pass, putting it in front of a global audience. In later years, Bravo expanded the concept to include Combat Jiu Jitsu (CJJ) — the same submission-only format, but with open-hand strikes added during ground exchanges.
The EBI Ruleset: Built for Action
At the heart of EBI’s appeal is its unique and aggressive ruleset:
- No points, no advantages during regulation. Grapplers have 10 minutes to secure a submission. If no one taps, the match goes to overtime.
- EBI Overtime is what truly sets it apart. Each competitor gets a turn starting from either back control or the spider web (armbar) position. The goal is to submit your opponent as quickly as possible — or escape faster than they did.
- No judge decisions. Every match ends with a clear winner.
The result? Matches that are consistently exciting, even for casual viewers. EBI helped push the meta of submission grappling toward back control and leg lock proficiency, both of which became crucial in the EBI overtime format.
Notable EBI Matches and Champions
Over the years, EBI has been the launching pad for some of the sport’s biggest names and most memorable moments:
- Gordon Ryan’s rise began at EBI, where he dominated the Absolute division and quickly became a household name in submission grappling.
- Geo Martinez vs. Eddie Cummings delivered a clash of styles: Martinez’s 10th Planet creativity versus Cummings’ surgical leg lock game.
- Craig Jones shocked the world with his underdog performance at EBI 14, showcasing dangerous leg locks and unshakable confidence.
- The Absolute divisions consistently provided some of the most unpredictable and entertaining matches, as smaller grapplers challenged giants in submission-only chaos.
EBI’s bracket format and overtime rules often created back-and-forth wars, where no one could coast to victory — a refreshing change from traditional points-based tournaments.
EBI’s Cultural Impact on Grappling
EBI didn’t just entertain — it changed the game. Submission-only events exploded in popularity after EBI’s success. Promotions like Polaris, GrappleFest, and Who’s Number One all borrowed elements of EBI’s format or ethos. Even traditional tournaments began incorporating no-gi superfights and more flexible rules.
On a technical level, the emphasis on overtime efficiency made the community rethink strategy: back control, ride time, and leg entanglements became dominant areas of focus. Instructionals and gyms adapted. EBI helped bring the once-niche leg lock game into the mainstream and gave 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu a platform to shine.
The Present and Future of EBI
While EBI took a brief hiatus in the late 2010s, Eddie Bravo never stopped evolving the brand. The spotlight shifted to Combat Jiu Jitsu Worlds, where many EBI alumni continued to compete. EBI itself made a return in recent years, with talk of new divisions, new stars, and new partnerships.
Bravo has hinted at continuing to innovate, with ideas like team-based formats and hybrid rulesets. Whatever direction EBI takes, its influence is already deeply embedded in modern grappling.
Conclusion: Why EBI Still Matters
The Eddie Bravo Invitational redefined what a Jiu Jitsu tournament could be. It prioritized finishes over points, spectacle over stalling, and clarity over controversy. More than just a series of events, EBI is a philosophy — one that pushed grapplers to hunt submissions and fans to expect more from the sport.
If you’ve never watched an EBI match, go pull up EBI 5, 10, or one of the Absolute tournaments. You’ll quickly see why this tournament series holds a legendary place in the world of Jiu Jitsu.