The CSAC is putting out smokers

November 20, 2007 – 2:34 pm by fightlinker

 

In what looks like the continuation of a disturbing trend across the US, the California State Athletic Commission has started to come down on ’smoker’ events, which are glorified sparring matches to give gym members experience. Here is the full letter Tribull MMA in San Jose just got regarding his limited contact smoker – half the matches were 16 oz gloves and headgear while all small glove fights were no strikes to the head.

Of course, you all remember that Din Thomas over in Florida got thrown in the clink and had FEDERAL charges put against him over a similar kind of event.

It doesn’t exactly take a brain surgeon to understand the difference between events like this and REAL mixed martial arts events. Perhaps if the CSAC had a way to differentiate and regulate smokers as amateur MMA, all of these issues could be solved. Unfortunately, the CSAC has basically said it’ll take them TWO YEARS to set up the framework for amateur MMA to occur.

As it stands, if you’re an MMA gym in California (and god knows, there’s more MMA schools there than Chinese convenience stores), you better watch out: the CSAC is coming after your smoker.