About Sport Grappling Federation
ABOUT SGF
Sport Grappling Federation was developed to provide a structured competition and athlete-development pathway for grappling athletes.
SGF combines technical competition with established standards for athlete safety, sportsmanship, consistent officiating, fair competition, and competitive progression.
SGF competition is offered through:GRAPPLING • COMBAT JIU-JITSU • PANKRATION
OUR MISSION
Developing Athletes Through Structured Competition
SGF’s mission is to provide athletes with an organized competitive environment that supports technical development, appropriate competition, sportsmanship, safety, and long-term athlete progression.OUR STRUCTURE
Part of the Born To Win Athlete Development Pathway
Sport Grappling Federation is a program of Born To Win Athlete Development Pathway, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
The SGF Policy Manual establishes the governance, conduct, athlete safety, competition, officiating, and operational standards applicable to SGF-sanctioned activities.LEADERSHIP
SGF LEADERSHIP
Founder & Owner
RAFAEL MENDOZA
Sport Grappling Federation
Sport Grappling Federation was founded by Rafael Mendoza as part of a broader vision to create structured athlete-development opportunities within combat sports.As Founder & Owner, Rafael provides the overall vision, strategic direction, and continued development of Sport Grappling Federation.
Director of SGF Development
JASON TOWNSELL
Sport Grappling Federation
Jason Townsell serves as Director of SGF Development, helping build Sport Grappling Federation’s athlete development programs, technical education, officials training, and competition structure.
Jason began wrestling in 1994 and has remained active in grappling for more than three decades as a competitor, coach, and consultant. His competition experience includes events sanctioned by the North American Grappling Association (NAGA), Jiu-Jitsu World League (JJWL), and International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF). That experience informs his approach to preparing athletes and creating well-run competitions.
Alongside his work in grappling, Jason brings expertise in policy, planning, and safety. He earned a Doctor of Policy, Planning, and Development from the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy, holds master’s degrees in emergency services administration and occupational safety and health, and holds the Certified Safety Professional designation.
At SGF, Jason is focused on developing a consistent, sustainable system that supports athletes, coaches, officials, and event organizers. SGF operates under Born To Win Athlete Development Pathway, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.