Founded in 2017 by 3rd degree black belt Scott Boudreau, the AVA Submission Grappling Federation was built by the AVA team and the competition community who together shaped a ruleset based on one belief: submission-only.

The name AVA stands for All Vs All, comes from the round-robin format where everyone faces every other athlete. This meant that AVA winners earned their place on the podium not through technicalities or luck, but by proving their skill against every opponent.

AVA Submission Grappling Federation is the only league in North America where 70% of matches end by submission. The ruleset pushes nonstop action and rewards athletes who chase the finish. Each tournament in the season carries its own distinct theme, showcased through custom medals, champion belts, and awards, which has become one of the defining hallmarks of the AVA experience. The season builds toward THRONE, where titles are earned, defended, or taken.

Beyond events, AVA continues to expand through its line of gear and apparel developed under three brands: Grounded, Zero G, and Underground, each with its own unique flavor.