The ROMA ruleset, a modern twist on Vale Tudo, has become a talking point in the martial arts community.
It’s a set of rules that, while minimal, ensures the protection of martial artist in ways that traditional combat didn’t always prioritize. A standout feature is its restriction on attacks that could cause irreparable harm, such as eye-gouging and spine strikes.
These are deemed irreversible by modern medical standards, a decision that reflects both practicality and respect for the health of participants. That said, there’s an intriguing element to the rules: banned techniques could be revisited as medical advancements evolve.
Of course, not everything is about high-end medical technology. Some rules still keep a tongue-in-cheek edge. Attacks to the rectum, for example, are effectively banned not purely for safety, but because disrobing for such strikes is prohibited in the broadcast-friendly version of the sport. That quirky detail adds a layer of both amusement and boundary to what is otherwise a no-holds-barred approach to combat.
The ROMAN ONE event, which showcases this ruleset, brought several memorable moments to the fore. Take, for instance, the clash between Shinya Onishi and Ryusuke Komatsu. Komatsu’s collar choke submission from the bottom in Round 1 was a textbook display of technique and resilience. The moment he forced Onishi to sleep in their 61.2kg bout was yet another reminder of how mastery over the basics can still dominate the ring.
What’s also fascinating is how ROMA allows for different attire, adding flexibility to the competition. In one contest, Babacar Gaye from Senegal dismantled Japanese veteran Seigo Mizuguchi under the ROMA rules. Gaye’s background in Senegalese wrestling, a discipline that’s increasingly gaining respect, was on full display as he overpowered Mizuguchi. Interestingly, he did so while wearing a gi top but no kimono bottoms, showing that this evolution of combat doesn’t stick to tradition when it doesn’t have to.
Much like Gaye’s dominance, Senegalese wrestling continues to thrive on the global stage. It reminds fans of the time Marcus Almeida “Buchecha,” a 13x BJJ world champion, fell to Senegal’s Reug Reug Kane at ONE FC. It’s clear that the adaptability and raw strength of this style are formidable.
ROMA’s rules may be few, but each one adds a new layer to the sport, balancing the past with a future where almost nothing seems off the table — except, of course, for certain forbidden zones.
