LONG BEACH, Calif. (Oct. 5, 2009) — Rising MMA star Diego “Nightmare” Sanchez will be signing autographs and meeting fans all day this Saturday (October 10) at Grapplers Quest, “The World’s Largest Grappling Competition,” at Cal State University in Long Beach’s Pyramid.

The special event will help raise funds for an alternative Autism treatment known as a Hyperbaric Chamber — forced oxygen, neuro-rehabilitating treatment. All proceeds from the first 150 tickets purchased at the door will raise $3,000 to pay for one full month of treatment for Grapplers Quest CEO, Brian Cimins’ 6-year-old-nephew, Jonathan.

”Diego Sanchez is one of the best Mixed Martial Arts fighters in the world, yet his charity fundraising makes him the real undisputed champion to families worldwide,” Brian Cimins commented. “My nephew, Jonathan, and my brother’s family have struggled with Autism since his diagnosis at 18 months old. We’ve been doing everything we can since. Diego is currently training to fight December 12th against BJ Penn UFC 107. Shortly after he heard about our cause, he contacted me right away to help. Without Diego’s support this wouldn’t have be possible. He’s a very special person, one my family and I will be forever indebted to.”

This Saturday’s Grapplers Quest brings the 2009 West Coast Grappling and Jiu Jitsu Championships to The Pyramid at Cal State, located at 1250 Bellflower Blvd., in Long Beach, California. The event starts at 10:00 AM/PT. Go on line to GrapplersQuest.com for tickets and more information about this and other upcoming events.

Grappling is the ground fighting art of Mixed Martial Arts, combining the throws of Olympic Judo, takedowns of Wrestling, leg locks from Sambo, and other submission techniques from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu like arm-bars, shoulder locks and chokes. Competitors of all ages and skill levels participate in Saturday’s event, which is open to all grappling styles to determine the best grapplers in the Western part of the United States.

About Grapplers Quest: Grapplers Quest is the world’s largest submission grappling organization with 300,000+ competitors worldwide since 1999. Events feature various grappling styles with divisions for all ages and skill levels with events worldwide. For event information, visit GrapplersQuest.

About Autism: Autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits a person’s ability to communicate and develop social relationships as well behavioral challenges. Safe alternative treatments and therapies are available, but most are not covered by insurance plans, so families worldwide need funding. For more information on this story and fundraising efforts, visit: www.GrapplingWithAutism.org