Sunday will mark the 15th anniversary of the first Maine Skirmish, a grappling tournament held annually at Winslow High School. The Skirmish was started to fill a void in the state.

“There were no grappling tournaments in Maine back in 1996,” said Mike Huard, the promoter for the event. “With the surging Ultimate Fighting gaining in popularity — those events got people interested in techniques on the ground instead of the infamous Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris films.

“In the old days we ran Judo competitions at the old YMCA, but stand-up styles became all the rage in the 80s and 90s. So we were like, ‘It’s time to bring back grappling in Maine.’ “

Even in the recession, Huard said the tournament consistently brings in about 200 competitors. This year’s Skirmish, the 16th overall, will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday at Winslow High School. Tickets are $8.

Huard said keeping the rules very simple and making friends over the years has helped the Skirmish maintain its popularity. But the people who run the event will still tinker with the rules. There are more junior sumo divisions this year, and there’s a “Second Chance” division for adults, so all adults will be able to compete in more than one match.

The core of the tournament — people of all ages competing — is still the same.

“The kids’ Sumo Wrestling is always a huge hit and my favorite,” said assistant promoter Mark Huard, Mike’s brother. “The young athletes march out to Olympic-style music, and all the parents and spectators cheer loud.”

“I love it all,” Mike Huard said. “The kids get super excited, and the parents are right into it. And the adults are so talented, it’s a joy to see their technique.”