BJJ Competition Guide (2026) — Techniques, Tactics & Ruleset
BJJBJJ App Team·⏱️ 2 min read·🔄 Mar 31, 2026
How to compete in BJJ tournaments. The best competition techniques, scoring rules, and strategies for IBJJF, ADCC, and local tournaments.
BJJ competition is one of the fastest ways to improve your game. This guide covers the techniques that score points, the rules you need to know, and the strategies that win medals.
📋 Official Ruleset Guides
Contents
🥋 Essential Techniques
Guard Pass
Worth 3 points in IBJJF. The most reliable path to dominant position.
→Back Mount
4 points in IBJJF. The highest-value position besides submission.
→Mount
4 points in IBJJF. Hardest to score against a resisting opponent, but highest value.
→Knee on Belly
2 points in IBJJF. Easy to score and hard to escape. Sets up attacks.
→Scissor Sweep
2 points per sweep in IBJJF. Reliable sweep from closed guard.
→Hip Bump Sweep
2 points. Pairs perfectly with kimura from closed guard.
→Bow & Arrow Choke
High-percentage finish from back mount. Common in gi competition.
→Rear Naked Choke
The fastest finish from the back in no-gi. Drill constantly.
→Armbar
Most common submission in competition. Works at every level.
→Triangle Choke
Second most common competition submission. Works against bigger opponents.
→📍 Track Your Progress
Mark these as learned in your BJJ Skill Tree
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How does BJJ scoring work?
IBJJF awards: 2 pts for takedown/sweep/knee-on-belly, 3 pts for guard pass, 4 pts for mount/back mount. Advantages break ties. Submission wins immediately.
❓ What belt should I compete at?
You should compete at the belt you have been awarded. Sandbagging (competing below your level) is considered unethical in BJJ.
❓ How do I prepare for my first BJJ tournament?
Focus on 2-3 techniques you can execute under pressure. Drill takedowns, your strongest guard pass, and your best 1-2 submissions. Get good sleep and eat well the week before.