BJJ Competition Rules: IBJJF, ADCC & More | BJJ App Wiki
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A complete guide to BJJ competition rules covering IBJJF, ADCC, FloGrappling events, submission-only formats, and the key differences between major rulesets.
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Understanding BJJ competition rules is essential for anyone who trains with competition in mind. Different organizations use vastly different rulesets, and misunderstanding the rules can cost you matches that you should have won.
IBJJF Rules Overview
The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) uses the most widely-recognized ruleset in gi BJJ competition.
Point System
- Takedown: 2 points (must control for 3 seconds)
- Sweep: 2 points (must control for 3 seconds)
- Knee on belly: 2 points (must control for 3 seconds)
- Guard pass: 3 points (must control for 3 seconds)
- Mount: 4 points (must control for 3 seconds)
- Back control (with hooks): 4 points (must control for 3 seconds)
Advantages
Advantages are awarded for near-submissions and near-scoring positions. They serve as tiebreakers when scores are equal.
Illegal Techniques by Belt Level
- White/Blue: No reaping, no heel hooks, no knee locks, no cervical locks
- Purple: Straight knee locks allowed, still no heel hooks or reaping
- Brown/Black: Heel hooks allowed in no-gi, all inside heel hooks allowed
ADCC Rules
ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) is the premier no-gi submission wrestling competition. The ruleset is very different from IBJJF.
ADCC Point System
- No points in the first half of the match (time varies by division)
- Negative points for pulling guard in the second half
- Guard pass: 2 points
- Takedown: 2 points
- Knee on belly: 2 points
- Mount/Back: 3 points
ADCC Technique Legality
- All leg locks allowed including heel hooks and reaping
- No points for takedown followed immediately by guard pull
- Overtime: first submission or first 5 points wins
Submission-Only Formats
Submission-only (SO) events have grown massively in popularity due to their exciting nature.
Common SO Rules
- No point system — win only by submission
- Overtime: usually starts from a specific position (referee's position)
- Many SO events allow all leg locks including heel hooks
- EBI (Eddie Bravo Invitational) overtime: attacker starts from back take or leg lock
FloGrappling Rules
FloGrappling hosts many high-profile events with varying rulesets. Events like Who's Number One (WNO) and FloGrappling's Grand Prix use a combination of submission hunting with points available.
Stalling and Passivity Rules
Most rulesets penalize stalling — the referee will warn the staller and may award the opponent an advantage or point.
- IBJJF: Medical clock for bleeding, warnings then DQ for stalling
- ADCC: Referee cautions, then penalties for passivity
- SO: Usually no stalling rules — must try to submit or advance
Competition Categories
BJJ tournaments categorize competitors by age, belt, and weight:
- Adult: Under 29 years old
- Master 1+: 30 years and older, with sub-divisions
- Weight classes: Vary by organization (IBJJF has 9 male weight classes)
- Absolute: Open weight division, no weight limit
Match Preparation by Ruleset
- IBJJF: Train guard pulls, improve guard game, understand points timing
- ADCC: Train wrestling and takedowns (guard pull penalized in 2nd half)
- Submission-only: Train from bad positions, deep in submissions, overtime scenarios
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Common BJJ Problems & FAQ
Referees warn you to 'watch your leg' because if your opponent's leg is trapped between your hips and their own body during an armbar or kimura, it can lead to a knee injury. Specifically, the pressure from your hips can hyperextend or twist their knee joint in an unnatural direction.
To defend a triangle choke, prioritize breaking the grip by driving your opponent's shoulder into their own chest, creating space to turn your head and look towards their hip. Then, use your free arm to post on their hip and push away, allowing you to untangle your leg and relieve the pressure on your carotid artery.
To escape heavy side control, focus on creating space by shrimping your hips away from their pressure, then bridging your hips upwards while simultaneously looking to bring your bottom knee inside to establish guard. This coordinated movement of hips and knees disrupts their weight distribution and allows you to regain a more advantageous position.
More Questions
What are the most common penalties in BJJ competitions?
The most common penalties are for stalling, fleeing the mat, or illegal techniques. Referees issue warnings for minor infractions, which can escalate to points deductions or disqualification for repeated offenses.
How do I score points in a BJJ match?
Points are awarded for takedowns, sweeps, passes, and dominant positions like mount and back control. The specific point values vary depending on the governing body's rule set, so it's important to familiarize yourself with them.
What are the different ways a BJJ match can end?
A match can end by submission, where one opponent taps out due to a joint lock or choke. It can also end by points if neither fighter submits and the time limit expires, or by disqualification for rule violations.