BJJ Rules for Beginners | IBJJF Scoring, Fouls & Competition Guide
Learn BJJ competition rules for beginners — IBJJF scoring system, points, advantages, and what techniques are legal at each belt level.
Understanding BJJ competition rules helps you train smarter and compete with confidence. The IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation) ruleset is the most widely used. Here's everything you need to know.
📋 Official Ruleset Guides
Scoring System
Taking your opponent from standing to the ground and maintaining top position for 3 seconds.
Passing your opponent's guard and establishing a dominant position for 3 seconds.
Placing your knee on your opponent's belly while standing.
Achieving full mount or back control with both hooks in, held for 3 seconds.
Making your opponent tap via choke or joint lock. Immediate victory.
Awarded for near-scoring actions. Used as tiebreaker at the end of a match.
FAQ
How does the BJJ points system work?
BJJ uses a points system: Takedown = 2 pts, Guard Pass = 3 pts, Mount = 4 pts, Back Control = 4 pts, Knee on Belly = 2 pts. Advantages are given for near-scoring actions and are used as tiebreakers.
What submissions are illegal in BJJ for white belts?
At white belt, leg locks (heel hooks, knee bars, toe holds) and spine locks are generally prohibited in IBJJF. Straight ankle locks are allowed for adults. Always check the specific ruleset for your event.
How long are BJJ matches?
IBJJF match times vary by belt and age: Adults White belt = 5 min, Blue = 6 min, Purple = 7 min, Brown = 8 min, Black = 10 min. Masters divisions typically have slightly shorter matches.
Take your BJJ to the next level.