BJJ Scoring System Explained

Understanding the BJJ scoring system is essential for competitive success. Points reward positional dominance; advantages serve as tiebreakers. Submissions win regardless of score.

Contents

IBJJF Point Values

Action	Points	Requirements
Takedown	2	Bring opponent to ground, establish top position for 3 sec
Knee on belly	2	Knee on stomach, other leg extended, 3 sec
Guard pass	3	Clear legs and establish side/north-south for 3 sec
Sweep	2	Reverse from bottom guard to top position, 3 sec
Mount	4	Both knees on mat beside torso, 3 sec
Back control	4	Both hooks or seatbelt, 3 sec

Advantages

Situation	Advantage Awarded
Near submission (tap not achieved)	1 advantage
Near pass (not held 3 sec)	1 advantage
Near takedown	1 advantage
Near mount/back control	1 advantage

Tiebreaker order: 1. Points → 2. Advantages → 3. Penalties → 4. Referee decision

Pro Tip: In tight matches, advantage accumulation often decides the winner. Training to threaten submissions — even without finishing — generates advantages that win matches.

FAQ

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Common Mistakes in Scoring System

Rushing the Setup

Attempting to finish before proper mechanics are in place results in failed attempts and positional loss. Prioritize position before submission.

Using Strength Over Technique

Muscling through setups creates bad habits and fails against stronger or more skilled opponents. Focus on leverage and angles.

Skipping Drilling

Techniques only become available in live rolling after extensive drilling. Regular repetition builds the muscle memory needed for execution under pressure.

Ignoring Defensive Reactions

Every technique has common counters. Learn the most frequent defensive reactions and have follow-up attacks ready.

Training Tips for Scoring System

Shadow Drill at Full Speed

Perform the technique slowly, then progressively increase to competition speed while maintaining crisp mechanics. Video yourself to catch form breakdowns.

Use a Skilled Partner

Training with a partner who can give realistic resistance and honest feedback accelerates technical development more than repetitions with a passive uke.

Isolate Weak Phases

Break the technique into phases and identify which phase breaks down under pressure. Spend disproportionate drilling time on that specific phase.

Compete in Tournaments

Competition reveals real weaknesses that controlled training obscures. Even white belts benefit from early competitive experience.

Learning Progression for Scoring System

Start with controlled drilling of the core mechanics at 30% resistance.
Progress to positional sparring: your partner starts in the relevant position and you practice Scoring System with moderate resistance.
Integrate into flow rolling — actively hunt for Scoring System opportunities without forcing.
Add to live sparring with full resistance. Focus on recognizing setups, not just finishing.
Record and review footage to identify timing gaps and mechanical errors.