Submission Only BJJ Rules Guide | EBI, Polaris & More
☰Contents
- EBI Overtime Format
- Polaris Rules Explained
- Gordon Ryan's Sub-Only Strategy
- No Time Limit Events
- Building a Sub-Only Game
- 🥋 Track Your BJJ Progress
- Related Techniques
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to learn Submission Only Rules Guide?
- Is Submission Only Rules Guide effective for beginners?
- How often should I drill Submission Only Rules Guide?
Complete guide to submission only BJJ competition formats including EBI overtime, Polaris, and over-time rules. Master sub-only strategy.
Submission only formats have revolutionized competitive BJJ by removing points and focusing purely on finishing. Understanding the specific rules of each promotion is essential.
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EBI Overtime Format
See the comprehensive guide at BJJ Wiki for full details on EBI Overtime Format.
Polaris Rules Explained
See the comprehensive guide at BJJ Wiki for full details on Polaris Rules Explained.
Gordon Ryan's Sub-Only Strategy
See the comprehensive guide at BJJ Wiki for full details on Gordon Ryan's Sub-Only Strategy.
No Time Limit Events
See the comprehensive guide at BJJ Wiki for full details on No Time Limit Events.
Building a Sub-Only Game
See the comprehensive guide at BJJ Wiki for full details on Building a Sub-Only Game.
Related Techniques
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to learn Submission Only Rules Guide?
Most practitioners develop functional competency with Submission Only Rules Guide within 3–6 months of consistent drilling. Mastery — the ability to execute reliably in live rolling against resisting opponents — typically takes 1–2 years.
Is Submission Only Rules Guide effective for beginners?
Yes. Submission Only Rules Guide is part of the core BJJ curriculum and taught at all belt levels. Beginners should focus on the fundamental mechanics and concepts before refining advanced entries.
How often should I drill Submission Only Rules Guide?
3–5 times per week is ideal for rapid skill acquisition. Even 10 focused repetitions per session compounds over time — consistency matters more than volume.
What positions connect to Submission Only Rules Guide?
BJJ is a linked system. Submission Only Rules Guide flows naturally to and from related positions. Study transitions in both directions to build a complete positional game.
More Questions
What does 'submission only' mean in BJJ?
Submission only means the only way to win a match is by forcing your opponent to tap out to a submission hold. There are no points awarded for sweeps or positional advancements.
Are there time limits in submission only matches?
Time limits can vary depending on the specific tournament or gym rules. Some submission only matches have no time limit, while others may have a set time with overtime rules if no submission occurs.
What happens if no one submits in a submission only match?
If no submission occurs within the allotted time, most submission only rulesets will go to overtime. This often involves a coin toss to decide who starts in a dominant position, with the goal of securing a submission within a short timeframe.
Common BJJ Problems & FAQ
Often, when defending an armbar, white belts fail to keep their elbow pointed towards their opponent's hip, allowing the opponent to isolate the arm. To counter this, actively drive your elbow into your opponent's hip and use your other hand to grip your own bicep, creating a strong frame that prevents them from extending your arm.
To escape mount, focus on creating space by bridging your hips upwards, simultaneously shrimping to create a gap. Then, use your legs to hook your opponent's hips and pull yourself into guard, ensuring you keep your knees tight to their chest to prevent them from re-establishing control.
When setting up a triangle, ensure you have your opponent's head and one arm trapped across your body before closing your guard, creating a triangular shape. Crucially, keep your shin bone of the leg that's over their shoulder tight against their neck and use your hips to press their head down, preventing them from posturing up and creating space.