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Competition Rules

Introduction​

Understanding competition rules is critical for strategic success. Different rule sets dramatically change how you approach matches, what techniques are legal, when to attack versus defend, and how to maximize scoring opportunities.

This guide breaks down the major competition formats so you can adapt your game plan to each ruleset and compete strategically rather than just technically.

Rule Systems Overview​

Major Organizations​

IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation)

  • Traditional point-based system
  • Most common competition format worldwide
  • Belt-specific technique restrictions
  • Emphasis on position and control

ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club)

  • Hybrid submission/point system
  • No points first half, points second half
  • Submission-first emphasis
  • Fewer technique restrictions

Submission-Only Formats

  • No points, submission or draw
  • Various time limits
  • EBI overtime rules common
  • Pure finishing emphasis

IBJJF No-Gi / Grappling Industries / NAGA

  • Various hybrid formats
  • Point systems with modifications
  • Different time limits
  • Organization-specific rules

IBJJF Rules: Complete Breakdown​

Point Values​

Scoring positions must be held for 3 seconds to count

PositionPointsRequirements
Takedown2 pointsEstablish top position in guard or better
Sweep2 pointsFrom bottom to top (must reverse opponent's position)
Knee on Belly2 pointsKnee pressure on torso, support leg on ground
Guard Pass3 pointsMove from inside guard to side control/mount/back
Mount4 pointsChest-to-chest control on opponent's torso
Back Control4 pointsTwo hooks in + seatbelt/rear control

Advantages​

Advantages are tiebreakers, not points

You receive advantages when:

  • Nearly completing a submission
  • Almost securing a scored position
  • Opponent fleeing the mat to avoid position
  • Clear offensive action that doesn't result in points

Strategic note: Advantages only matter if the score is tied. Don't chase advantages when losing on points.

Penalties​

Progressive penalty system:

Penalty LevelEffect
First penaltyWarning
Second penaltyAdvantage to opponent
Third penalty2 points to opponent
Fourth penaltyDisqualification

Common penalties:

  • Stalling (most common)
  • Leaving the mat to avoid action
  • Illegal techniques for belt level
  • Dangerous or unsportsmanlike conduct

Time Limits by Division​

Gi Competition:

DivisionTime
White Belt5 minutes
Blue Belt6 minutes
Purple Belt7 minutes
Brown Belt8 minutes
Black Belt10 minutes

No-Gi Competition:

  • Typically 1 minute shorter per belt level
  • Check specific tournament rules

Belt-Specific Technique Restrictions​

White Belt Legal Techniques:

  • Straight foot locks (ankle locks)
  • Basic chokes and armbars
  • Kimura, Americana
  • Most basic submissions

White Belt Illegal:

  • Heel hooks
  • Knee bars (except adults 18+)
  • Bicep slicers
  • Calf slicers
  • Wrist locks
  • Neck cranks without choke
  • Slams

Blue Belt Additional Legal:

  • Knee bars (adults)
  • Toe holds
  • Bicep slicers (adults)

Purple Belt Additional Legal:

  • Calf slicers
  • Wrist locks

Brown/Black Belt:

  • All techniques legal (gi rules)
  • Heel hooks only in no-gi

Strategic impact: Belt restrictions shape training focus and competition strategy. Lower belts emphasize position over leg attacks.

IBJJF Strategic Considerations​

Opening strategy:

  • First takedown or sweep = 2 points and psychological advantage
  • Guard pull to avoid takedown risk (0 points either way)
  • Pulling guard to your A-game is valid strategy

Point accumulation strategy:

  • Takedown (2) → Pass (3) → Mount (4) = 9 points (nearly insurmountable)
  • Even modest point leads are defensible with good positioning
  • Stabilize positions for 3 seconds before advancing

Closing strategy when ahead:

  • Maintain position
  • Force opponent to make mistakes
  • Avoid submission attempts that risk losing position
  • Run out clock from dominant positions

Closing strategy when behind:

  • Take submission risks
  • Force scrambles if behind on points
  • Advantages mean nothing if you're down on points
  • Must create action and opportunities

ADCC Rules: Submission-First Hybrid​

Format Structure​

Two-phase match:

  • First half: No points, submission only
  • Second half: Points activated
  • Overtime: 20-minute sudden death (submission only)

Time Splits​

Regular Divisions:

  • 10 minutes total (5 min no points + 5 min with points)

Absolute/Superfights:

  • 20 minutes total (10 min + 10 min)

Point Values​

Points only count in second half:

PositionPoints
Takedown2 points
Guard pass3 points
Mount2 points
Back control3 points
Clean sweep2 points

Note: No knee-on-belly points in ADCC

Negative Points (Penalties)​

Pulling guard: -1 point (discourages passive guard pulling)

Strategic impact: Must be aggressive from standing or accept penalty

Strategic Considerations​

First half strategy (no points):

  • Maximum aggression for submissions
  • No defensive point-fighting
  • Can pull guard without immediate penalty
  • Take submission risks without position cost

Second half strategy (points active):

  • If ahead on negative points, can play for position
  • If behind, must continue submission hunting
  • Guard pass (3) + mount (2) + back (3) = 8 points
  • Point accumulation matters for strategy

When to pull guard:

  • Accept -1 point if it gets you to your A-game
  • Don't pull guard just to avoid wrestling if you have no guard game
  • Calculate: Is your guard game worth more than 1 point deficit?

Overtime strategy:

  • Pure submission only
  • Unlimited time (until submission)
  • Endurance and mental toughness critical

Technique Differences from IBJJF​

More permissive:

  • Heel hooks legal at all levels (in no-gi)
  • Leg locks emphasized
  • Fewer restrictions overall
  • Slams allowed in some situations

Submission-Only Formats​

Basic Structure​

Core principle: No points, no advantages

Outcomes:

  • Submission = Win
  • Time expires = Draw (or overtime)
  • Disqualification = Loss

Time Variations​

10-minute matches (most common)

  • Focus on finishing
  • Limited time for setups
  • Action-oriented pace

15-20 minute matches (professional)

  • More strategic development
  • Time for position building
  • Endurance matters

No time limit (rare)

  • Ultimate test of will
  • Requires supreme conditioning
  • Mental warfare component

Overtime Rules: EBI (Eddie Bravo Invitational)​

Structure:

Round 1: Alternating position starts

  • Competitor A starts in spiderweb (armbar position)
  • Competitor B starts in back control with hooks
  • Fastest submission or escape wins

Round 2: Switch positions if no winner

Rounds continue: Until someone wins their offensive round

Strategic elements:

  • Must be proficient from both offense and defense
  • Position specialization extremely valuable
  • Escape ability as important as submission skill

Strategic Considerations​

No points = Different strategy:

  • Position advancement doesn't matter unless it leads to submission
  • Can stay in "losing" positions if you're defending submissions
  • Submission attempts are only goal
  • Stalling becomes subjective (referee discretion)

Aggression requirement:

  • Must actively hunt submissions
  • Passive play can draw referee penalties
  • Action-oriented approach rewarded

Training implications:

  • Emphasize submission finishing
  • Less focus on position point values
  • More focus on dangerous positions (leg locks, back control, mount)
  • Submission defense becomes critical

Comparative Strategy: Choosing Your Format​

IBJJF (Point-Based)​

Best for:

  • Position-oriented players
  • Systematic pressure passers
  • Control specialists
  • Strategic point accumulators

Training focus:

  • Position advancement chains
  • Guard passing systems
  • Control maintenance
  • Point-scoring awareness

Competition mindset:

  • Chess match with clear scoring
  • Position before submission
  • Calculated risk management
  • Time and score awareness

ADCC (Hybrid)​

Best for:

  • Well-rounded competitors
  • Aggressive submission hunters
  • Wrestlers with submission skills
  • Adaptable game planners

Training focus:

  • Submission finishing
  • Wrestling and takedowns
  • Guard passing
  • First-half aggression

Competition mindset:

  • Two distinct match phases
  • Submission-first mentality early
  • Strategic point accumulation late
  • Calculated guard pulling

Submission-Only​

Best for:

  • Pure submission specialists
  • Leg lock players
  • Back take specialists
  • High-endurance athletes

Training focus:

  • Submission finishing rate
  • Dangerous position development
  • Submission defense
  • Overtime scenarios (back/armbar)

Competition mindset:

  • Hunt for finish relentlessly
  • Position only matters for submissions
  • No safety in point leads
  • Mental toughness for long matches

Rule-Specific Game Planning​

For IBJJF Competition​

Pre-match planning:

  • Know your point-scoring path
  • Calculate minimum points needed
  • Plan position advancement sequence
  • Understand advantage system

Opening (0-60 seconds):

  • Secure takedown OR pull to best guard
  • Establish grip fighting immediately
  • Set your pace

Middle game:

  • Accumulate points systematically
  • Stabilize 3 seconds before advancing
  • Force opponent to make mistakes

Closing (final 2 minutes):

  • If ahead: Maintain, don't risk
  • If behind: Calculated aggression
  • If tied: Create advantages

Key positions for points:

  • Takedown → Pass → Mount = 9 points
  • Sweep → Pass → Mount = 9 points
  • Guard pass alone = 3 points (valuable)

For ADCC Competition​

Pre-match planning:

  • Develop takedown or accept -1 guard pull
  • First-half submission focus
  • Second-half point awareness
  • Overtime position preparation

First half (no points):

  • Maximum submission aggression
  • Take risks without position cost
  • Pull guard if it's your A-game (-1 acceptable)
  • Create submission opportunities

Second half (points active):

  • If behind on negatives, score points
  • If ahead, can submission hunt or control
  • Pass → Back = 6 points (huge)

Overtime preparation:

  • Practice spiderweb attacks and escapes
  • Practice back attacks and escapes
  • Develop these as specialties

For Submission-Only​

Pre-match planning:

  • Identify highest-% submissions in your game
  • Prepare for long match duration
  • Mental preparation for draw possibility
  • Practice EBI position starts if applicable

Match strategy:

  • Hunt submissions from bell
  • Positions only matter for submission setup
  • Don't rest in "safe" positions
  • Pressure and aggression throughout

Overtime strategy:

  • Specialize in back attacks or armbars
  • Escape proficiency critical
  • Mental toughness - stay calm under pressure

Belt-Level Strategic Adjustments​

White Belt​

Focus: Understand basic rules, don't worry about complex strategy

Key rules:

  • Learn point values
  • Know illegal techniques
  • Understand match time
  • Focus on not getting penalized

Strategy: Execute fundamentals, follow game plan

Blue Belt​

Focus: Strategic point accumulation and rule exploitation

Key rules:

  • Advantage system understanding
  • Penalty awareness
  • Technique restrictions
  • Time management basics

Strategy: Score points early, maintain leads, force opponents into mistakes

Purple Belt​

Focus: Advanced tactical play within rules

Key rules:

  • Deep advantage strategy
  • Rule variations between organizations
  • Referee interpretation awareness
  • Overtime procedures

Strategy: Opponent-specific rule exploitation, calculated risk-taking, closing strategies

Brown/Black Belt​

Focus: Complete rule mastery and exploitation

Key rules:

  • All technique restrictions lifted (gi)
  • Complete rule set knowledge
  • Organizational differences
  • Strategic penalty drawing

Strategy: Opponent-specific tactics, rule-based meta-gaming, complete strategic control

Preparing for Different Rulesets​

Training Adjustments​

For IBJJF competition:

  • Practice 3-second position holds
  • Time-based drilling rounds
  • Point-scoring sequences
  • Competition-pace sparring with scoring

For ADCC competition:

  • 5-minute submission-only rounds (first half sim)
  • 5-minute point-scoring rounds (second half sim)
  • Takedown emphasis
  • Overtime position drilling

For Submission-Only:

  • 10-15 minute submission-only rounds
  • Submission finishing rates
  • EBI position drilling
  • Endurance conditioning

Mental Preparation​

Know your ruleset completely:

  • Read official rules
  • Watch competition footage
  • Understand referee tendencies
  • Prepare for specific scenarios

Visualize rule-specific scenarios:

  • Up by advantages, time running out
  • Down by points, need submission
  • Overtime situation
  • Penalty situation management

Common Rules Misconceptions​

Myth: Advantages are points

  • Reality: Only matter as tiebreaker

Myth: All takedowns are 2 points

  • Reality: Must establish top position in guard or better

Myth: You can't pull guard in ADCC

  • Reality: You can, but it's -1 point

Myth: Submission-only means no strategy

  • Reality: Still requires strategic submission hunting and defense

Myth: Referee decisions are random

  • Reality: Understand tendencies and adapt

Connecting to Competition Strategy​

Rule knowledge integrates with:

Strategy & Planning​

Technical Systems​

Concepts​