Rulesets & Competition Prep

The ADCC scoring system is unique compared to traditional BJJ competitions. Matches are split int...

ADCC emphasizes submissions above all else, with its rules designed to discourage stalling and en...

In IBJJF tournaments, matches may not always end in submissions or clear point differences. To ac...

BJJ competitions are divided into age brackets to ensure fair and safe matchups. Youth divisions ...

First-time competitors often make avoidable errors such as neglecting warm-ups, forgetting essent...

Competitors are separated by belt rank to ensure fair competition among athletes of similar exper...

While coaches are essential for guidance and motivation, most rule sets limit their interaction d...

Major rule sets prohibit actions that endanger competitors, such as slamming, striking, or applyi...

Preparation is essential for tournament success. Competitors should pack their gi (or no-gi gear)...

Disqualifications occur when athletes commit serious fouls such as intentional injury, striking, ...

Earning double gold refers to winning both an athlete’s weight division and the open weight (abso...

The Eddie Bravo Invitational introduced overtime rules that start athletes in submission-dominant...

Flying armbars, triangles, and other aerial submissions are crowd favorites but come with safety ...

Before a gi competition begins, referees inspect uniforms for size, cleanliness, and condition. S...

While the fundamentals of scoring are similar, gi and no-gi competitions differ significantly in ...

In the heat of competition, disagreements over points, advantages, or penalties may arise. Most o...

Heel hooks, while highly effective, are considered dangerous due to the torque placed on the knee...

The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) governs the world’s largest circuit of g...

When an athlete is injured during a match, referees call for medical attention and stop the clock...

Jumping guard—leaping into a guard position from standing—is legal in some organizations but bann...

Knee reaping occurs when an athlete’s leg crosses their opponent’s hip line from the outside, for...

The leg reap ban in gi competition exists primarily to protect knee health. When an outside leg c...

Advantage points can decide matches when scores are tied. Learning how referees award advantages—...

Most no-gi competitions require athletes to wear rash guards, shorts without pockets, and spats w...

The week before a competition is critical for fueling performance while managing weight. Athletes...

Stalling is one of the most common penalties in BJJ competition. Referees look for inactivity, re...

In most Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions, points are awarded for achieving dominant positions or ...

After a tournament, recovery is essential to repair the body and reset the mind. Stretching, ligh...

First-time competitors often face nerves and uncertainty. Preparation should include conditioning...

Mental preparation is just as important as physical training. Visualization, breathing exercises,...

Each major grappling organization has distinct rules. IBJJF emphasizes positional scoring and saf...

Slamming is generally prohibited in gi and no-gi competitions due to the danger of serious injury...

In submission-only events, victory is achieved only by forcing an opponent to tap out or via refe...

When matches end tied on points and advantages, referees may use tie-breaking criteria. This can ...

Most tournaments use single-elimination brackets, with athletes paired based on weight, rank, and...

Mat etiquette in competition ensures safety and respect. Athletes should bow or acknowledge refer...

Overtime formats vary between organizations. The EBI system, for instance, places athletes in sub...

Sudden death rounds occur when no winner is determined after regulation and overtime. The next po...

A technical submission is declared when a referee stops the match to protect an athlete from seri...

Most organizations regulate gi and belt colors. IBJJF, for example, only allows white, blue, or b...

Warming up before matches boosts performance and prevents injury. Drills like shrimping, guard re...

Weigh-ins vary depending on the event. Some organizations, like IBJJF, require athletes to weigh ...

Weight cutting is common but must be done safely. Many athletes reduce water retention, manage di...

Wristlocks are legal in some competitions but restricted in others, often depending on rank. For ...