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Mat etiquette in competition ensures safety and respect. Athletes should bow or acknowledge referees, shake hands with opponents, and follow commands promptly. Unsportsmanlike conduct can lead to penalties or disqualification. Respecting etiquette reflects pr...

Overtime formats vary between organizations. The EBI system, for instance, places athletes in submission positions like back control or armbar setups, while other events use sudden death rules where the first to score wins. Competitors should train specifical...

Sudden death rounds occur when no winner is determined after regulation and overtime. The next point, sweep, or dominant position often decides the outcome. These rounds demand sharp focus and immediate engagement. Athletes must be prepared to seize any small...

A technical submission is declared when a referee stops the match to protect an athlete from serious injury, even if they haven’t tapped. Examples include an unconscious opponent in a choke or a locked joint in clear danger. This rule ensures safety, but it a...

Most organizations regulate gi and belt colors. IBJJF, for example, only allows white, blue, or black gis in competition, with belts matching the athlete’s rank. Rash guards in no-gi divisions often require rank-colored markings. Competitors should double-che...

Warming up before matches boosts performance and prevents injury. Drills like shrimping, guard retention movements, and grip-fighting can activate the body, while dynamic stretching prepares muscles for explosive action. A proper warm-up should also include m...

Weigh-ins vary depending on the event. Some organizations, like IBJJF, require athletes to weigh in immediately before their match while wearing the gi. Others allow earlier weigh-ins without the gi. Being prepared for the weigh-in process avoids stress and e...

Weight cutting is common but must be done safely. Many athletes reduce water retention, manage diet, and taper training intensity to hit their target weight. Extreme cuts, however, can be dangerous and harm performance. The most successful cuts are gradual an...

Wristlocks are legal in some competitions but restricted in others, often depending on rank. For example, IBJJF permits wristlocks from blue belt upward in gi competition, while some no-gi events allow them at all levels. Competitors should confirm whether wr...

A guard position where both opponents’ legs are intertwined symmetrically, creating a neutral setup. From here, athletes battle for sweeps, leg locks, or positional control. While versatile, it can also lead to stalling if neither competitor advances.

An elite submission grappling organization known for its no-gi world championships. The ADCC ruleset emphasizes submissions, wrestling, and leg locks, making it one of the most prestigious and challenging competitions in the sport.

The act of shifting position to create an advantageous angle for attacks such as sweeps, passes, or submissions. Angle creation reduces an opponent’s defensive strength and opens opportunities for leverage-based techniques.

A technique where the opponent’s arm is pulled across the body to disrupt balance and expose their back or hips. It’s a staple movement in both gi and no-gi, often combined with takedowns or guard transitions.

A choke where the opponent’s arm is trapped against their own neck while your arm applies pressure from the opposite side. Variations include finishing from mount, side control, or half guard. The choke compresses the carotid arteries, leading to a blood choke...

A direct application of the arm drag where the movement is extended into a back take. This transition capitalizes on the opponent’s compromised posture to secure dominant control.

A joint lock targeting the elbow, applied when in mount position. The attacker isolates one of the opponent’s arms, swings a leg over their head, and applies hip pressure to hyperextend the joint. This is a classic and high-percentage submission.

The ability to maintain a stable posture and balance, preventing sweeps or takedowns. Strong base maintenance relies on weight distribution, foot positioning, and posture awareness, making it essential for both offense and defense.

A formal event where practitioners are awarded new ranks. These ceremonies often include demonstrations, speeches, or traditional practices such as gauntlets, though customs vary between academies.

The highest commonly recognized rank in BJJ, representing deep technical knowledge, teaching ability, and years of training. While it signifies mastery, many practitioners see black belt as the beginning of a new stage of learning.

The second adult rank in BJJ, typically marking the transition from beginner to intermediate skill. Blue belts demonstrate solid knowledge of fundamental positions, escapes, and basic submissions, and often begin developing a personal game.