IBJJF Rules: Complete Guide to BJJ Competition Rules

Points System and Scoring

IBJJF awards points for positional control and advancement. A takedown or throw to guard earns 2 points. A sweep from the bottom scores 2 points when the athlete achieves a top position and holds it for three seconds. Knee-on-belly holds score 2 points after a three-second stabilization. Mount and back control with hooks each earn 4 points — the highest positional scores in the ruleset. Passing the guard scores 3 points after a three-second hold in side control, north-south, or any stabilized top position. Points are only awarded once per position per sequence; you must return to neutral or advance further to score again. In the event of a tie, the athlete with more advantages wins; if still tied, the referee's decision based on aggressiveness and guard pulling behavior determines the outcome.

Illegal Techniques by Division

Technique legality in IBJJF varies by belt and age. White belts cannot attack heel hooks, knee reaping, or any spinal locks. Blue and purple belts gain access to straight foot locks but still cannot reap the knee. Brown and black belts unlock heel hooks in no-gi only; in gi they remain illegal at all levels. Slams, neck cranks, and any technique deemed potentially dangerous by the referee are prohibited at all levels.

• Heel hooks: gi competition only — illegal at all belts
• Knee reaping: illegal below brown/black no-gi
• Slam defense escapes: always illegal regardless of belt

Advantages, Penalties, and Referee Decisions

Advantages are scored when an athlete nearly completes a scoring action — a near sweep, near pass, or submission attempt that forces a defensive reaction. They serve as tiebreakers when points are equal. Penalties (called 'fouls') are given for stalling, fleeing the mat, pulling guard without attempting a takedown within 20 seconds, and unsportsmanlike conduct. Two penalties equal one advantage for the opponent; four fouls result in disqualification. Understanding how referees interpret stalling versus strategic positioning is crucial; active guard work, consistent submission hunting, and visible attempts to pass all demonstrate aggression and reduce penalty risk.