Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) competitions can vary widely in how matches are scored, depending on the organization hosting the event. The three most commonly referenced rulesets are those of local tournaments, the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF), and the Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC). Understanding these differences is crucial for competitors and enthusiasts alike.

Local Tournaments

Local tournaments often use simplified rulesets to accommodate varying levels of experience and ensure smooth event management. Here's a basic overview of how scoring typically works:

• Points for Positions and Actions:

  • Takedown: 2 points

  • Sweep: 2 points

  • Guard Pass: 3 points

  • Mount Position: 4 points

  • Back Control: 4 points

• Advantages and Penalties:

  • Advantages: Awarded for near-completions of a scoring move or submission. These can be crucial in close matches.

  • Penalties: Issued for stalling, illegal grips, or other rule infractions. Accumulating penalties can result in disqualification. Each division abides to their own rules, for example white and blue belt division have several submission that are illegal, such as heel hooks, but are oftentimes legal in purple, brown, and black divisions. Kids and adults divisions also have a different set of rules.

Local tournaments may also have variations in these rules, so it's important for competitors to familiarize themselves with the specific guidelines of the event they are participating in.

IBJJF Ruleset

The IBJJF is one of the most widely recognized organizations in BJJ, and its ruleset is often considered the standard. The IBJJF rules are more detailed and specific compared to local tournaments:

• Points for Positions and Actions:

  • Takedown: 2 points

  • Sweep: 2 points

  • Knee on Belly: 2 points

  • Guard Pass: 3 points

  • Mount Position: 4 points

  • Back Control (with two hooks): 4 points

• Advantages and Penalties:

  • Advantages: These are awarded for almost achieving a point-scoring position or a near submission. Advantages can decide the winner if the score is tied.

  • Penalties: Called "fouls," these include stalling, illegal grips, and other infractions. Three fouls result in disqualification.

• Additional Rules: IBJJF has specific rules regarding permissible techniques based on belt level and age. For example, certain leg locks are restricted for lower belts to prevent injury. Matches are often divided by age, weight, and belt rank to ensure fairness and safety.

The IBJJF also has strict rules regarding uniform, hygiene, and behavior, which are rigorously enforced during competitions.

ADCC Ruleset

The ADCC ruleset is designed for submission grappling and is known for promoting aggressive and submission-oriented gameplay. Here's how scoring typically works in ADCC:

• Points for Positions and Actions:

  • Takedown: 2 points (3 points if landing in a dominant position)

  • Sweep: 2 points

  • Knee on Belly: 2 points

  • Guard Pass: 3 points

  • Mount Position: 2 points

  • Back Control (with hooks): 3 points

• Submission Attempts:

  • No points are awarded for submission attempts, but aggressive attempts are encouraged and can influence referee decisions in case of a tie.

• Penalties:

  • Penalties are given for stalling and passivity. The first offense results in a warning, and subsequent offenses result in points being awarded to the opponent.

• Match Structure:

  • ADCC matches are unique in that they have a no-points period (usually the first half of the match) to encourage submission attempts without the concern for scoring. Points are only counted in the second half, making the gameplay dynamic and aggressive.

• Additional Rules: The ADCC allows for a broader range of techniques, including reaping the knee and heel hooks, which are often restricted in IBJJF competitions. This allows for a more varied and potentially dangerous set of techniques, favoring more experienced and skilled grapplers.

Key Differences

• Scoring Focus: Local tournaments and the IBJJF ruleset are more position-oriented, awarding points for achieving and maintaining dominant positions. The ADCC ruleset, however, emphasizes submission attempts and aggression. That said, a submission is an automatic win regardless of the ruleset.

• Match Dynamics: IBJJF matches tend to be more strategic, with competitors often playing for points and advantages. In contrast, ADCC matches encourage continuous action and submission attempts, especially during the no-points period.

• Penalties and Infractions: All three rulesets penalize stalling, but the severity and types of penalties can vary. ADCC is particularly strict on passivity, promoting a constant pace of action.

Conclusion

Understanding the different scoring systems in Jiu Jitsu is essential for competitors to develop effective strategies for each type of tournament. While local tournaments provide a great entry point, the IBJJF and ADCC offer more complex and varied challenges. Each ruleset has its nuances, and mastering them can significantly impact a competitor's success on the mat. Whether aiming for local glory or international titles, knowledge of these scoring systems is a vital part of any competitor's toolkit.

If you plan on competing in the future, make sure you take a deep dive into each tournaments ruleset so you can play the game effectively.

In The Practitioner’s Journal there is a ‘Competition’ page in the Catalog Section to record all of the details of the tournaments you’ve competed in — including division, weight class, ruleset, and takeaways — for you to use as a keepsake for your own Jiu Jitsu journey.