There are a lot of things to consider when you sign up to compete in a tournament. You need to make weight for your division, you need to be physically fit enough to compete, and you need to have at least 6 months of training knowledge and skill. But you also have to understand the rules. Otherwise, you may get penalized or even disqualified for doing something you didn’t know was illegal. Here are the basics of a standard jiu-jitsu competition.
The BJJ Points System (IBJJF Rules)
In jiu-jitsu there is an hierarchy of positions to score points with:
THROW/TAKEDOWN OR SWEEP = 2 POINTS
PASS GUARD = 3 POINTS
KNEE ON BELLY = 2 POINTS
MOUNT = 4 POINTS
BACK MOUNT = 4 POINTS
LEGAL SUBMISSION = AUTOMATIC WIN
In order to get the points, you need to actually end up in a very specific position. For example, if you sweep someone, you have to end up on top and keep the other person on the bottom for 3 seconds. The 3-second rule actually applies all over whether you pass guard, get to knee on belly, mount or back, you need to keep your opponent there for 3 seconds. When you find yourself in back control, you need both leg hooks in to get all 4 points.
In the cases where you pull off any of the above, but you can’t complete the 3-second rule, you get an advantage instead of points. You can also get advantages for submission attempts. If there are no points at the end of a match, advantages can decide the outcome. However, even a single point is worth more than a hundred advantages.
Penalties and Disqualifications
Before you even step on the mat, you have to pass some tests. One is making weight. If you don’t weigh the right weight for your division (ADULTS mostly.. some tournaments allow leeway for children), then your day ends there. Also, your kimono or nogi gear itself will be examined. If your gi (kimono) is not blue, white or black, you need to replace it. If it’s torn or has embroidery in the wrong place, you need to replace it. If it fits like a scuba-diving suit, you need to replace it. If you can’t, you are disqualified. Trim your nails as hygiene is very important. No visible skin rashes, especially ring worm and staph infections.
KNOW YOUR SUBMISSIONS FOR YOUR DIVISION. If you use an illegal submission that is not allowed for your age division or belt division, you are automatically disqualified. Please make sure you know what submissions are allowed based on the organization you would be participating in. (JJIF, ADCC, NAGA, GRAPPLING INDUSTRIES, ETC..) Below is a list of submissions in IBJJF you are allowed based on age and belt level.
NO SLAMMING or SPIKING. If you get stuck in an armbar or triangle, do not pickup your opponent and slam them on the floor. Also do not pickup a person and spike their head on the floor. Both maneuvers would result in an instant disqualification.
NOT ALL THROWS/TAKEDOWNS ARE LEGAL. Certain throws that work in MMA, wrestling and judo just aren’t allowed in BJJ competition. Some of the problematical takedowns include the flying scissor throw (aka kani basami), and suplexes that result in your opponent’s head hitting the ground.
DO NOT TALK TO REFEREE especially DO NOT CURSE or CUSS. Saying an expletive can garner you a penalty or a disqualification. You may point at an issue such as illegal grip or point out if someone is bleeding or if you receive an eye poke or such.
YOU CAN'T LEAVE THE MATS WHEN YOUR IN A SUBMISSION. A while ago, at the World Championships, Abraham Marte got caught in a triangle by Rodrigo Cavaca. Quite calmly, he just picked him up and walked off the mat. Then he got DQ’d as that is illegal. If you go off the mat accidentally while escaping from your opponent’s submission, that’s different. Then they get 2 points and the match is restarted standing but you can’t go off the mat while in a submission hold and expect the referee to rescue you.
NO "REAPING" AN OPPONENTS LEG. Bending your opponent’s leg inwards is a no-no under IBJJF rules as it attacks the knee in the same way as a heel hook which is another very illegal move. So, if you are going to attack your opponent’s leg, make sure it is straight or bent outwards, but don’t bend it inwards. Also, don’t push your opponent’s feet to make them look like they are reaping your leg. That’s illegal too.
NO STALLING UNLESS YOU HAVE THE MOUNT OR BACK MOUNT. The only positions where you can hold indefinitely are mount and back mount. Other positions require you to progress ultimately to get to these 2 positions. If you are on top positions other than a mount, you have 20 seconds to attempt a submission or a progressive movement into a superior position.
There are other rules that you may need to know, but these should be enough to start you on your journey to compete. But why should you compete? Competing teaches you about yourself. Entering a competition gives you something to train for. Competing allows you to set goals for yourself and then gives you a deadline to accomplish those goals. And yes, sometimes you fail. Failing gives you the opportunity to work on your flaws and mistakes and to try again to become better.
If you want to compete, its best that you speak to your professor or coach first and let them help you prepare for it.
OSS.
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