IBJJF Rules Guide
Understanding IBJJF Points, Advantages, and Penalties
IBJJF tournaments are the gold standard of BJJ competition. Understanding the rules—really understanding them—can be the difference between winning and losing. Here's everything you need to know about how IBJJF scoring works.
🎯Points Breakdown
Points are the primary scoring method in IBJJF. Submissions end the match immediately; otherwise, points determine the winner.
- •Takedown: 2 points (must end in a dominant or neutral position)
- •Sweep: 2 points (reversing from guard to top position)
- •Knee on Belly: 2 points (3 seconds with opponent on their back)
- •Guard Pass: 3 points (passing to side control, mount, back, etc.)
- •Mount: 4 points (full mount or back mount)
- •Back Control: 4 points (both hooks in or body triangle)
- •Back Mount: 4 points (controlling opponent from behind)
đź“ŠAdvantages
Advantages are tiebreakers. If points are tied, the athlete with more advantages wins. They're awarded for near-successes.
- •Almost completing a sweep
- •Almost passing the guard
- •Almost completing a submission
- •Almost achieving any point-scoring position
- •The key word is "almost"—genuine attempts that nearly succeed
⚠️Penalties
Penalties are given for rule violations. Two penalties equal one advantage for your opponent. Four penalties equal disqualification.
- •Stalling (not engaging, holding position without attacking)
- •Grabbing inside the sleeve or pants
- •Running out of bounds to escape
- •Talking to the referee
- •Pulling guard while gripping below the belt
đźš«Illegal Techniques by Belt
Different techniques are legal at different belt levels. Know what you CAN and CANNOT do at your rank.
- •WHITE: No heel hooks, no knee reaping, no slicers, no can openers, no scissor takedowns
- •BLUE: Same as white belt
- •PURPLE: Bicep slicers allowed, kneebars allowed
- •BROWN/BLACK: All leg locks except heel hooks (gi), heel hooks allowed (no-gi at advanced divisions)
- •Note: Specific rules may vary—always check current IBJJF rulebook
⏱️Match Duration
Match length varies by belt level and age group.
- •White Belt: 5 minutes
- •Blue Belt: 6 minutes
- •Purple Belt: 7 minutes
- •Brown Belt: 8 minutes
- •Black Belt: 10 minutes
- •Finals may be longer at Black Belt level
🔄The 50/50 Rule
In positions where both competitors have similar position (like 50/50 or certain guard situations), the last person to achieve position scores.
- •If you sweep to 50/50, you don't score points
- •If your opponent then sweeps, they score 2
- •Activity matters in these positions
- •Being passive in 50/50 can result in penalties
⚠️Common Mistakes to Avoid
Thinking you scored points before you actually did
Points require stabilization (usually 3 seconds). Getting to mount means nothing if you get reversed before it's stabilized.
Not understanding advantage situations
Advantages are for attempts, not positions. Just being in a position doesn't earn advantages—attempting to advance or submit does.
Getting DQ'd for illegal techniques
Know exactly what's illegal at your belt. A heel hook attempt at white belt is an automatic disqualification.
Assuming the ref saw what you saw
Refs are human. If you score but don't get points, keep competing. Don't argue mid-match. You can protest officially after.
đź’ˇMental Tips
- ✦Knowing the rules well is a competitive advantage
- ✦Use the rules strategically—knowing what scores can shape your game plan
- ✦Stay active to avoid stalling penalties, especially in close matches
- ✦Don't rely on refs—dominate so clearly that points don't matter
- ✦In a close match, advantages matter. Every attempt counts.
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