ADCC

Abu Dhabi Combat Club World Championship

No-GiTournamentRotates globally (Las Vegas common for World Championship)World Championship every 2 years; regional trials throughout year

The most prestigious no-gi submission grappling tournament in the world. Known as the 'Olympics of Grappling', ADCC attracts elite grapplers from BJJ, wrestling, judo, and sambo backgrounds.

Official Website

Match Format

Match Duration

10 minutes (first half no points), then 5 min overtime if tied

Overtime

5 minutes with points from start; if still tied, referee decision or sudden death

Point System

2 points (clean) or 1 point (to guard)

Takedown

Sweep

Guard Pass

Mount

Back

KOB

Instant win

Submission

Advantages: No

Submission Rules

Heel Hooks

Reaping

Legal Submissions

•All chokes
•All arm locks
•All leg locks including heel hooks
•Knee reaping
•Twisting leg locks
•Wrist locks
•Neck cranks
•Calf slicers
•Bicep slicers

Banned Submissions

•Full nelson
•Scissor takedown (flying scissors)
•Slamming from guard (some exceptions)
•Neck cranks without choke (in some interpretations)

Slam Rules

Slams allowed in most situations except from closed guard above hip level

Important Notes

First 5 minutes are submission-only (no points scored)
Points only begin in second half of regulation
Guard pulling gives opponent 1 point if they have none
No gi grips on clothing allowed

Divisions

Absolute (Open Weight)No limit

Notable Features

Submission-only first half encourages aggressive grappling
Heel hooks and reaping legal at all levels
Invitation/qualification system ensures elite competition
Superfight champions often featured

Pro Tips

💡Cardio is crucial - matches are long with overtime
💡Train extensively with heel hooks (legal here)
💡Practice wrestling - guard pulling is penalized
💡Study the point timing - first half is submission only

Registration

Must qualify through ADCC Trials or receive invitation