BJJ rules

This page shows how a BJJ match is won, in the order the referee checks. Each part links to a page with the full table.

How a match is won

There are two ways to win. You make the other person tap, or you have the better score when the time runs out.

Submission: a tap ends the match, whatever the score.
Points: if time runs out, the player with more points wins.
Advantages: if the points are equal, more advantages wins.
Penalties: if advantages are also equal, fewer penalties wins.
Referee decision: if everything is equal, the referee decides.

A submission is a choke or a joint lock. Your opponent taps twice with a hand, or with a foot if their arms are trapped. They can also say they want to stop. The referee can also stop the match.

How you score points

You score points when you reach a better position and hold it for 3 seconds. See the full list in the BJJ points table.

IBJJF points. Each position must be held for 3 seconds.
Action	Points
Takedown	2
Sweep	2
Knee on belly	2
Guard pass	3
Mount	4
Back control	4

Example

A match on points

You pass the guard and hold side control for 3 seconds. You get 3 points. Your opponent gets nothing. The time runs out and you win 3 to 0.

The other rules pages

Advantages and penalties: the tiebreakers and the fouls.
Match length: how many minutes a match lasts at each belt.
Weight classes: the gi and no-gi weight limits, and the weigh-in.
Belt requirements: minimum ages and times for each belt.
Uniform rules: what you may wear in the gi and in no-gi.
Illegal moves table: what you may not do at each belt.

Try itPick an answer. No sign-in needed.

You lose 0 to 7 on points. With one minute left, you finish a choke and your opponent taps. Who wins?

Train it on the Path

The How a match works unit turns this into short lessons: you see a position and pick the best move.

The Path goes in order: start free from lesson one and you reach How a match works on the way. With Rolla Plus you can jump straight here.

Start free Jump here with Plus