How a match works
This tutorial explains how a BJJ match is scored. It follows IBJJF rules, which many competitions use. Other organisations may differ.
What scores
| Action | Points |
|---|---|
| Takedown | 2 |
| Sweep | 2 |
| Knee on belly | 2 |
| Guard pass | 3 |
| Mount | 4 |
| Back control | 4 |
Every position must be held for 3 seconds before it scores. This is the 3-second rule.
Sweep or reversal
A sweep starts from guard or half guard. You come up on top and score 2. The same roll from under mount or side control is a reversal, and it scores nothing.
UpaRolling them over from under mount is a reversal: no points.
Hip Bump SweepComing up on top from closed guard is a sweep: 2 points.
A takedown must start from standing. From the knees it scores nothing.
You are under mount. You bridge and roll the other person over. That is a reversal: no points. Later you do the same roll from closed guard. Now it is a sweep: 2 points.
Hold it, then move on
A position does not keep scoring while you stay in it. Hold it for 3 seconds, then climb to the next one.
You land knee on belly and hold it for 3 seconds: 2 points. Then you slide your knee across to mount and hold it: 4 more points. That is 6 in total.
Loading 3D view
Hold knee on belly for 3 seconds, then slide your knee across to mount. Knee on Belly in the library ›
A submission ends the match, whatever the score. One tap beats any number of points.
Advantages and penalties
An advantage is given for a near score. Advantages are not added to the points. They only decide a match when the points are equal.
- First penalty: marked on the board.
- Second penalty: an advantage to the other person.
- Third penalty: 2 points to the other person.
- Fourth penalty: disqualification.
- Stalling (not trying to improve your position or attack) gets a penalty.
- Fingers inside the sleeve or pant leg get a penalty.
- A white belt who jumps to closed guard on a standing person gets a penalty.
Match time and who wins
| Belt | Adult match time |
|---|---|
| White | 5 minutes |
| Blue | 6 minutes |
| Purple | 7 minutes |
| Brown | 8 minutes |
| Black | 10 minutes |
- A submission ends the match at once.
- If time runs out, the higher score wins.
- If the points are equal, more advantages win.
- If still equal, fewer penalties win.
- If still equal, the referee decides.
Time runs out. You have 4 points and no advantages. The other person has 4 points and 2 advantages. Who wins?
Legal at white belt
Armbar, kimura, americana, omoplata (a shoulder lock done with the legs) and the common chokes are legal for white belts.
The straight ankle lock, with no twist, is the one leg lock white belts may use. Wrist locks start at blue belt.
See Before you roll for safety and the tap. The full list is in illegal moves by belt.
Train it on the Path
Reading is the first step. The How a match works unit has 5 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.