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BJJ Competitions

BJJ competitions are structured tournaments where you test your technique against opponents of similar weight and rank. Most events use either IBJJF or ADCC-style rules, with matches decided by submission, points, or advantages. Whether you are preparing for your first local tournament or researching rule sets before travelling to compete in Thailand, this hub covers everything you need to know.

Overview

How BJJ Competitions Work

A plain-language summary of formats, scoring, and what to expect on the day.

Most BJJ competitions separate competitors by belt rank, age, and weight division. You register in advance, weigh in on the day, and are placed into a bracket. Matches are typically held on mats arranged across a large sports hall, with multiple brackets running simultaneously.

The two dominant rule sets are those governed by the IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation) and the ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship format. IBJJF rules award points for positional control and are the standard at most gi tournaments. ADCC rules, used widely in no-gi submission grappling events, are submission-only for the first portion of the match before a points phase begins.

Local open tournaments in Thailand often use a simplified version of IBJJF rules and welcome competitors from all academies. For information on events in your region, see our Thailand competitions guide, which covers scheduled tournaments across the country.

Guides

Competition Guides

Rule sets, preparation advice, and everything before your first match.

IBJJF Rules

A complete breakdown of IBJJF scoring, legal and illegal techniques by belt level, weight divisions, and gi specifications.

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Your First Competition

Step-by-step preparation for first-time competitors: registration, weigh-ins, warm-up, what to bring, and how to handle nerves.

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ADCC Rules

How ADCC submission wrestling rules differ from IBJJF, including the points-free opening period, overtime, and permitted leg attacks.

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Competitions in Thailand

A region-by-region guide to finding BJJ tournaments in Thailand, from local opens in Chiang Mai to international events in Bangkok.

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Reference

IBJJF Adult Match Times by Belt

Standard regulation match durations under IBJJF rules. Overtime rules vary by event.

Belt Adult Match Time Masters Match Time Notes
White 5 minutes 4 minutes No heel hooks; no kneebars; no toe holds
Blue 6 minutes 5 minutes No heel hooks; no kneebars; no toe holds
Purple 6 minutes 5 minutes No heel hooks; no kneebars; toe holds permitted
Brown 7 minutes 6 minutes Kneebars and toe holds permitted; no heel hooks
Black 10 minutes 6 minutes All IBJJF-legal techniques permitted; no heel hooks

Source: IBJJF General Rules. Always check the current rulebook on the official IBJJF website before competing, as rules are updated periodically.

Scoring

IBJJF Points System

Points are awarded when a position is held for three seconds. Advantages act as tiebreakers.

Scoring Action Points Conditions
Takedown or throw to guard 2 Must take opponent to ground and establish top position
Sweep from guard 2 Athlete in guard reverses to top position
Knee on belly 2 Knee placed on opponent's torso with control; held 3 seconds
Guard pass 3 Full pass to side control, north-south, or similar; held 3 seconds
Mount 4 Both knees on ground, sitting on opponent's torso
Back control 4 Both hooks inserted or body triangle applied

Preparing for a BJJ Competition

Competition preparation starts well before registration. Talk to your instructor at least four to six weeks before the event. They can advise on whether your technique and mat time are at a suitable level, help you choose the right division, and work specific situations into drilling and sparring sessions.

Weight management is a practical consideration. Cutting large amounts of weight in the days before a tournament is not advisable, particularly for beginners. Choose a division that reflects your natural walk-around weight as closely as possible. Most Thai tournaments weigh competitors on the morning of the event, so factor travel and sleep into your preparation.

On the day, arrive early. Expect some waiting time between your weigh-in and your first match. Bring water, light food, and your gi or no-gi gear in good condition. Many competitors bring a spare gi to cover any last-minute equipment inspections.

Competition experience accelerates learning in ways that regular sparring does not. The pressure of an unfamiliar opponent, a time limit, and an audience reveals gaps in your game that you may not notice during training. Most practitioners who compete regularly report significant improvements in their mat performance over time. If competing in Thailand interests you, our Thailand competitions page has practical information on how to find and register for events around the country.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About BJJ Competitions

BJJ competitions are structured grappling events where practitioners test their technique against opponents of similar weight and belt rank. Matches are decided by submission, points, or advantages depending on the rule set used. The two most widely followed formats are IBJJF (gi and no-gi) and ADCC (submission wrestling).
IBJJF rules award points for positional control such as takedowns, sweeps, and back control, and use time limits with a points-based winner. ADCC rules are submission-only for the first half of the match, with points awarded only in overtime. ADCC also permits leg locks and heel hooks that are restricted in IBJJF competition.
Match length varies by belt level and organisation. Under IBJJF rules, white belt adults typically compete for five minutes, blue and purple belts for six minutes, brown belts for seven minutes, and black belts for ten minutes. ADCC uses eight-minute matches (six minutes for the under 66 kg and under 60 kg divisions), with overtime if no submission is secured.
Yes. White belt divisions are available at most local and regional BJJ tournaments. Many organisations further subdivide the white belt division into beginner (0 to 6 months) and intermediate (6 to 12 months) or novice categories so you compete against people at a similar stage.
IBJJF adult male weight divisions run from Rooster (up to 57.5 kg) through to Ultra Heavy (over 100.5 kg), with seven divisions in between. Female divisions range from Light Feather (up to 53.5 kg) to Super Heavy (over 79 kg). Exact division weights differ slightly between gi and no-gi events. Always check the specific event's registration page for current weight cuts.
For gi divisions, your gi must meet IBJJF specifications: uniform colour (white, blue, or black), correct sleeve and trouser length, and no tears or excessive patches. For no-gi divisions, competitors typically wear rash guards and board shorts or compression spats. Check the specific event rules, as local tournaments in Thailand may be more lenient on equipment.
It depends on the rule set and belt level. Under IBJJF rules, straight ankle locks are permitted for adults from white belt upward. Kneebars and toe holds are allowed from brown belt. Heel hooks are prohibited entirely under IBJJF rules. Under ADCC and many no-gi submission grappling rule sets, heel hooks are legal for adults.
Your gym is the best starting point; coaches and training partners will know about upcoming local and regional events. You can also check the IBJJF website for sanctioned events, follow Thai BJJ association social media pages, and read our Thailand competitions guide at cnxbjj.com/thailand/competitions/ for region-specific information.
Under IBJJF rules, points are awarded for achieving dominant positions: a takedown or throw to guard scores 2 points, a knee-on-belly position scores 2 points, a guard pass scores 3 points, a mount or back control scores 4 points, and a sweep scores 2 points. Advantages (near-submissions or near-position changes) are counted as tiebreakers if the score is level at the end of regulation.
Plan to arrive at least 60 to 90 minutes before your scheduled division. This allows time for weigh-ins (most events weigh competitors on the day), gi inspection, warm-up, and collecting your bracket information. Large tournaments can run late, but you risk disqualification if you miss your match, so it is always better to arrive early.
Under IBJJF rules, if points and advantages are tied at the end of regulation, the referee awards the match to the competitor who scored the last point or advantage. If neither competitor scored anything, the referee decides based on aggressiveness and overall performance. ADCC uses an overtime period where points can be scored from any position.

Next Steps

Ready to Step on the Mat?

Explore the detailed rule set guides, find out what to expect at your first tournament, or browse our Thailand competitions calendar to locate events near you.

First Competition Guide IBJJF Rules Explained