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IBJJF Rules Explained

Scoring, penalties, weight classes, and legal techniques for every belt level, drawn directly from the IBJJF General Rulebook.

Reviewed by CNX BJJ
Last updated: June 2026

Under IBJJF rules, a match is won by submission, by accumulating more points than your opponent at the final whistle, or by disqualification. Points are awarded for achieving and holding dominant positions for three seconds: mount and back control each score 4 points, a guard pass scores 3 points, and a takedown, sweep, or knee-on-belly each score 2 points. Advantages serve as a tiebreaker when points are level.

The IBJJF General Rulebook (published and periodically revised by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation) is the definitive reference. This guide summarises the core rules you need to understand before your first competition. For ADCC format differences, see our ADCC rules guide.

IBJJF Scoring System

Scoring positions require a three-second hold in the dominant position before points register on the scoreboard. Referees track points, advantages, and penalties independently throughout the match. A submission victory ends the match immediately regardless of the scoreboard.

IBJJF Point Values by Scoring Action
Scoring Action Points Key Conditions
Mount (full or technical) 4 Hips above opponent's hips, feet not hooked under legs (technical mount allowed)
Back control with hooks 4 Both hooks inserted or body triangle; chest to back preferred but both harnesses allowed
Guard pass 3 Move past opponent's guard to side control, north-south, knee-on-belly, mount, or back; hold 3 seconds
Takedown 2 Bring opponent to the ground from standing and establish top position for 3 seconds
Sweep 2 Reverse position from guard (bottom to top) and establish top control for 3 seconds
Knee-on-belly 2 Knee placed on opponent's torso, opposite foot posted on mat, opponent flat or turning away
Advantage Tiebreaker only Near-scoring position, submission attempt forcing defensive reaction, or near-sweep

Penalties and Infractions

Referees issue penalties (fouls) for a range of prohibited actions. Each penalty gives the opponent an advantage on the scoreboard. A competitor who accumulates four penalties in a single match is disqualified. Common reasons for a penalty include:

  • Stalling without attempting to improve position or attack
  • Stepping outside the competition area to avoid a submission or position
  • Pulling on fingers or toes in a non-submission grip
  • Slamming the opponent to escape a submission (this can also result in disqualification)
  • Incorrect or non-compliant uniform (wrong colour, missing patches, torn lapel)
  • Unsportsmanlike conduct toward the opponent, referees, or officials
  • Delaying the match restart after a pause called by the referee

A direct disqualification (without accumulating four penalties) can be issued for actions such as biting, striking, spiking the opponent headfirst, or deliberately applying an illegal technique after a warning.

Match Duration by Belt Level

Match length increases with experience level. The durations below apply to adult divisions; juvenile and Masters categories may differ. Always confirm match times on the specific tournament's registration page, as IBJJF can adjust formats for different events.

Standard IBJJF Adult Match Duration by Belt
Belt Match Duration (Adult)
White 5 minutes
Blue 6 minutes
Purple 7 minutes
Brown 8 minutes
Black 10 minutes

The IBJJF General Rulebook restricts certain submission types to higher belt levels, reflecting the experience required to apply them safely. The table below covers the key restrictions; always verify against the current rulebook before you compete, as IBJJF updates permitted techniques periodically.

IBJJF Technique Legality by Belt (Gi and No-Gi, Adult Divisions)
Technique White Blue Purple Brown / Black
Chokes (rear naked, guillotine, triangle, etc.) Legal Legal Legal Legal
Straight armbar Legal Legal Legal Legal
Shoulder locks (kimura, americana) Legal Legal Legal Legal
Straight ankle lock Legal Legal Legal Legal
Knee reap / inside heel hook (Gi) Banned Banned Banned Banned
Knee reap / inside heel hook (No-Gi) Banned Banned Banned Legal (brown/black)
Bicep slicer / calf slicer Banned Banned Legal Legal
Neck cranks (spine locks) Banned Banned Banned Banned (all levels)
Outside heel hook Banned Banned Banned Banned (all levels)

IBJJF Weight Classes

IBJJF uses separate weight divisions for male and female competitors and for Gi and No-Gi formats. The adult male Gi divisions are the most widely contested; female and Masters divisions use distinct category boundaries. Weigh-ins typically occur on the morning of competition. Confirm exact cut-off weights with the tournament organisers when you register, as small revisions do occur between rulebook editions.

IBJJF Adult Male Gi Weight Divisions
Division Weight Limit
Rooster Up to 57.5 kg
Light Feather Up to 64 kg
Feather Up to 70 kg
Light Up to 76 kg
Middle Up to 82.3 kg
Medium Heavy Up to 88.3 kg
Heavy Up to 94.3 kg
Super Heavy Up to 100.5 kg
Ultra Heavy Over 100.5 kg
Open Class No weight limit

IBJJF vs Other Rulesets

IBJJF is the dominant format for Gi competition worldwide and is widely used for No-Gi at beginner and intermediate levels. If you are preparing for your first competition in Thailand, it is the ruleset you are most likely to encounter.

The key difference between IBJJF and ADCC scoring is timing. IBJJF awards points for dominant positions from the opening second of the match. ADCC uses a negative-points phase in the first half of regulation, rewarding only attacks; points for positional control only become available in the second half. ADCC also permits a broader set of leg attacks at all experience levels. See our ADCC rules guide for a full breakdown.

If you are new to competition and unsure where to start, our first competition guide walks you through registration, weigh-in, warm-up, and the bracket format step by step.

Tiebreakers and Referee Decision

When regulation time expires with equal points on the scoreboard, the match is resolved in the following order:

  1. The competitor with more advantages wins.
  2. If advantages are also equal, the panel of three referees casts a majority vote based on overall technical superiority and aggression displayed throughout the match.

There is no sudden-death overtime in standard IBJJF bracket competition. Some IBJJF open formats or special events may use alternative tiebreaker rules; check the specific tournament regulations if tiebreakers are a concern for your division.

Uniform Requirements

IBJJF has detailed gi (kimono) specifications. Non-compliance can result in penalties or disqualification before the match begins. The key points to check before you compete:

  • Your gi must be white, blue, or black. Mixed-colour gis (e.g., a blue jacket with black trousers) are not permitted.
  • The gi must fit correctly: the jacket must reach the thighs and the sleeve must come to within 5 cm of the wrist when the arm is extended.
  • Your belt must be tied correctly in a flat, double knot, displaying your current rank. A fraying or damaged belt may be flagged.
  • Rash guards and compression shorts are permitted under the gi; they must be the same colour as the gi or white.
  • No-Gi competitors must wear approved shorts and a fitted rash guard. Shorts with pockets or hard/metallic parts are not permitted.
  • Patches and sponsor logos must comply with IBJJF placement guidelines; oversized or inappropriate patches can cause disqualification.

Frequently Asked Questions

A takedown is worth 2 points under IBJJF rules. The same value applies to sweeps from guard and the knee-on-belly position. Mount and back control each score 4 points, while a guard pass scores 3 points.
An advantage is awarded by the referee when a competitor comes close to scoring a point-worthy position but does not fully achieve it. For example, a near-pass that is reversed before stabilisation, or a submission attempt that forces a defensive reaction. Advantages are used as a tiebreaker when points are level at the end of regulation time.
A penalty (also called an infraction or falta) is issued for stalling, fleeing the mat, pulling on fingers, incorrect uniform, and other prohibited conduct. Penalties give the opponent an advantage. A competitor who receives four penalties in a single match is disqualified.
A guard pass scores 3 points. To be awarded, the top player must move from inside the opponent's guard to a dominant side position, knee-on-belly, mount, or back control, and then hold that position for three seconds. If the opponent recovers guard before three seconds elapse, no points are awarded.
At white belt, heel hooks, reaping the knee, neck cranks, calf slicers, bicep slicers, and most leg lock attacks beyond straight ankle locks are prohibited. Chokes and basic joint locks such as armbars, kimuras, americanas, and guillotines are permitted. Always confirm current restrictions with the official IBJJF General Rulebook before competing.
Under IBJJF rules, inside heel hooks become legal at brown and black belt for adult divisions in No-Gi competition. Outside heel hooks remain prohibited at all belt levels in IBJJF rulesets. Rules do change periodically, so always check the current IBJJF General Rulebook for the latest permitted techniques by division.
Match duration varies by belt level. White belt adult matches run for 5 minutes, blue belt for 6 minutes, purple belt for 7 minutes, brown belt for 8 minutes, and black belt for 10 minutes. Juvenile divisions typically run for 4 minutes. Masters divisions may have shorter match times depending on the tournament.
If points are level, the referee first looks at advantages. If advantages are also level, the referees vote on the winner based on who displayed more technical aggression throughout the match. There is no sudden-death overtime in standard IBJJF bracket competition, though some open formats use different tiebreaker rules.
The IBJJF adult male Gi weight divisions are: Rooster (up to 57.5 kg), Light Feather (up to 64 kg), Feather (up to 70 kg), Light (up to 76 kg), Middle (up to 82.3 kg), Medium Heavy (up to 88.3 kg), Heavy (up to 94.3 kg), Super Heavy (up to 100.5 kg), Ultra Heavy (over 100.5 kg), and Open Class (no weight limit). Female and Masters divisions have their own distinct weight categories.
IBJJF uses points for positional control from the first second of the match, with a 3-second stabilisation requirement. ADCC uses a negative points phase for the first half of regulation, where only submissions and near-submissions matter, followed by a positive points phase in the second half. ADCC also allows a wider range of leg attacks at all levels. For a full comparison, see our ADCC rules guide.
Yes. IBJJF-affiliated and IBJJF-format events are held across Southeast Asia and the broader Asia-Pacific region. Thailand also hosts domestically organised competitions that follow IBJJF rules closely. Check our competitions hub for a calendar of events relevant to Thailand-based practitioners.

Ready to Enter Your First Competition?

Understanding the rules is step one. Our first competition guide walks you through registration, weigh-in nerves, and what to expect on the day, whether you are competing in Chiang Mai, Bangkok, or anywhere in Thailand.

First Competition Guide