IBJJF Rules Explained for Beginners: How to Score Points and Win Matches

Are you new to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and struggling to understand the rules? Don't worry, we've got you covered! In this post, we'll break down the IBJJF rules in simple terms and explain how to score points and win matches. Plus, we'll highlight the illegal techniques you should avoid and provide a comprehensive list of legal and illegal techniques by age and belt level.

Scoring System: How to Score Points and Win Matches

In BJJ competitions, a competitor can win a match by submission, points, advantage, or referee's decision. But how do you score points? Here's a breakdown of the scoring system:

• Throws and/or takedowns: 2 points
• Knee on stomach: 2 points
• Changing position (Guard or Half-Guard to top): 2 points
• Passing the guard: 3 points
• Top mount position: 4 points
• Control from the back (Back mount and/or Back Grab): 4 points

Advantage: is determined by aggressiveness, submission attempts, takedown attempts, and superior positioning.

Match Durations: How Long are Matches?

The match duration varies by belt and age division. Here's a quick overview:

• Juvenile: 5 minutes
• Adult: 5-10 minutes
• Master I: 5-6 minutes
• Master II, III, IV, V: 5 minutes

Medals will be awarded to athletes achieving first, second, and third place in each division.

Illegal Techniques: What You Should Avoid

There are several techniques that are illegal in all divisions, including:

• NO heel hooks or twisting knee locks of any kind
• NO striking of any kind
• NO biting, hair pulling, or eye-gauging
• NO slamming of any kind
• NO cervical neck cranks 

Comprehensive List of Legal and Illegal Techniques by Age and Belt Level

To make it easier for you to understand, we've compiled a comprehensive list of legal and illegal techniques by age and belt level. Here are some highlights:

• Juvenile: Straight Ankle Locks are permitted, but scissor takedowns, heel hooks, and biceps locks are not allowed.
• Adult: Wrist locks are permitted for Blue Belts and up, but heel hooks, biceps locks, and knee bars are not allowed.
• Brown and Black Belts: Knee locks, biceps locks, calf locks, knee bars, and Mata Leao with the foot are legal, but heel hooks are not allowed.

Conclusion: Understanding the IBJJF Rules

We hope this post has helped you understand the IBJJF rules and how to score points and win matches. Remember to always follow the rules and avoid illegal techniques to keep yourself and your opponents safe. And if you're looking for high-quality BJJ gi's and apparel, be sure to check out KVRA's selection of products!