IBJJF Rules

Overview

The IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation) is the largest and most influential BJJ organization in the world. Founded in 1994, it runs the World Championships (Mundials), Pan Americans, European Open, and dozens of other events globally.

IBJJF rules are the default for competitive BJJ. Even tournaments not directly run by the IBJJF often adopt their scoring system. If you're competing in a gi tournament and the ruleset isn't specified, it's almost certainly IBJJF-style.

The system rewards positional dominance — advancing through positions earns points, and the competitor with more points at the end wins. Submissions end the match immediately regardless of score.

Points & Scoring

Points System

Position	Points
Takedown	2
Sweep	2
Knee on belly	2
Guard pass	3
Mount	4
Back control (hooks or body triangle)	4

Points are only awarded when a position is held with clear control for 3 seconds. Transitioning through a position without stabilizing it does not score.

Advantages

If the score is tied, advantages break the tie. An advantage is awarded for:
- A near-sweep that almost completes
- A near-pass where the guard is almost cleared
- A submission attempt that forces a defensive reaction
- A takedown attempt that almost succeeds

Advantages are secondary to points — a competitor with fewer points but more advantages still loses.

Penalties

Penalties are given for stalling, fleeing the mat, pulling guard to avoid a takedown (in some contexts), or using illegal grips. Accumulated penalties can result in advantages or points for the opponent.

Time Limits

Match length varies by belt and age division:

Belt	Duration
White	5 minutes
Blue	6 minutes
Purple	7 minutes
Brown	8 minutes
Black	10 minutes

Juvenile and Master divisions may have adjusted times. Finals at major events sometimes have extended time limits.

If the score is tied at the end of regulation with equal advantages, the referee makes a decision based on who was more aggressive and closer to scoring.

Legal & Illegal Techniques

Technique legality depends on belt level. The IBJJF progressively unlocks submissions as competitors advance:

All Belts
- Chokes (gi and no-gi)
- Straight armlocks (armbar, Americana, Kimura)
- Shoulder locks

Blue Belt and Above
- Wrist locks

Brown Belt and Above
- Toe holds
- Kneebars

Illegal at All Levels
- Heel hooks
- Reaping the knee
- Scissor takedowns (kani basami)
- Slams
- Cervical locks (neck cranks)
- Spine locks without a choke
- Suplex throwing the opponent on their head

Gi-Specific Rules
- Legal grips: collar, sleeve, lapel, pants
- Illegal grips: inside the sleeve or pant leg, fingers inside the gi
- Gi must meet size/color requirements (white, blue, or black)

Key Characteristics

Registration Requirements

Competitors must hold an active IBJJF membership and be registered through an affiliated academy. Belt rank must be verified by the academy professor.

Gi Standards

The IBJJF enforces strict gi measurements — sleeve length, pants length, collar thickness, and overall fit are checked before competition. Only white, blue, and black gis are permitted.

Competition Culture

IBJJF events are known for their structure and scale. The Worlds (Mundials) in June and the No-Gi Worlds in December are the most prestigious gi and no-gi events on the calendar. The points system rewards methodical, position-first jiu-jitsu.

Who Should Compete Under IBJJF Rules

IBJJF rules are ideal for competitors who enjoy positional grappling, guard passing, and systematic advancement. The belt-based restrictions make it particularly suitable for newer competitors, since dangerous leg locks are restricted until higher ranks.