NAGA Rules

Overview

NAGA (North American Grappling Association) is one of the largest tournament circuits in the United States, running dozens of events per year across the country. Founded in 1995, it has built a reputation as the most accessible entry point for first-time competitors.

Unlike IBJJF, which requires membership and academy affiliation, NAGA uses an experience-based division system that welcomes anyone. You don't need a formal belt rank to compete — just an honest assessment of your experience level. This makes NAGA the tournament of choice for many first-time competitors and hobbyists.

Divisions & Structure

NAGA organizes competitors by experience level rather than strict belt rank:

Division	Experience
Novice	Less than 6 months of training
Beginner	6 months to 2 years
Intermediate	2-5 years
Expert	5+ years

No-gi divisions mirror these tiers. Both gi and no-gi brackets are offered at most events.

This experience-based system is more inclusive than belt-only divisions. A wrestler with no BJJ belt can compete at an appropriate level. A hobbyist who's trained casually for years won't be thrown in with elite competitors.

Submission-Only Divisions

NAGA also runs submission-only brackets alongside its points divisions. These follow standard sub-only rules — the only path to victory is a tap.

Points & Scoring

Points System

Position	Points
Takedown	2
Sweep	2
Guard pass	3
Mount	2
Back mount	2
Knee on belly	2

Positions must be held for 3 seconds to score.

Time Limits

Division	Duration
Novice / Beginner	5 minutes
Intermediate	6 minutes
Expert	7 minutes

Some superfight divisions run longer.

Legal Techniques

Technique legality depends on the division:

Novice / Beginner
- Basic submissions (armbars, chokes, Kimuras)
- No heel hooks
- No neck cranks
- No slams

Intermediate
- Wider submission set including toe holds and kneebars
- Heel hooks still restricted in gi

Expert (No-Gi)
- Heel hooks generally allowed
- Most leg locks legal
- Open submission ruleset

Illegal at All Levels
- Slams
- Most neck cranks
- Slamming from guard

Key Characteristics

Accessibility

NAGA is the most beginner-friendly major tournament circuit. No membership required, no academy affiliation needed. Same-day registration is often available. Events run frequently across the US, making it easy to find one nearby.

Tournament Format

NAGA events typically run all day with multiple mat areas. Brackets are single-elimination with a consolation round. Weigh-ins happen the morning of the event.

Cost

Registration fees are moderate (typically $60-100 depending on how many divisions you enter). Spectator admission is charged separately.

Who Should Compete Under NAGA Rules

NAGA is perfect for first-time competitors. The experience-based divisions take the intimidation out of competing, and the frequent events mean you don't have to wait long for an opportunity. It's also good for competitors who want to enter both points and sub-only divisions at the same event.