AJP Rules Guide: How Abu Dhabi Pro Tournaments Work
AJP (Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro) is the official governing body for competitive BJJ under the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. AJP events, including the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, are among the most prestigious BJJ competitions worldwide. Understanding AJP's rules is essential if you plan to compete in their circuit.
Rule data on this page is based on the AJP Rulebook (September 2024 edition), verified 2026-06-25. Source: ajptour.com
AJP Scoring System
AJP uses a belt-based competition structure with the following scoring positions. Each position requires 3 seconds of stable control:
| Position | Points |
|---|---|
| Takedown | 2 |
| Sweep | 2 |
| Knee on Belly | 2 |
| Guard Pass | 3 |
| Mount | 4 |
| Back Control | 4 |
Takedown (2 pts): Started from two feet; opponent lands on back, side, or sitting position; 3 seconds stable.
Sweep (2 pts): Bottom athlete moves to top position; 3 seconds stable.
Knee on Belly (2 pts): Outside guard; knee or shin on belly/chest/ribs; other knee off the mat; 3 seconds stable.
Guard Pass (3 pts): Pass opponent's legs into side control or north-south; 3 seconds stable.
Mount (4 pts): Outside guard; seated on opponent's torso; 3 seconds stable.
Back Control (4 pts): Hooks inside thighs (not crossed); 3 seconds stable.
AJP Tiebreak Rules
AJP's tiebreak is distinctive: the last athlete to score wins. This encourages late-match scoring and creates exciting finishes.
- If the score is 0-0 or both athletes score simultaneously, a 1-minute golden score period follows (starting from standing)
- If still tied: referee decision — the most offensive athlete, or the one closest to a finish
Advantages (like IBJJF) are counted in AJP: an advantage equals 1 point. Penalties also equal 1 point to the opponent.
AJP Penalty System
AJP uses a 4-step cumulative penalty system for stalling and fleeing:
- "Action!" warning + 10-second countdown → +1 point to opponent
- +1 point + advantage to opponent
- +1 point + 2 additional points to opponent
- Disqualification
Special rule for under-16 athletes: steps 4-5 give 2 additional points instead of DQ; disqualification only on the 6th penalty.
Fleeing the mat (running off): +1 point to opponent plus an immediate extra 2 points (Art. 6.2.2-M).
Applying an illegal technique: instant disqualification.
AJP vs IBJJF: Key Differences
| Rule | AJP | IBJJF |
|---|---|---|
| Tiebreak | Last scorer wins | Points → Advantages → Penalties → Referee decision |
| Advantages | Count as 1 point | Do not give points, used only for tiebreak |
| Penalties | 1 point to opponent | Cumulative, 4th = DQ |
| Knee on Belly | 2 pts | 2 pts |
Using the AJP Rules Reference
Each AJP division (white through black belt) has the same scoring system but different allowed techniques. Higher belts have access to more submissions, particularly leg locks.
Use the AJP rules reference on this site to see the exact techniques, scoring, and penalties for your belt level.