IBJJF Rules Explained: Scoring, Techniques, and Penalties

IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation) is the world's largest BJJ organization, sanctioning events such as the World Championship, Pan American Championship, and European Championship. Their ruleset is one of the most widely used in competitive BJJ. This guide explains the key rules based on the IBJJF General Competition Guidelines (Version 6.2, June 2024).

Rule data verified 2024-06-01. Source: ibjjf.com/rules

IBJJF Scoring System

IBJJF uses a belt-based competition system with the following points for dominant positions (each requiring 3 seconds of stable control):

Takedown (2 pts): Started on two feet; opponent lands on back, side, or seated; 3 sec stable.

Sweep (2 pts): Position reversed from guard/half-guard; 3 sec stable.

Knee on Belly (2 pts): Outside guard; knee or shin on opponent's belly; other knee off mat; 3 sec stable.

Guard Pass (3 pts): Pass opponent's legs into side-control or north-south; 3 sec stable.

Mount (4 pts): Outside half-guard; seated on opponent's torso facing their head; max 1 arm trapped; 3 sec stable.

Back Control (4 pts): Both heels inside thighs (not crossed); arm trap not past shoulder line; 3 sec stable.

IBJJF Advantages

Unlike AJP, IBJJF uses an advantage system. An advantage is awarded for a near-scoring position — an attempt that fell short of the 3-second requirement. Advantages do not directly add to the score but are used in the tiebreak (see below).

IBJJF Tiebreak: Tiered Priority

IBJJF's tiebreak follows a strict priority order:

1. Points — higher score wins
2. Advantages — more advantages win
3. Penalties — fewer penalties win
4. Referee decision — most offensive athlete, or closest to a submission; majority vote if 3 referees
5. Random pick — finals only, if there is a mutual accidental injury with tied scores

IBJJF Penalty System

IBJJF has three levels of fouls:

Serious fouls (cumulative): Stalling, fleeing the mat unintentionally, minor reaping

• 1st: Penalty noted
• 2nd: Advantage to opponent + 2nd penalty
• 3rd: 2 points to opponent + 3rd penalty
• 4th: Disqualification

Severe fouls (instant DQ): Fleeing submission by leaving the mat, major leg reaping, illegal technique, disciplinary violations

Specific 2024 rule addition: In 50/50 guard, if no positional progress is made in 20 seconds while holding a gi grip, stalling is called.

IBJJF Technique Restrictions by Belt

IBJJF has some of the most detailed belt-level restrictions in the sport. A full breakdown is available in the technique reference on this site. Notable rules include:

• White belt: No heel hooks, no reaping, no wrist locks
• Blue belt: Same as white belt
• Purple belt: Wrist locks become legal
• Brown/Black belt: Some additional leg techniques become available

Applying a technique banned for your belt level is a Severe Technical Foul — instant disqualification from the match.

IBJJF vs AJP: Key Differences

See the Full IBJJF Rules

Use the IBJJF rules reference on this site to look up the specific techniques, scoring, and penalties for your exact belt level and age category.