Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) competitions offer practitioners the chance to test their skills under varying rule sets, with the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) and the Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) being the two most recognized organizations. Understanding their point systems and rules is essential for competitors.
IBJJF Rule Set: The IBJJF rule set is one of the most widely followed in gi and no-gi competitions. Points are awarded for achieving dominant positions and performing technical manoeuvres:
- Takedown or Sweep: 2 points
- Knee on Belly: 2 points
- Guard Pass: 3 points
- Mount or Back Mount (with hooks): 4 points
- Submission Attempt: No points, but can result in immediate victory
Penalties in IBJJF include stalling, disengaging, and illegal moves, with repeated infractions leading to disqualification. Matches typically last 5-10 minutes, depending on the competitor’s belt rank and division. If no submission occurs, the competitor with the most points wins. In the event of a tie, referees consider factors like aggression and positional control.
ADCC Rule Set: The ADCC rule set, primarily used for no-gi grappling, emphasizes submission attempts and aggression, with a unique approach to scoring. Matches are split into two periods: the first half without points and the second half where points apply. This encourages competitors to seek submissions early.
- Takedown or Sweep: 2 points
- Guard Pass: 3 points
- Knee on Belly: 2 points
- Mount or Back Control (with hooks): 4 points
Unlike IBJJF, ADCC penalises pulling guard without first attempting a takedown. Points can also be deducted for passivity, disengagement, or fleeing the mat to avoid submissions. If the match ends in a tie, overtime rounds are added until a winner emerges.
Key Differences:
- Scoring Philosophy: IBJJF rewards positional control, while ADCC places greater emphasis on submission hunting.
- Guard Pulling: IBJJF permits guard pulling without penalty, but ADCC enforces penalties unless preceded by a takedown attempt.
- Match Structure: ADCC’s “no-points” period incentivises early aggression and submission attempts, creating a more dynamic match flow.
Both rule sets demand strategic awareness, with competitors tailoring their game plans accordingly. Understanding these nuances not only sharpens tactical execution but also deepens appreciation for the diverse landscape of competitive BJJ.