Ruleset
IBJJF
The classical points ruleset used at the Worlds, Pans, and Euros: positional control scores, most submissions are legal by rank, and matches run on fixed time limits.
How the ruleset works
The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation ruleset is the sport's classical points system. Positions score when they're established and held: 2 points for a takedown or sweep, 3 for a guard pass, 4 for mount or back control. Matches run on fixed time limits (10 minutes at black belt) and a submission ends the match immediately.
Legality scales with rank: heel hooks and reaping are out in gi divisions, and lower belts lose access to more of the leg lock game. Advantages break ties, then referee decision. The meta this produces rewards positional progression and control, so guard passing and sweep-versus-pass battles dominate the scoring.
The IBJJF runs both gi and no-gi events under closely related rules; the no-gi ruleset historically allowed slightly more leg attack entries at brown and black belt.
At a glance
- Attire
- Gi and No-Gi divisions
- Format
- Points
- Overtime
- None (advantages, then decision)
- Time limit
- 5-10 min by belt
- Submissions
- Legal by rank; no heel hooks in gi
What wins under IBJJF rules
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Most active under IBJJF rules
Gianni Grippo
199 matches
Leandro Lo
170 matches
Fellipe Andrew
151 matches
João Miyao
133 matches
Alexandre Molinaro
130 matches
Thiago Macedo
121 matches
Keenan Cornelius
121 matches
Lucas Barbosa
120 matches
Adam Wardziński
118 matches
Murilo Santana
118 matches
Rankings across every ruleset live on the stats page and the BJJ Elo rankings.
Biggest IBJJF events
2019 World Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship
2019 Pan Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship
2021 World Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship
2026 IBJJF Pan Championship
2022 World Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship
2021 World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship
2021 Pan IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship
2018 World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship
