All Jiu Jitsu Association (AJJA) Rules and Regulations

At the All Jiu Jitsu Association, we prioritize safety, fairness, and competition for all ages and skill levels. Our tournaments follow clear guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants, from kids to adult divisions. Please review the rules and regulations carefully to familiarize yourself with our standards and expectations.

All Jiu Jitsu Association (AJJA) Rules and Regulations

At the All Jiu Jitsu Association, we prioritize safety, fairness, and competition for all ages and skill levels. Our tournaments follow clear guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants, from kids to adult divisions. Please review the rules and regulations carefully to familiarize yourself with our standards and expectations.

Competition Rules

Our tournaments operate on a double-elimination system, which gives competitors the chance to continue competing even after a loss. Rules not explicitly mentioned here will follow the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) guidelines, and any updates will be reflected in our communications.

Ways to Win:

  • Submission: Forcing an opponent to tap out.

  • Points: Based on control, technique, and positions.

  • Advantage: Given for submission attempts and positional dominance.

  • Referee’s Decision: Determined by overall performance if no submission or clear winner by points.

Scoring System

Takedowns / Throws: 2 Points

Knee on Stomach: 2 Points

Guard or Half-Guard to Top Position: 2 Points

Passing the Guard: 3 Points

Top Mount Position: 4 Points

Back Control (Back Mount or Back Grab): 4 Points

Advantage Points are awarded for close submission attempts, positional control, and overall aggressiveness in the match.

Match Durations (Male & Female Divisions)

Juvenile

White Belt

3 Minutes

Gray Belt

3 Minutes

Yellow Belt

3 Minutes

Orange Belt

3 Minutes

Green Belt

3 Minutes

Adult

White / Blue Belt

5 Minutes

Purple Belt

5 Minutes

Brown Belt

5 Minutes

Black Belt

5 Minutes

Absolute (Black)

5 Minutes

Master I

White / Blue Belt

5 Minutes

Purple Belt

5 Minutes

Brown Belt

5 Minutes

Black Belt

5 Minutes

Absolute (Black)

5 Minutes

Master II, III, IV, V

White / Blue Belt

5 Minutes

Purple Belt

5 Minutes

Brown Belt

5 Minutes

Black Belt

5 Minutes

Absolute (Black)

5 Minutes

Belt Level

Juvenile

Adult

Master I

Master II, III, IV, V

All Levels

3′

5′

5′

5′

Illegal Techniques Across All Divisions

  • NO heel hooks or twisting knee locks.

  • NO slamming of any kind.

  • NO striking (punches, kicks, elbows, etc.).

  • NO biting, hair pulling, or eye gouging.

  • NO cervical neck cranks.

Techniques Based on Age and Belt Level

Juvenile (Ages 4-17) and Adult White Belts:

  • Prohibited Techniques:

    • Heel hooks, twisting knee locks.

    • Straight ankle locks.

    • Scissor takedowns.

    • Knee bars.

    • Wrist locks.

    • Bicep slicers and calf slicers.

    • Mata Leao with foot.

Juvenile (Ages 4-17) and Adult White Belts:

  • Prohibited Techniques:

    • Heel hooks, twisting knee locks.

    • Scissor takedowns.

    • Knee bars.

    • Wrist locks.

    • Bicep slicers and calf slicers.

    • Mata Leao with foot.

Adult Blue & Purple Belts:

  • Prohibited Techniques:

    • Heel hooks, twisting knee locks.

    • Slamming from the guard.

    • Scissor takedowns.

    • Mata Leao with foot.

Adult Brown & Black Belts:

  • Prohibited Techniques:

    • Heel hooks (No Gi Only), twisting knee locks.

    • Slamming from the guard.

Weigh-In Procedures:

Weigh-ins will take place the morning of the tournament at least one hour before the competitors first match.

One weigh-in attempt only. Competitors must be sure they’ve registered in the correct division to avoid disqualification.

Adults will get a 1 pound weight allowance.

Juveniles will get a 2 pound weight allowance.

Conduct and Disqualification Rules

Any athlete who fails to appear when called will automatically forfeit the match.

Running from a fight will result in a deduction of points. Continued avoidance will lead to disqualification.

Escaping a submission by moving out-of-bounds will result in disqualification.

Unsportsmanlike conduct or disrespectful behavior will result in immediate disqualification and removal from the event.

Safety First

We prioritize the safety of all competitors, especially in our children’s divisions. Matches are stopped immediately when there is a risk of injury. We take safety seriously and expect all competitors to respect the rules to protect themselves and others.

Allowable Techniques

Disclaimer

Liability Waiver: All competitors, attendees, and volunteers acknowledge that participating in Jiu Jitsu tournaments carries an inherent risk of injury. AJJA and its affiliates are not liable for any injuries, accidents, or losses sustained before, during, or after the tournament.

AJJA is fully insured, and medical staff will be available on-site for first-aid needs.

No Refunds: Registration fees are non-refundable.

For any further clarification of our rules and regulations, please refer to the IBJJF guidelines or contact AJJA directly.