Scoring in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is quite popular in the US. Adapted from Japanese Jujitsu, various competitions are held across the country every year. To give you an example, fighters can join the Hoosier Open, Michigan Open or South Bay.

In each of these matches, fighters are classified depending on their age group, weight and skill. Various techniques have corresponding points while victory can be achieved through certain means.

Let’s talk about scoring in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

A fighter is awarded 2 points if he or she successfully sweeps the opponent, put their knee on their opponent’s stomach or performs a technical side mount reversal. Three points are given if the fighter performs passing the full guard. You get four points if you execute a mount or back mount with hooks.

You will only be credited a point if you are able to hold this for at least 3 seconds. Additional credit is given when you are able to hold this position much longer.

Getting the most points is just one way to achieve victory but making your opponent surrender is much better. This is done by executing a hold or choke until your opponent taps on the mat. You could also be declared the victor if your opponent is disqualified but this rarely happens so you have to do your best to defeat them.

Your points can also be deducted if you are caught doing something that is not allowed during the match. For instance, you cannot bite, hair pull, punch or kick your opponent. You can’t stall a fight, swear or do obscene gestures. There are corresponding penalties for each of these infractions. The worse is being disqualified.

Matches for the BJJ depend on the age group and belt. White belt fights for the kids last 4 minutes while for grownups this is 5 minutes. One minute is added to each of the other belts except for those competing in the senior division which is between 5 to 6 minutes.

Aside from individual awards to be given out to the top three fighters per age group and weight class, there is also an award for the team. So if many in your team topped their events, you will most likely win the overall event.

The rules and the points for scoring in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu are quite different than other martial arts events. Everyone has to understand that beforehand so there will not be any problems during the match. 

So you can get the most points during your event, you have to practice regularly by sparring often with your team mates and studying how your opponent moves. You can also learn some new moves given that they are many ways to execute sweeps, mounts, throws and takedowns as this will make you more confident in dealing with your opponent.

Scoring in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the same even if the players are required to wear Gi or any other outfit. If you have to wear the official uniform, don’t forget to put on your belt so people will know your rank. In competitions that do not require this, make sure you are wearing clean board shorts and a rash guard or shirt. The use of athletics supports like the cup or mouth guards are optional.