How does a ju-jitsu duo competition run?
A · Advanced · The event · 1 of 3Every pair first performs alone in three qualification rounds, one series in each, and the scores are added. The best four go on to the medal phase, where two pairs perform six set attacks each in a face-off. The semi-final winners meet in the final, and both losing semi-finalists receive bronze.
How it works
- Blocks: pairs are split into blocks of up to six, so the judges see each one fresh.
- Round 1: all of series A, in order.
- Round 2: all of series B, starting with the lowest-ranked pair.
- Round 3: all of series C, in the same reversed order.
- The ranking: the total of all three rounds.
- The best four: go to the medal phase. A three-way tie for fourth sends six.
- Face-off: the first pair wears red belts and the second blue, and both perform the same six attacks.
- Semi-finals: first against fourth and second against third, with attacks A1, A2, B2, B3, C3 and C4.
- Final: attacks A3, A4, B1, B4, C1 and C2.
- Bronze: both losing semi-finalists.
- Children: two qualification rounds and fewer attacks.
The glossary has the duo qualification rounds, the duo medal phase, the couple, the series A, B and C, the hantei and jury and the duo.
Tricky cases
Who performs first in round 2?
The pair ranked lowest after round 1. The best-placed pair performs last.
Can a pair choose which attacks to show in the final?
No. In the semi-finals and final the attacks are fixed by the rules.
Is there a bronze-medal match?
No. The losers of the semi-finals are awarded bronze automatically.
What happens to the pairs that do not make the medal phase?
They carry on in a separate advanced division, with its own rounds.
Why the rule exists
Qualifying on all twelve attacks finds the most complete pairs. The face-off then gives the event a head-to-head finish that spectators can follow. Fixing the attacks in each medal round means a pair cannot save its favourites for the final.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | Three qualification rounds; six attacks in each medal round | JJIF Duo 7.1 |
| Under 16 | Two qualification rounds; four attacks in medal rounds | JJIF Duo 7.1 |
| Under 10 and younger | A1 and A2 in every round | JJIF Duo 7.1 |
| Three tied for fourth | Six pairs go through | JJIF Duo 4.13.2 |
From the rule book
Ju-Jitsu International Federation, Ju-Jitsu Duo Rulebook (version 4.1, approved March 2024), Sections 4.3 to 4.14 and 7. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the federation's Ju-Jitsu Duo Rulebook.