How do throws score in ju-jitsu fighting?
B · Beginner · Scoring · 4 of 6In part 2 a takedown with full control and dynamics throughout scores an ippon of two points, and a partly controlled one a waza-ari of one point. The opponent must land flat on the back, side or front, with the thrower above or level. A submission hold that forces a tap scores an ippon of three points.
How it works
- Ippon, 2 points: a takedown with full control and dynamics throughout the technique.
- Waza-ari, 1 point: a partly controlled takedown.
- A scoring landing: flat on the back, side, abdomen or chest, with the thrower above or on the same level.
- Knees and chest: landing on the knees as well as the chest or abdomen scores.
- No score: landing on the knees, on all fours or seated.
- Countered: if a takedown is countered and both land with neither in control, it is a simultaneous action and nobody scores.
- Ippon, 3 points: a lock or strangle in part 2 that forces a submission.
- Tapping: by hand, or by voice if the fighter cannot tap. The referee must also stop a hold that puts a fighter in danger, and award the three points.
The glossary has the part 2, the ippon, the waza-ari, the submission hold, the simultaneous action and the tori and uke.
Tricky cases
A throw lands the opponent on hands and knees. Does it score?
No. A takedown after which the opponent lands on the knees, on all fours or seated scores nothing.
The thrower falls underneath the opponent at the end of a throw. Does it score?
No. The thrower must remain above or on the same level as the opponent.
A fighter applies a standing arm lock and the opponent taps. How many points?
Three. A submission hold in part 2 that forces a submission is an ippon of three points.
Can under-16 fighters use locks while standing?
No. Submission holds in part 2 are not allowed in the under-16 group and younger, and using one is a major foul.
Why the rule exists
A throw is judged by what it would do in earnest: put the opponent flat on the ground with the thrower still in command. A stumble to the knees shows neither. The higher value for a submission reflects that it ends a fight outright.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Fully controlled takedown | Ippon, 2 points | JJIF Fighting 6.2.1 |
| Partly controlled takedown | Waza-ari, 1 point | JJIF Fighting 6.2.1 |
| Submission in part 2 | Ippon, 3 points | JJIF Fighting 6.2.1 |
| Landing on knees, all fours or seated | No score | JJIF Fighting 6.2.4 |
| Under 16 and younger | No submission holds in part 2 | JJIF Fighting 6.2.1; 7.2.3 |
From the rule book
Ju-Jitsu International Federation, Ju-Jitsu Fighting Rulebook (version 4.0, approved October 2022), Section 6.2. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the federation's Ju-Jitsu Fighting Rulebook.