What are parts 1, 2 and 3 in ju-jitsu fighting?
B · Beginner · The match · 2 of 6Part 1 is fought at a distance with punches, strikes and kicks. Part 2 begins when either fighter takes a grip, and from then on strikes are forbidden. Part 3 begins when both have both knees on the ground, or one is sitting or lying down. After every stop the match restarts in part 1.
How it works
- Part 1: starts the match, and restarts it after every "Mate". Scores come from atemi.
- Part 2: from the moment a grip is established by either fighter. Scores come from takedowns and submission holds.
- Strikes in part 2: forbidden, except one delivered at the same moment as the first grip.
- Part 3: from the moment both fighters have both knees down, or one is sitting or lying on the mat. Scores come from pins and submission holds.
- Strikes in part 3: forbidden. Takedowns are not scored there.
- Back to part 1: if the grips are lost or broken.
- Moving between parts: allowed for a fighter who is active.
- Outside the area: a technique that starts outside the fighting area cannot score.
The glossary has the part 1, the part 2, the part 3, the atemi, the osae-komi and the submission hold.
Tricky cases
A fighter punches and grabs the jacket in one movement. Is the punch legal?
Yes. A strike applied at the same moment as the first grip may be scored. A strike after the grip is a minor foul, called grip and punch.
One fighter is on both knees and the other is standing. Which part is it?
Part 2, if there is a grip. Part 3 needs both fighters with both knees down, or one sitting or lying on the mat.
A fighter picks the opponent up off the ground and throws them. Does the throw score?
No. A takedown applied after picking the opponent up from part 3 is not scored.
The fighters break apart on the ground and stand up. What happens?
The match continues in part 1. If they do not carry on by themselves, the referee calls "Mate" and restarts it.
Why the rule exists
Banning strikes once a grip is taken keeps each part to its own skill and removes the most dangerous mix, punching someone who is being held. The fixed points at which one part becomes the next give the referees a clear test in a fast exchange.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | Strikes score | JJIF Fighting 4.3; 6.1 |
| Part 2 | Takedowns and submissions score; no strikes | JJIF Fighting 4.3; 6.2 |
| Part 3 | Pins and submissions score; no strikes | JJIF Fighting 4.3; 6.3 |
| Under 16 and younger | No locks or strangles in part 2 | JJIF Fighting 6.2.1 |
From the rule book
Ju-Jitsu International Federation, Ju-Jitsu Fighting Rulebook (version 4.0, approved October 2022), Sections 4, 5, 6 and 7.1.3. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the federation's Ju-Jitsu Fighting Rulebook.