How does jiu-jitsu (ne-waza) competition work?
B · Beginner · The match · 1 of 6Jiu-jitsu, which the federation also calls ne-waza, is grappling with no strikes. The aim is to make the opponent submit to a choke or a joint lock. If nobody submits, the match is decided on points for takedowns, sweeps, guard passes and dominant positions, each of which must be held for three seconds.
How it works
- The aim: a submission, a legal choke or lock that makes the opponent give up.
- No strikes: any punch, kick, knee or elbow is a disqualifying foul.
- Starting: standing. Once there is a grip, either athlete may go to the ground.
- Points: 2 for a takedown, a sweep or knee on belly. 3 for a guard pass. 4 for mount, back mount or back control.
- Three seconds: every position must be held for three seconds to score.
- Advantages: for a position reached but not held, or a submission attempt that put the opponent in real danger.
- Penalties: for passivity and other minor fouls, rising to disqualification on the fourth.
- Gi or no-gi: matches are held in one or the other.
The glossary has the ne-waza (jiu-jitsu), the submission hold, the three-second stabilization, the advantage, the gi and no gi and the guard.
Tricky cases
Is this the same as Brazilian jiu-jitsu?
The sport is the same kind of grappling. These are the federation's own rules, which differ in details from other organisations' rules, such as which leg locks are allowed and how penalties add up.
Can an athlete win without ever submitting the opponent?
Yes. A match that ends without a submission is decided on points, then advantages, then penalties.
Can an athlete pull the opponent straight down to the ground?
Only after taking a grip. Going to the ground without a grip is a minor foul.
Is there a draw?
No. A match level on points, advantages and penalties goes to golden score, which has no time limit.
Why the rule exists
The points follow the path of a fight on the ground: bring the opponent down, get past the legs, take a dominant position, and from there finish. Rewarding each step in that order, and only when it is held, pushes athletes towards the submission, which the rulebook calls the highest objective.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Ne-waza | Grappling only; points for positions | JJIF Ne-Waza 8; 9 |
| Ju-jitsu fighting | Strikes, throws and groundwork in three parts | JJIF Fighting, Generalities |
| Other jiu-jitsu organisations | Their own rules on points, penalties and leg locks | Not saved |
| Judo | Throws and short groundwork; no leg locks | C |
From the rule book
Ju-Jitsu International Federation and Ju-Jitsu Asian Union, Jiu-Jitsu (Ne-Waza) Rulebook (version 2.7, reviewed 2024), the introduction and Sections 7, 8, 9, 11 and 12. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the federation's Jiu-Jitsu (Ne-Waza) Rulebook.