How do takedowns and sweeps score in jiu-jitsu?
B · Beginner · Points · 3 of 6A takedown and a sweep are worth two points each. A takedown brings a standing opponent to the ground with the attacker on top. A sweep reverses the positions from the guard, so that the athlete underneath comes up on top. In both, the attacker must hold the top position for three seconds.
How it works
- Takedown, 2 points: from standing, forcing the opponent to the ground on the back, side or seat, or kneeling or face-down with hip control from behind the shoulder.
- Guard pull: an athlete who started a takedown before the opponent pulled guard, or who had a grip on the leg, scores the takedown.
- After a guard pull: a takedown attempt started after the opponent has pulled guard scores nothing.
- Counter-takedown: only the athlete who completes it and holds top position scores.
- Sweep, 2 points: from guard, changing level to top position and forcing the opponent underneath.
- Guard: using one or both legs to block an opponent on top from pinning the upper body.
- No guard, no sweep: a reversal from underneath without continuity from guard is not a sweep.
- Extra points: a sweep or pass that ends directly in a scoring position also earns those points.
- Back to standing: a takedown can score again once both athletes are standing with no continuity from the ground.
The glossary has the takedown (ne-waza), the sweep, the guard, the top position, the continuity and the double guard pull.
Tricky cases
The opponent sits to guard while the athlete has hold of a trouser leg. Is that a takedown?
Yes, if the athlete then holds top position for three seconds. A grip on the leg before the guard pull earns the takedown score.
An athlete reverses position from turtle, not from guard. Is that a sweep?
No. Only level changes coming from guard count as sweeps.
A sweep goes straight to mount. How many points?
Six, if both are held for three seconds: two for the sweep and four for the mount.
In a 50-50 leg position, an athlete tries a sweep and it is blocked. Is there an advantage?
No. Sweep attempts that start and end in 50-50 earn no advantage. A completed sweep scores two points.
Why the rule exists
A takedown and a sweep do the same job, putting the scorer on top, so they are worth the same. The rules on guard pulls answer a common tactic: an athlete who sits down to play guard should not hand the opponent free points, but should not escape a takedown already under way either.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Takedown | 2 points | JJIF Ne-Waza 9.1 |
| Sweep | 2 points | JJIF Ne-Waza 9.2 |
| Attempt not held | Advantage | JJIF Ne-Waza 9.1.5; 9.2.1 |
| 50-50 guard | No advantage for a blocked sweep | JJIF Ne-Waza 9.2.3 |
| Ju-jitsu fighting | A controlled takedown is 2 points; partly controlled is 1 | JJIF Fighting 6.2.1 |
From the rule book
Ju-Jitsu International Federation and Ju-Jitsu Asian Union, Jiu-Jitsu (Ne-Waza) Rulebook (version 2.7, reviewed 2024), Sections 9.1 and 9.2 and the appendix of key definitions. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the federation's Jiu-Jitsu (Ne-Waza) Rulebook.