Constitution of the Rules of the North American Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation for Competition

Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art which is composed of grappling techniques which work towards superior positioning in order to submit an opponent by applying force to a joint or to a chokehold.  Our organization traces its most recent ancestor to Brazil where our current style of Jiu Jitsu evolved into how we see it today.

The aim of this delineation of rules is to organize tournament play and declare which moves are valid and which will be considered illegal.

With broadly accepted rules we can control the evolution and cohesion of our sport.  We can also work in unison to evolve our sport from a martial art into a spectator sport.

We expect this constitution to guide the sport’s coaches, athletes, patrons, and spectators in areas of physical, aesthetic, psychological and ethical composition as well as style.  We believe that this guidance is essential for the proliferation, growth and progress of Jiu Jitsu. We believe that organized competition is essential for this proliferation, growth and progress.

The NABJJF designs its rules and regulations for tournament play in order to improve the quality of tournaments.  We believe that adherence to the following standards improves the tournament experience for competitors and spectators and provides legitimacy for our sport:

NABJJF tournaments will be run with a single elimination system. For each tournament, brackets will be composed prior to the beginning of the tournament.  Once the given tournament has started, the positions of competitors in their brackets may not be altered. For every competition round prior to the semi-finals, defeated competitors are eliminated from competition. Competitors defeated in the semi-finals of a bracket will be advanced into a match for Third Place.

Brackets and schedules will be made available to competitors at least one day before the scheduled date of the tournament. Competitors will be expected to arrive 30 minutes prior to the beginning of their division.  Competitors will be called to weigh in immediately before their division’s bracket is set to begin.  All competitors must weigh in with their gi on and weigh less than their division’s specified weight.

Article 1 – Athlete and Team Registration

Section 1 – Information Necessary to Register an Athlete for Competition

When an athlete registers for a tournament, the following information will be requested:

Name
Age Division
Weight Division
Belt Division
Instructor
Academy/Team
Email Address

Section 1a – Team Points

Athlete’s Teams are requested upon registration so that tournament organizers can keep track of team points.

Teams will be recognized by the names athletes list as their recognized Academy/Team

All Athletes who register giving the same name for their Academy/Team will be recognized as a member of that team for that competition and will contribute to their team’s points.

For each team, separate scores will be kept track of:

Kids Team Points – for all divisions from Kindergarten to Teen

Adult Team Points – for all divisions from Juvenile and Adult to Senior V

No athletes or coaches may change the team they are registered for after the registration deadline has passed.

Section 1b – Team Points

Athletes who place in a division will contribute the following score to their team’s points:

First place: 5 points
Second place: 3 points
Third place: 1 point

Section 1c – Team Draw

When there is a draw in team scores, the team winner will be decided by the largest number of gold medals.

Section 2 – Changes to Athlete Registration

Changes may be made to an Athlete’s registration up to the date when registration closes for a tournament.

Article 2 – Area of Competition

Section 1 – Stage

The stage on which the competition takes place will be composed of 2 or more mat areas, surrounded by all the supporting assistants, referees, time keepers, inspectors, security personnel and a disciplinary department appointed by the coordinators who have the power to discipline any unethical conduct of: coaches, teachers, referees, or other assistants that might interfere in the progress of the event.

Section 2 – Mat Areas

Each mat area must be composed of a minimum of 64 square meters and maximum 100 square meters. This area will be divided into two areas: the inner area must be composed of at least 18 tatames (mats) blue in color and the outer area (the security area),composed of 14 red tatames (mats) or any other color besides blue.

Mat areas will be numbered so that athletes can be directed to them by their respective numbers.

Article 3 - Equipment

Section 1 - Scoring Table

Each ring or designated competition mat area will have an assigned scoring table that will coordinate and direct assigned tasks during the competition. Parallel to the scoring table, chairs will be positioned for the referees (only they may occupy these chairs). It is the referee’s responsibility to inspect the credentials of the competing athletes. There will also be an announcer who directs the event and who must also be a competent & recognized authority.
Chairs and tables are to be placed strategically to the side of the competition area for the best assessment of each match.

For each area of competition there will either be two scoreboards, indicating the score horizontally, or a single monitor which will have colored scores to differentiate the two athletes. The scoreboards or monitor will be situated on the outside of the table, easily viewed by the referee, commission and the spectators.

Stopwatches or a similar digital system will be used for keeping track of the duration of the matches and the reserve time.

Article 4 – Officials and Scoreboards

Section 1 – General Stipulations for Referees

The mat’s central referee is the highest authority on the mat and has the authority to disqualify competitors during the match. No one can overturn his decision. In special cases, the NABJJF can review and advise a referee on rescinding and awarding points or overturning a decision, but the final authority will remain with the central referee.

The timekeeper assists the referee during the matches. In cases where a referee shows he is incapable to continue refereeing because of obvious mistakes, an event coordinator has the authority to replace him.

During the match it is the referee’s responsibly to direct the competitors towards the center of the ring. In the event that the competitors move out of bounds during the match, the referee will call “Stop” and at the same time the referee will physically gesture, and competitors will hold their position without movement. The same occurrence will happen when 2/3 of the competitor’s body is outside the boundary. The referee may be assisted by the timekeeper in moving the athletes back to the center of the ring. In case the referee and the timekeeper are unable to move the athletes back to the center of the ring, the athletes will be asked to walk back to the center and continue from the same position. 

No points will be awarded for movements or positions after a referee has called “stop.” After a referee calls “stop,” points may only be awarded after he signals to resume the match.

The referee will not allow interference from outsiders during the match. A medical team or nurse will be allowed on the mat at the referee’s discretion.

During the match persons at the scoring table are not allowed to converse with the competitors.

The timekeeper will determine expiration of time during the match. The timekeeper will notify the central referee immediately with an auditory and visual signal.

The score table will actualize the referee’s gestures on a scorecard. The table will display two official scoreboards displaying the score horizontally or a single monitor which will have colored scores to differentiate the two athletes.

According to the North American Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation, matches will be judged by a single, central referee.

Section 2 – The Central Referee

The central referee is to remain in the area of combat. Directing the combat determines the results of the match, thus insuring the decisions register the correct placement of the winners.

The central referee is to give the first athlete on the mat a green and yellow belt for identification and keep him on the right side. The other athlete must remain on the left side, and after the referee’s instructions, the referee will start the fight by saying "Fight!"

The central referee will oversee that everything is in order; for example: the ring, equipment, gis, athlete’s hygiene, and that scorekeepers are present and ready before starting the fight.

The referee must determine and intervene if there is any possibility the public or photographers pose risk or harm to the competitors during an event.

Section 3 - The Point System

Points may be awarded by the referee for the following actions:

4 points – mount, back control

3 points – passing the guard

2 points – takedowns, sweeps and knee on the belly

-1 points – penalties

If the points are equal and come to a tie, he will call for “sudden death” overtime (See Article 5, Section 5).

Section 4 – The Gi Checker

There will be an official whose title is “Gi Checker” who will be stationed where athletes are weighed in.  His duties will be to verify before the fight that the competitors’ nails are trimmed, & the gi is correctly fitted by the official NABJJF measuring tool while insuring that the color of the gi and the condition of the belt is appropriate for the competition.

The size of the tool

Article 5 – Gestures for use by Referees

The central referee will make physical gestures (indicated below), which correspond with the following actions:

The central referee will wear an armband on his right wrist (a green and yellow band) to distinguish his hand gestures for the athletes.  The points he indicates with his right hand will correspond to the athlete wearing the green and yellow belt. The points he indicates with his left hand will correspond to the athlete who is not wearing the green and yellow belt, who is “clear.”

As the match progresses, the referee will raise his hand to signaling the scoring athlete to the scoring table.

Section 1 - Take downs, sweeps and knee on the belly

The referee will raise his hand indicating the scoring athlete’s color and raise two fingers to signify the issue of two points to that athlete’s score.

Section 2 - Passing the guard

The referee will raise his hand indicating the scoring athlete’s color and raise three fingers to signify the issue of three points to that athlete’s score.

Section 3 - Front mount, back mount and taking the back

The referee will raise his hand indicating the scoring athlete’s color and raise four fingers to signify the issue of four points to that athlete’s score.

Section 4 – Penalties

The referee will turn his hands one over the other with both fists closed then raise a fist indicating the penalized athlete’s color.

Section 5 – Interrupting the fight

The referee opens his arms together on a horizontal plane level with his shoulders and says “Stop!”

Section 6  - Stopping the Time

The referee puts his hands one above the other forming a "T", signaling the timekeeper to stop the time.

Section 7 - Disqualification

 The referee lifts his arms above his head and crosses them. After that, he points to the disqualified athlete’s belt with the hand signifying that athlete’s color.

Section 8 – Removing erroneously awarded points

 The referee lifts the arm that he gave the point with and waves his hand.

Section 9 – Stalling

The referee will grab each forearm with his hands and verbally warn the competitor who is stalling.

Section 10 – Starting the Fight

The referee will position the competitors and as they face each other in the middle of the mat, the referee will raise his arms at the height of his shoulders and then let them drop thus signaling the start of the match while simultaneously saying “Fight!”

Article 6 - Fighting Conclusions

Under the North American Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation, no match may end in a draw.
Bouts will be decided by:
-Submission
-Disqualification
-Unconsciousness
-Points
-“Sudden Death” Overtime

Section 1 - Submission

If the referee notices an athlete submitting with physical or verbal signals he will end the fight and award the victory to the other athlete.

The referee may also choose to stop the fight and declare a submission if he notices an athlete in immediate physical danger from a properly applied technique. For the children’s divisions, referees will always step in when an athlete is in immediate physical danger. For adult’s divisions, referees will be significantly more prudent when exercising this right to stop a fight. In the vast majority of cases in adult’s matches, the referee will allow submissions to continue until one competitor signals submission.

Section 1a – Referee Stoppage

In all categories the central referee has the authority to stop a match when either of the competitors is in danger of serious bodily harm as a result of a submission and award the victory to the competitor applying the submission.

At any time, the referee may choose end the fight and give the victory to the athlete properly applying a lock that exposes his opponent to serious physical damage.

Section 1b – Signifying Submission by Tapping Out Physically or Verbally

Submission occurs when a technique forces an opponent into admitting defeat by:

Tapping with the palm against any surface in a visible manner.

Tapping with the feet against any surface if the athlete is unable to use the hands to tap.

Requesting verbally to the referee that the fight be stopped (if he can neither tap with his hands or his feet)

Requesting that the fight be stopped if the athlete gets injured or feels physically incapable or unprepared

A coach of one of the athletes may request that the fight be terminated either by directing himself to the referee or by throwing the towel into the ring for any reason

When an athlete is under a submission position and he screams or verbalizes the interjection "Aa!" it will be considered the equivalent of the athlete having tapped.

The referee may end the fight when one of the athletes is injured or the doctor’s examination proves he is incapable to continue. If this occurs, the victory will be given to the opponent as long as the injury was not caused intentionally by conduct worthy of disqualification.

When the athlete verbalizes that he/she is experiencing muscle cramps or spasms, this will be the equivalent of the athlete tapping.

 

Section 2 – Disqualification by Serious Fouls

Serious fouls will lead to immediate disqualification by a referee.  The things which are considered serious fouls are as follows:

The use of foul language, cursing, or other acts of disrespect.

Biting

Vomiting

Passing Excrement

Hair pulling

Putting fingers into the eyes or nose of one’s opponent

Intentionally seeking to injure genitalia

The use of fists, feet, knees, elbows, or head butting with the intention to hurt or gain unfair advantage.

When an athlete is threatened by a properly applied submission but exits the mat or ring area in order to avoid tapping out.

Section 2a – Repercussions for Minor Fouls and Stalling

The consequences for penalties or minor fouls will be as follows:

On the first offense the offender will be given a verbal warning.

On the second offense the offender will be given a penalty point.

On the third offense the offender will be given a second penalty point.

After the third offense the referee may disqualify the athlete.

 

If an athlete is stalling, the referee will make the gesture to indicate this and verbally warn the stalling athlete. He may verbally warn the athlete with phrases like: “keep working to improve” or “you have to move” or “you have to work.”

The first time the gesture is issued it is a warning.

The second gesture will result in the referee issuing a penalty point to the stalling athlete.

When the referee issues the gesture for the third time he will stand up the athletes and award another penalty point to the stalling athlete.

Following that, any further gestures will result in disqualification.

Section 2b– Conditions for Minor Fouls and Stalling

Any of the following actions will be considered minor fouls:

When the athlete kneels, sits or lies down before making contact with his opponent.

When either athlete runs towards any of the outer boundaries of the ring or mat, flees while ground fighting by crawling or rolling out of the designated fight area, or stands up to avoid engaging an opponent purposely by stepping out of said area to gain time.

When the athlete avoids engaging an opponent by taking off his gi or by allowing it to be taken off with the intention of stopping the fight to allow himself rest or to avoid the attacks of his opponent.

When the athlete inserts his fingers inside the cuffs of the sleeves or pants.

When the athlete stalls the fight, holding his opponent and not seeking to engage or gain submissions when in the guard, on top, or on the bottom.

Stalling is considered as holding the opponent in a position without trying to improve or submit for more than 20 seconds, standing up to disengage the opponent, or any position designed to stall.

Section 2c – Disqualification in the Semi-Finals and Finals

Athletes who are disqualified by a Major Foul in the Semi-Finals will not be allowed to compete for third place.

Athletes who are disqualified by a Major Foul in the Finals will not receive a medal.

Section 3 – Unconsciousness

An unconscious fighter is considered defeated after losing consciousness by any of the following valid moves: strangling, pressuring, take downs or accidents in which the adversary has not committed any foul worthy of disqualification.

Section 4 – Points

Competition makes athletes utilize their technical abilities as they attempt to finish or neutralize their opponents. Points are awarded to determine superior technique during the match. Superior technique is displayed by maneuvering to achieve superior position.

The athlete cannot score new points when he intentionally removes and returns himself to and from a position where he has very recently received points (changing position intentionally and then returning to the same position). Example: For knee on the belly and switching sides, there will be no new points awarded.

No points will be marked for the athlete who attains a position while in a submission. Points will only be awarded after the submission is completely defended. Example: When one athlete is mounted on his opponent but is in a guillotine, the points of the mount will only be awarded after he has freed himself from the guillotine submission attempt and only if he is still in the mount position.

Positions are achieved through proper technique. If there is no submission by the time limit of a match then the athlete with the greater number of points will be declared the winner.

Section 4a – Takedowns

When an athlete completes an action that drops his opponent on his side, butt or back from a standing position or forces his opponent to his knees and acquires a position behind him: 2 points

Points for takedowns are awarded immediately.  The instant an athlete drops his opponent he will receive the points for the takedown.

The take down which places an athlete outside the designated fight area and onto the security area will be considered a valid take down so long as the athlete that executed the move stood with both feet in the fight area while executing the move.

If the athlete has one of his knees on the ground and is taken down, whoever applied the take down will be awarded 2 points as long as he has both his feet on the ground.

When the athlete attempts a single leg or double leg takedown and the opponent sits on the floor and immediately executes a successful sweep, the athlete who attempted the takedown will not receive points. The athlete who executed the sweep will receive the points.

If both competitors pull guard at the same time the first competitor to go up will be considered a valid take down as long as the competitor that comes up is holding the other competitor at all times.

Section 4b – Passing the Guard

In order for an athlete to be awarded points for passing the guard his opponent must have a form of guard established.  The guard is considered any position where an athlete is on his back or side and is using one or both of his legs to keep distance or control his opponent.  If an athlete is using his legs to keep distance or control his opponent then his opponent is considered ‘in his guard.’

Successful passing the guard is when an athlete maneuvers from a position where he is in his opponent’s guard to a perpendicular or longitudinal position where he is no longer controlled by his opponent’s legs and is using his weight to pin his opponent, leaving his opponent no space to move or escape the position: 3 Points.

Points for passing the guard will only be awarded after an athlete has established a controlling position past his opponent’s guard for a count of 3.

If the athlete that is underneath avoids the move by getting to his knees or standing up, the initiative will not be awarded 3 points.

If an athlete who was in his opponent’s guard acquires and establishes the mount position then he will be awarded 3 points for passing the guard and 4 points for mount.

Section 4c – Knee on Belly

When the athlete on top is past his opponent’s guard and puts his knee on his adversary’s stomach, holding his collar or sleeve and belt with his other leg towards his adversary’s head: 2 Points

If the athlete that is underneath does not allow his adversary to put his knee down onto his belly and if the one on top does not establish the position completely for a count of 3 then the 2 points will not be awarded.

Section 4d – Mount

When the athlete is facing his opponent’s head while he sits on his opponent’s torso. The opponent can be lying on his back, side or stomach. The one mounting cannot be on top of one or both of his opponent’s arms. It will also be considered a mount if he has one knee and one foot on the ground: 4 Points

No points will be awarded if an athlete’s feet or knees are on his opponent’s leg. Also if an athlete applies a triangle while in the guard and in so doing lands mounted on his opponent, it will be considered a sweep and not a mount until he puts himself in the mounted position.

Section 4e - Taking the Back

When an athlete puts himself in a position where his chest is against his opponents back, his arms around his neck/shoulders/torso and his legs around his opponent’s waist or torso: 4 Points

The points will not be awarded if the athlete does not have control of his opponent’s body both with his arms and with his legs. He must position his knees around his opponent’s waist and his ankles against his opponent’s inner thighs. Points for the back may also be awarded if an athlete has chest-to back control, arms around the neck/shoulders/torso and uses his legs to hook one of his opponent’s thighs and one of his arms. 

Section 4f – Sweep

In order for an athlete to be awarded points for a sweep his opponent must have a form of guard established.  The guard is considered any position where an athlete is on his back or side and is using one or both of his legs to keep distance or control his opponent.  If an athlete is using his legs to keep distance or control his opponent then his opponent is considered ‘in his guard.’

When the athlete that is underneath has the opponent in his guard and is able to get on top of his adversary by inverting his position: 2 Points

When the athlete who is sweeping gains top position and advances his position to the back of his opponent during the attempted sweep he will be awarded 2 points for the sweep and 4 points for the back as long as the criteria for both actions are fulfilled.

If starting in a guard position while an athlete attempts a sweep where both athletes return to their feet and the competitor attempts the sweep and executes a takedown while remaining on top, he will be awarded 2 points.

Section 4g - Negative Points (Penalties)

Negative Points are penalties given to the athlete after committing minor fouls. (Discussed in Article 5, Section 2b)

Each penalty point awarded to an athlete will count as single points subtracted from his final score.

Section 5 – “Sudden Death” Overtime

When there is a tie situation on the scoreboard, the referee will call for a sudden death match.

The referee will place both opponents in a starting position and will restart the fight.

There will be no timer during the sudden death overtime.  If one or both competitors are stalling the referee may restart the fighters in the center of the mat in a standing position.

When a fighter scores points or forces his opponent to tap out during sudden death overtime, the referee will end the match immediately. The first fighter to have scored points or forced his opponent to submit will be declared the victor after the “Sudden Death” overtime.

Article 7 – Illegal Techniques

Section 1 -  Techniques Forbidden in all Divisions

Bent knee locks, reaping the knee, heel hooks, cervical locks, neck cranks, spine locks, crucifixes, slamming from the guard or slamming to escape a submission will not be permitted in any division.

Section 2 – Illegal Techniques by Division

The techniques below will not be permitted for the respective age divisions.

Kindergarten through Pre Teens Divisions:
Any foot lock, knee lock or leg lock
Wrist lock
Ezekiel choke
Front guillotine
Pulling on the head to complete a triangle
Omoplata
Do-Jime (squeezing the trunk with the legs or arms)
Scissor Takedowns
bicep locks
Calf lock
Twister

Junior Teen through Teen:
Any foot lock, knee lock or leg lock
Wrist lock
Ezekiel choke
Front guillotine
Scissor Takedowns
bicep locks
Calf lock
Twister

Juvenile and Adult through Senior V White Belts:
knee lock
leg lock
Scissor Takedowns
bicep locks
Calf lock
Twister

Juvenile and Adult through Senior V, Blue and Purple Belts:
knee lock
leg lock
Scissor Takedowns
bicep locks
Calf lock
Twister

Adult through Senior V, Brown and Black Belts:
The only techniques that will be illegal for these divisions are those listed in Article 6, Section 1

Article 8 – Hygiene

Competitors must meet the following regulations or they may be disqualified.

Their uniform must be washed, dry, and free of unpleasant odor.

Competitor’s toenails and fingernails must be kept short, clean and free from sharp edges or jaggedness.

Individuals with long hair must secure it so that it will not interfere with their performance or that of their opponent’s during a match.

Athletes may not be adorned with makeup, hair spray/dye, or any other substance that will come off onto their own gi, the mats or onto their opponent.

Any individual with a transmittable disease, viral, bacterial or fungal, will not be allowed to compete.

Article 9 – Gi and Uniform Regulations

Athlete’s equipment and uniforms will be checked by an NABJJF official immediately before they step on the scales to weigh in.

When the fighter has his gi ripped during the fight, the referee will give him a set time to change it. If the fighter does not change it in time he will be disqualified.

The fighter must wear under garments under the gi pants, keeping in mind the risk that the suit might become torn or undone. If this occurs, the athlete will be given a set time determined by the referee to find another pair of pants to wear. If the athlete cannot change within the set time, he will be immediately disqualified.

If an athlete does not meet any of the standards for equipment or uniform, he will be given 5 minutes to change.  If he cannot meet the equipment and uniform standards within those 5 minutes then he will be disqualified.

Section 1 – Miscellaneous Equipment

Wrestling shoes, cups and head gear will not be permitted.  Any piece of protective equipment that may alter the outcome of the match may not be worn.

Male competitors are not allowed to wear T-shirts, rashguards, etc underneath the gi. 

Female competitors will be required to wear rashguards, sports bras, or an equivalent garment underneath their gi.

Section 2 – The Gi

Gis used by competitors must meet the following regulations:

Constructed of cotton or similar material and in good condition. The material may not be excessively thick or stiff to the point where it will hinder the opponent from executing a submission.  The gi top must be made of single weave, gold weave, double weave or a similar weight material.

Colors may be black, white or blue.  No combined colors will be allowed (eg. white gi with blue pants or a white gi with black lapels).

The jacket is to be of sufficient length, down to the pelvis.  The sleeves must reach a point no more than 8cm back from the wrist when the arms are extended in front of the body.   When the arms are held out to the sides, level to the shoulders, the material of the sleeves must have at least 7cm of slack along the length of the arm.

The lapel of the jacket must be 4-5cm wide and less than 1.3cm thick.

A belt with width of 4-5cm and color corresponding to rank tied around the waist with a double knot, tight enough to secure the gi closed.

The pants are to be tied securely at the waist, above the buttocks.  If they are grabbed and pulled down, they should remain affixed where they are secured at the waist.  They must be of appropriate length, reaching a point no more than 8cm up from the ankle.  When the athlete is standing, the material of the pants must have at least 5cm of slack along the length of the leg.

Athletes are not permitted to compete with torn kimonos, sleeves, or pants. Gis must be of proper length and cannot be worn with t-shirts underneath the (except in the female divisions).

Patches and embroidery may be securely affixed in any place on the gi or pants that does not impede regular gripping of the gi.  Any patches with unaffixed edges or tears must be removed.

Article 10 – Age Categories for Competitors

Competitor’s will not be grouped in age divisions by their actual age, but by the year in which they were born.

Eg.  For the 2011 competition year, the Kindergarten division will be for children born between the years 2005 and 2007.

Section 1 – Age Divisions

Kindergarten – Kids who turn 4, 5, or 6 in the year the tournament is held.

Pre Teen -           Kids who turn 7, 8, or 9 in the year the tournament is held.

Junior Teen -     Kids who turn 10, 11, or 12 in the year the tournament is held.

Teen -                   Kids who turn 13, 14, or 15 in the year the tournament is held.

Juvenile -            Kids who turn 16 or 17 in the year the tournament is held.

Adult –                 Adults who turn 18 to 29 in the year the tournament is held.

Master -               Adults who turn 30 to 35 in the year the tournament is held.

Senior I -             Adults who turn 36 to 40 in the year the tournament is held.

Senior II -            Adults who turn 41 to 45 in the year the tournament is held.

Senior III -          Adults who turn 46 to 50 in the year the tournament is held.

Senior IV -          Adults who turn 51 to 55 in the year the tournament is held.

Senior V –           Adults who turn over 56 in the year the tournament is held.

Section 2 – Match duration by age division

Kids Division
Kindergarten– 2 Minutes
Pre Teen – 3 Minutes
Junior Teen– 4 Minutes
Teen – 4 Minutes
Juvenile – 5 Minutes

Adult Division time limits will vary by belt as follows:
White Belts – 5 Minutes
Blue Belts – 6 Minutes
Purple Belts – 7 Minutes
Brown Belts – 8 Minutes
Black Belts – 10 Minutes

Master Division time limits will vary by belt as follows:
White Belts – 5 Minutes
Blue Belts – 5 Minutes
Purple Belts – 6 Minutes
Brown Belts – 6 Minutes
Black Belts – 6 Minutes

SENIOR:(over 35 according to the tournament)
White Belts – 5 Minutes
Blue Belts – 5 Minutes
Purple Belts – 5 Minutes
Brown Belts – 5 Minutes
Black Belts – 5 Minutes

 

Article 11 – Weight Divisions

For every NABJJ Tournament, athletes will be weighed in at the time their division is scheduled to begin.  Tournament schedules will be available to all registrants at least 1 day before the tournament begins.

Section 1 – Weighing In

For each division, all athletes must be weighed in before that division begins. Athletes will be taken to their weight division’s designated mat area immediately after they weigh in and will be expected to be ready to fight immediately after weigh in. Divisions will begin as soon as the final athlete has been weighed in and moved to the mat area.

All athletes must weigh in with their gi on.  At the time of weigh in, all athletes must weigh less than the weight specified for their division or they will be disqualified.

The NABJJF suggests that athletes do not attempt to “cut weight” by dehydrating themselves before weighing in.  Athletes will not be given time to recover or rehydrate after weigh-ins.  Athletes should be ready to fight at the time they weigh in.  Those who dehydrate themselves are in a state of heightened risk for fatigue and injury.

Section 2 – Weight Divisions by Age Groups
KINDERGARTEN

PRE TEEN

JR. TEEN

TEEN

FEMALE & MALE JUVENILE

 MALE ADULTS - MASTERS  - SENIORS

 FEMALE ADULT

Article 12 –Tournament Bracket System

All NABJJF tournaments will be run on a single-elimination bracket system. 

Divisions are separated and classified by Age, Rank and Weight. For each division there will be a separate bracket. 

For each tournament, brackets will be composed prior to the beginning of the tournament.  Once the given tournament has started, the positions of competitors in their brackets may not be altered.

Section 1 – Single Elimination Bracket Style

For every competition round prior to the semi-finals, defeated competitors are eliminated from competition. Competitors defeated in the semi-finals of a bracket will be advanced into a match for Third Place.

Section 2 – Three Man Brackets

In the case of a bracket with three competitors, the loser of the first match will fight the third opponent.  The winner of that match will fight the winner of the initial match.

 

Article 13 – Amendments

Amendment 1 - Titles

Those that will function in an official capacity during the competition will hold the following titles:

Event Coordinator
Referee
Scorekeeper, Table Technician
Weight Station, Mat Directors, Gi Checker

Competitors who are not waiting for a match and other unofficial people inside the specified competition area will warrant disqualification of the corresponding competitor.

Amendment 2 – Match decision in the advent of a double injury

In case the two athletes are accidentally injured and unable to continue during the final match the result will be decided by current point score. If the score is a tie, the result will be decided by referee decision.

Amendment 3 - Rest periods between matches

Athletes will be given rest periods between their matches equal to no less than the designated duration of their division’s matches.

Amendment 4 – Disqualification by Absence

If there are only two athletes on the bracket and one of the competitors does not show up for the final match, the athlete present will be awarded the win. The competitor who is not present will not receive a medal or classification due to his absence.

Amendment 5 – Change of gis between matches

Athletes must compete in their matches in the gi they wore when they weighed in.  Should the athlete weigh in with one gi but then change into another before their first fight or between their fights, he/she will be disqualified. 

If the athlete’s gi is torn during a match and they change gis to comply with the referee’s orders, they will not be disqualified and will be allowed to compete in a different gi as long as it meets the specified uniform requirements.