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How Does the BJJ Scoring System Work?

October 15, 2024
NAGA Match Scoring

Points are awarded in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) competitions based on the successful execution of techniques that demonstrate control, dominance, and progression toward a submission. Each position or transition is valued differently, and athletes must capitalize on opportunities to earn points while avoiding mistakes that could lead to deductions. In this article, we’ll break down the specifics of how points are awarded in both No-Gi and Gi formats, providing clarity on the differences and what to expect.

In addition to scoring, competitors and coaches are held to high standards of conduct, and professionalism and respect are paramount. Competitors, coaches, and spectators are expected to maintain behavior appropriate for a family-friendly environment and must always show respect for the referee’s authority both on and off the mat. 

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NAGA Scoring System

NAGA tournaments use our unique ruleset for no-gi matches. For Gi matches, we follow the standard BJJ rules (IBJJF). In NAGA Gi competitions, all achievable points require 3 seconds of dominant control. Advantages are awarded for techniques applied that almost achieve points or almost submit an opponent. Note: Advantages do not equal points. One point is worth more than an infinite number of Advantages. 

No Gi Points

Takedowns1 or 2 points
Submission Attempts1 or 2 points
Sweeps2 points
Side Control Variations 2 points
Mount2 points
Back Grab2 points
Knee on Belly2 points

No-Gi Takedowns: 2 Points are awarded when you initiate a Takedown, take your opponent off their feet, and remain on a top position for two seconds. 1 Point may be awarded for Takedowns that do not result in top control. All Takedowns are legal except dropping an opponent on their head, or a Scissors Takedown without placing your hand on the mat first (Scissors Takedowns are illegal for Children and Teens). Slamming an opponent with the intention to cause injury will result in immediate disqualification.

No-Gi Dominant Positional Control: 2 Points are awarded for all forms of top control that provide common submission opportunities, including Side Mount, North-South, Knee on Belly, Scarf Hold, Modified Scarf Hold, Top Turtle control, Mount, and Back Grab positions. Consecutive control points are only awarded for going from a form of Side Control to Knee on Belly/Mount/Back Grab, not from a Side Control to another form of Side Control. Positional Control has to be long enough to set up a submission attempt, which is deemed a two second count. A total of 6 positional points can be achieved in succession.

No-Gi Sweeps: 2 Points are awarded when you initiate a Sweep from any form of Guard, and go from the bottom to a top position. If the Sweep ends in a form of Side Control or Mount, you earn two additional points for the Dominant Control. NO Points are awarded for Escapes or Reversals; if you are Bottom Mount, and you bridge to “In Guard,” NO Points are awarded. If you are bottom Side Control and reverse ending up in Top Side Control, 2 Points are awarded for the Dominant Control, not for the Reversal.

Submission Attempts: 1 or 2 Points are awarded for a Submission Attempt. Submission attempts that are of a high percentage of the opponent being finished will result in 2 Points being awarded. A Submission attempt that fails to meet the Full and Strong Criteria may be awarded 1 Point

Illegal Techniques

Kids & Teens No Gi: Novice Kids divisions do not allow submissions to be applied.

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced & Expert Kids / All Teens divisions: All

forms of neck cranks, No Gi Ezekiel choke, jumping Guard (Allowed in Teen Expert), wrist locks, bicep & calf compressions, body compressions used as a submission, slamming, “Boston crab” & “Bear crawl” style guard passes, twisting or reaping forms of ankle / leg locks, squeezing windpipe w/ hand, “electric chair,” and spine locks are illegal. All No Gi chokes require an opponent’s arm inside the choke except Guillotines, rear naked chokes, forearm chokes and gogoplatas. Straight ankle locks and straight knee bars are Legal techniques in Teen NoGi competition.

Adult Men & Women, Masters, Directors and Executives No Gi Legal / Illegal Techniques: Heel Hooks— Illegal for Novice & Beginners / Legal for Intermediate & Expert. All skill levels are permitted to apply virtually all other submission techniques. Slamming, pulling back fingers or toes and squeezing windpipe w/ hand are Illegal techniques for all Novice, Beginner, Intermediate and Expert No Gi competitors.\

Gi Points

Takedowns2 points
Sweeps2 points
Knee on Belly2 points
Passing the Guard3 Points
Mount4 Points
Back Grab4 points

Takedowns (2 Points): Takedowns must remain in top dominant control for three full seconds to receive 2

Points. All other point situations also require a full 3-second count to receive points.

Sweeps (2 Points): When a competitor on the bottom of any Guard is able to reverse the position and end up on top of his/her opponent for three full seconds, 2 Points are awarded. NOTE: Points are not awarded if the competitor is not controlling his/her opponent’s body

Knee on Belly (2 Points): When a competitor establishes his/her knee across an opponent’s stomach (torso), with the other foot on the ground for three full seconds, he/she will receive 2 Points.

Passing the Guard (3 Points): When a competitor can successfully pass an opponent’s Guard, control a new position (Mount, Side Mount, Knee on Stomach, North/South) for 3 seconds, the competitor will receive 3 Points.

Mount/Back Mount (4 Points): When a competitor successfully “sits” on top of his/her opponent’s torso for a full three-second count, he/she will be awarded 4 Points. 

Back Grab / Back Control (4 Points): When a competitor can control an opponent’s back, with both feet positioned on the inner thighs for three full seconds, the competitor will receive 4 Points.

How is the outcome of the fight decided?

No Gi

A NAGA No Gi grappling match can be won four ways:

By Submission: One competitor can forfeit the fight by tapping the opponent, oneself, or the mat with an open hand more than once. If the hands are immobilized, tapping out can be done with a foot or even the head. Tapping out verbally, either by saying “stop,” “tap” or by yelling out (verbal tap out) when caught in a submission. 

By Accumulation of Points: If neither competitor is able to secure a submission during the allotted time, the match is decided by points. Points are awarded based on certain advantageous positions or movements, reflecting control and dominance over the opponent. 

By Referee Decision: If a match ends without a submission or a clear points victory, the referee must decide the winner based on who was more aggressive, controlled the pace of the match, and attempted to advance position or submit the opponent. 

By Opponent Disqualification: Disqualification can happen for several reasons, such as illegal techniques (e.g., certain leg locks, neck cranks), unsportsmanlike conduct, or repeatedly failing to follow the referee’s commands. Disqualification can also result from a competitor accumulating too many penalties during the match, such as stalling (intentionally delaying the action to avoid engaging). 

Gi

A NAGA Gi grappling match can be won in the same four ways: Submission, Accumulation of Points, Referee Decision, and Opponent Disqualification.

What are advantages in Gi competitions?

Advantages are awarded for techniques applied that almost achieve points or

almost submit an opponent. Note: Advantages do not equal points. One point is

worth more than an infinite number of Advantages.

Advantages will be awarded during the following situations:

  • A competitor almost completes a Takedown. The opponent has a visible loss of balance, falling to his/her knee or rear end.
  • When a competitor has dominant control of his/her opponent from the top of Half Guard after advancing from another form of Guard. NOTE: A competitor successfully escapes the bottom of Mount or Side Mount into Half Guard, the top controlling competitor WILL NOT receive an Advantage for controlling top Half Guard in this situation.
  • Anytime there is a possibility to receive points, but the position was not maintained for the full 3-second count (excluding 50/50 Guard sweeps). 
  • When a competitor applies for a submission, and the Referee feels the submission has nearly finished the match, an Advantage may be awarded.

Practice, Study, Win

Understanding the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu scoring system can significantly impact your strategy on the mat. Securing takedowns and dominant positions is only the beginning. You need to avoiding penalties for illegal techniques and understand the scoring process and NAGA’s conduct expectations. In addition to mastering the techniques, it’s essential to maintain a high level of professionalism and respect throughout the competition. Upholding the rules, respecting the referee’s authority, and ensuring proper conduct all contribute to a positive competition environment. 

For a complete breakdown of the NAGA Gi and No-Gi rules, including penalties, Gi requirements, and behavioral responsibilities, please reference the NAGA Fighter Rulebook.