Every NJJF rule is created with athlete safety as the top priority. Youth divisions for ages 11 and under are available without submissions to ensure a safe and encouraging environment. For full details on legal and illegal techniques, click the button below. Any situations not covered in the rules will be determined by tournament management.
Each competition area is designated by a 16' x 16' black square.
Competitors are not required to remain within the black square during the match. If the action moves outside the designated area, the match will continue unless the referee determines that the competitors are at risk of colliding with another match, approaching the edge of the mat, or otherwise entering an unsafe area.
When necessary, the referee will call “STOP” and reposition the competitors in the center of the competition area.
If a position has been clearly established, competitors will be restarted in the same established position. If no position has been established, the match will restart from the standing position.
Weigh-ins are typically held on the same day as the event. Select tournaments may also offer Friday weigh-ins the day before the event; when available, this will be clearly specified in the event information.
Competitors only need to weigh in once, even if competing in both Gi and No-Gi divisions.
Gi competitors are not required to wear their Gi while weighing in.
A one-pound allowance is provided at weigh-in to account for scale calibration tolerances.
All competitors must be weighed in at least 60 minutes before their scheduled match start time.
4 Points
3 Points
2 Points
Advantages are used only as a tiebreaker when the match ends with an equal point score.
If both competitors have the same number of advantages, including when neither competitor has been awarded an advantage, the match will proceed according to the applicable overtime rules.
Overtime Rules for No-Gi Divisions
If a match ends tied on both points and advantages, a Sudden Death Overtime round will be held:
The first competitor to score a point wins the match. Advantages do not end the overtime period.
If neither competitor scores a point before time expires, the winner will be determined by referee decision.
Overtime Rules for Gi Divisions
There is no Sudden Death Overtime in Gi divisions.
If a Gi match ends tied on both points and advantages, the winner will be determined by referee decision.
Gi Divisions
No-Gi Divisions