Scoring In Jiu Jitsu

Scoring in Jiu Jitsu



Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the most popular form of martial art that evolved from the Japanese. There are various competitions held every year and the scoring system will determine who will be the winner at the end of the tournament.


One point is credited when the following is done.


1. The fighter delivers a clean striking technique using either the hand or the foot to legal target areas. Strikes to the head are allowed as long as it is light or touch contact only.


2. The same goes to the inner or outer thigh when a roundhouse kick is made using either light or medium contact.


3. When the strike made looks potentially damaging or injurious.


4. If the player launches a combination of strikes, the judge may award multiple points but this is at their discretion.


5. Multiple strikes will only be allowed during a 5 second period should grappling occur. Afterwards, both sides should break and then the match resumes.


You can get more points if you are able to execute a controlled kick to the head as long as it is only a light touch to the head gear area. Multiple points are given when you are able to execute a legitimate hold down position during the allotted ground time.


This depends on the color of the belts of those who are competing. For instance, a black belt is awarded 2 points for every 10 seconds up to the 30 second time limit. For lower belts, a point is awarded for every 5 seconds for a 15 second time limit.


The hold down time starts when the signal is given by the signal referee. Unlike boxing where you can be saved by the bell, it does not happen here so the point is counted on the fighter who initiated it.


Other ways to score points could happen if you execute a half-throw or sweep which causes the opponent’s foot to leave the mat and when the referee intervenes should the choke or lock cause serious injury if this was allowed to continue.


Lastly, submission also constitutes points for the fighter.


Points can be deducted if the referee sees that excessive contact was used on the opponent. Examples of these include using illegal fighting techniques, running out of bounds to avoid a fight, attacking illegal areas, falling on the ground to avoid an attack, continuing to fight even after being ordered to stop, disrespect to officials and other competitors as well as unsportman’s like conduct.


Aside from deducting points, the referee may disqualify the player from the tournament. This is classified as minor or major. Minor disqualification means you cannot play anymore during the existing contest. Major means being banned to participate in future competitions for a designated period of time.


A Jiu Jitsu match consists of two rounds which lasts a minute with a 30 second break in between. This will give time for both players to rest and the referee time to check who is leading among the two fighters. Once the time is up, the referee will signal the second round to begin. The rules for black belts are the same but instead of having two rounds that last a minute, it is two rounds that last 2 minutes each.


Scoring in Jiu Jitsu is not that different from other contact sports. After the two rounds, the scores are tabulated and the referee will announce the winner.