Rules and Regulations

Judging Criteria
  • Most matches will be no-points submission only. 
  • For no-points submission only matches, judges will apply three criteria: near submissions, positional dominance and aggression in that order.
  • There are two professional jiu-jitsu black belt level judges. 
  • The third judge is the audience who will vote during the match via app. The audience will be given the criteria in their programs, but people are unpredictable. We suggest in addition to trying to beat your opponent, that you try to inspire and win the crowd. 
  • For matches under other rulesets, such as ADCC, of IBJJF, the criteria of those rulesets will apply
Prohibited Techniques

Slams: Defined as any motion where a competitor lifts the other up (whether it is while in a submission, from within the guard, or during a takedown), and holds them in mid-air for a brief pause before returning them to the ground in an uncontrolled fashion.*

*Note that high amplitude throws or takedowns are permitted.

Any form of head/neck spiking.

No small joint manipulation.

No two handed trachea attacks.

No jumping guard

No scissor takedowns

No Kani Basami leg entries

No striking, biting, pulling hair, pulling clothing in No-Gi matches, fingers or toes in the mouth, pressure on genitals or eyes.

Allowed Techniques

All submissions are legal by default unless previously stated.

By mutual agreement, competitors may disallow certain submissions such as heel hooks, twisters, etc.

Weigh-Ins

Competitors weigh-in the evening before, or same day with prior arrangements. 

1 LB  allowance.

Weigh-ins are without the Gi.

Conduct

The event seeks to “elevate” the stature and professionalism of the sport, and appeal to a wider audience, including families and children.

Athletes should feel free to be themselves, and express their individuality but not in ways that are derogatory, mean, cruel, or gross, or simply inappropriate for a young child to see or hear.

Athletes will refrain from profanity during the event, and in social media promotions of the event.

Athletes will refrain from the promotion of illegal activity during the event and in social media promotions of the event (i.e. the usage of illegal drugs, “Nose beers at Hakkasan”, etc).