FAQ's

Common questions asked by people who are competing at FUJI BJJ Events for the first time.

FUJI BJJ Weight Classes (Click Here). Please note all weight classes are subject to change.  Please register in Smoothcomp for complete up to date divisions

All information that you need  is located in Smoothcomp. Please select your event and click on “Event Schedule”

All information is located in Smoothcomp.  Please select your event and click the “Uncontested Divisions” Tab.  This will provide our process. You can also scroll up and read our Uncontested and merged divisions section.

You can do this directly in Smoothcomp. Refunds can be processed up until bracketing is completed. After the Early Registration date, all refunds will be in the form of a credit or “Coupon”. The only exception to this is that you are uncontested after merging is completed and have been contacted with the secondary options of a refund or a merge outside of our automatic merging policy.(More Info Here)

Athletes are responsible for doing this in their smoothcomp profile. For information on how to do that Click Here For Smoothcomp Support Page

Athletes are responsible for doing this in their smoothcomp profile. For information on how to do that Click Here For Smoothcomp Instructions

Athletes can log into their profile on smoothcomp to get a start time. Please note that start times are estimates and athletes should arrive early as matches times can move. Here is a guide on how to navigate smoothcomp. Click Here for Smoothcomp Instructions

Elite divisions are made for competitors looking to test their skills on a higher level. You can register for both Elite and Regular divisions at the same event. They are essentially modified absolute divisions. These divisions are wider in skill, weight, and for kids, age. 

All winners of the Elite division are granted a unique award that is exclusively available through this achievement.

Below are the available options for the Elite Division:

•Kids GI Elite

•Kids NOGI Elite

•Adults GI Elite

•Adults NOGI Elite

Kids divisions are open rank with 3 age groups and are set up in 20lbs increments. Are these new division

Kids age groups:

  • 9 and under
  • 15 and under
  • 17 and unde

Adult divisions are set up into two skill and two weight divisions. The age divisions are unchanged from the normal divisions.

Adult Skill divisions

Gi

  • Blue belt and below
  • Purple belt and above

NOGI

  • Intermediate and Below
  • Expert

Adult Weight divisions

  • Under 165lbs
  • Over 165lbs

Rules and guidelines

The tournament director reserves the right to protect the safety and well being of the participants and attendees of their event. Any person who misbehaves, threatens others, uses profanity, or does not conduct themselves in a professional manner will be removed from the event. The sole decision maker is the tournament director.

Allowable Techniques

No Submissions allowed

Allowed

  • Triangle without Head Pull
  • Collar Chokes
  • Arm Triangle Chokes
  • Arm Bars
  • Shoulder Locks
  • Omoplata
  • Guillotine

Not Allowed

  • Standing Submissions
  • Standing Guillotine
  • Triangle with Head Pull
  • Ezekiel Choke
  • Straight Ankle Lock
  • Jumping Guard
  • Wrist Lock
  • Knee Bar
  • Toe Hold
  • Bicep/Calf Slicer
  • Knee Reap
  • Neck Crank
  • Heel Hook
  • Spine Manipulation
  • Leg Splitting Submissions
  • Scissors Take Downs
  • Slams
  • Gogo Plata
  • Smoother Choke - Hand Over Mouth

All Rankes follow the same submissions guidelines

Allowed

  • Triangle without Head Pull
  • Collar Chokes
  • Arm Triangle Chokes
  • Arm Bars
  • Shoulder Locks
  • Omoplata
  • Guillotine

Not Allowed

  • Standing Submissions
  • Standing Guillotine
  • Triangle with Head Pull
  • Ezekiel Choke
  • Straight Ankle Lock
  • Jumping Guard
  • Wrist Lock
  • Knee Bar
  • Toe Hold
  • Bicep/Calf Slicer
  • Knee Reap
  • Neck Crank
  • Heel Hook
  • Spine Manipulation
  • Leg Splitting Submissions
  • Scissors Take Downs
  • Slams
  • Gogo Plata
  • Smoother Choke - Hand Over Mouth

Allowable

  • Triangle with & without Head Pull
  • Collar Chokes
  • Arm Triangle Chokes
  • Arm Bars
  • Shoulder Locks
  • Omoplata
  • Ezekiel Choke
  • Straight Ankle Lock
  • Standing Submissions
  • Gogo Plata
  • Guillotine
  • Standing Guillotine

Not Allowed

  • Jumping Guard
  • Wrist Lock
  • Knee Bar
  • Toe Hold
  • Bicep/Calf Slicer
  • Knee Reap
  • Neck Crank
  • Heel Hook
  • Spine Manipulation
  • Leg Splitting Submissions
  • Scissors Take Downs
  • Slams
  • Smoother Choke - No Hand Over Mouth

Allowable

  • Standing Submissions
  • Triangle with Head Pull
  • Triangle without Head Pull
  • Collar Chokes
  • Arm Triangle Chokes
  • Arm Bars
  • Shoulder Locks
  • Omoplata
  • Ezekiel Choke
  • Straight Ankle Lock
  • Jumping Guard
  • Wrist Lock
  • Gogo Plata
  • Guillotine
  • Standing Guillotine

Not Allowed

  • Knee Bar
  • Toe Hold
  • Bicep/Calf Slicer
  • Knee Reap
  • Neck Crank
  • Heel Hook
  • Spine Manipulation
  • Leg Splitting Submissions
  • Scissors Take Downs
  • Slams
  • Smoother Choke - Hand Over Mouth

Allowable

  • Standing Submissions
  • Ezekiel Choke
  • Triangle With & Without Head Pull
  • Arm Triangle Chokes
  • Arm Bars
  • Shoulder Locks
  • Omoplata
  • Straight Ankle Lock
  • Gogo Plata
  • Guillotine
  • Standing Guillotine

Not Allowed

  • Jumping Guard
  • Wrist Lock
  • Knee Bar
  • Toe Hold
  • Bicep/Calf Slicer
  • Knee Reap
  • Neck Crank
  • Heel Hook
  • Spine Manipulation
  • Leg Splitting Submissions
  • Scissors Take Downs
  • Slams
  • Smoother Choke - No Hand Over Mouth

Allowable

  • Standing Submissions
  • Triangle with Head Pull
  • Triangle without Head Pull
  • Collar Chokes
  • Arm Triangle Chokes
  • Arm Bars
  • Shoulder Locks
  • Omoplata
  • Ezekiel Choke
  • Straight Ankle Lock
  • Jumping Guard
  • Wrist Lock
  • Gogo Plata
  • Guillotine
  • Standing Guillotine

Not Allowed

  • Knee Bar
  • Toe Hold
  • Bicep/Calf Slicer
  • Knee Reap
  • Neck Crank
  • Heel Hook
  • Spine Manipulation
  • Leg Splitting Submissions
  • Scissors Take Downs
  • Slams
  • Smoother Choke - No Hand Over Mouth

Allowable

  • Triangle with & without Head Pull
  • Collar Chokes
  • Arm Triangle Chokes
  • Arm Bars
  • Shoulder Locks
  • Omoplata
  • Ezekiel Choke
  • Straight Ankle Lock
  • Standing Submissions
  • Gogo Plata
  • Guillotine
  • Standing Guillotine

Not Allowed

  • Jumping Guard
  • Wrist Lock
  • Knee Bar
  • Toe Hold
  • Bicep/Calf Slicer
  • Knee Reap
  • Neck Crank
  • Heel Hook
  • Spine Manipulation
  • Leg Splitting Submissions
  • Scissors Take Downs
  • Slams
  • Smoother Choke - Hand Over Mouth

Allowable

  • Standing Submissions
  • Triangle with Head Pull
  • Triangle without Head Pull
  • Collar Chokes
  • Arm Triangle Chokes
  • Arm Bars
  • Shoulder Locks
  • Omoplata
  • Ezekiel Choke
  • Straight Ankle Lock
  • Jumping Guard
  • Wrist Lock
  • Gogo Plata
  • Guillotine
  • Standing Guillotine

Not Allowed

  • Knee Bar
  • Toe Hold
  • Bicep/Calf Slicer
  • Knee Reap
  • Neck Crank
  • Heel Hook
  • Spine Manipulation
  • Leg Splitting Submissions
  • Scissors Take Downs
  • Slams
  • Smoother Choke - Hand Over Mouth

Allowable

  • Standing Submissions
  • Triangle with Head Pull
  • Triangle without Head Pull
  • Collar Chokes
  • Arm Triangle Chokes
  • Arm Bars
  • Shoulder Locks
  • Omoplata
  • Ezekiel Choke
  • Straight Ankle Lock
  • Jumping Guard
  • Wrist Lock
  • Knee Bar
  • Toe Hold
  • Bicep/Calf Slicer
  • Gogo Plata
  • Guillotine
  • Standing Guillotine

Not Allowed

  • Knee Reap
  • Neck Crank
  • Heel Hook
  • Spine Manipulation
  • Leg Splitting Submissions
  • Scissors Take Downs
  • Slams
  • Smoother Choke - Hand Over Mouth

Max rank allowed in this division is white belt 4 Stripes

Allowable

  • Standing Submissions
  • Ezekiel Choke
  • Triangle With & Without Head Pull
  • Arm Triangle Chokes
  • Arm Bars
  • Shoulder Locks
  • Omoplata
  • Straight Ankle Lock
  • Gogo Plata
  • Guillotine
  • Standing Guillotine

Not Allowed

  • Jumping Guard
  • Wrist Lock
  • Knee Bar
  • Toe Hold
  • Bicep/Calf Slicer
  • Knee Reap
  • Neck Crank
  • Heel Hook
  • Spine Manipulation
  • Leg Splitting Submissions
  • Scissors Take Downs
  • Slams
  • Smoother Choke - Hand Over Mouth

Max rank allowed in this division is purple belt 4 Stripes

Allowable

  • Standing Submissions
  • Triangle With & Without Head Pull
  • Arm Triangle Chokes
  • Arm BarsShoulder Locks
  • Omoplata
  • Ezekiel Choke
  • Straight Ankle Lock
  • Jumping Guard
  • Wrist Lock
  • Gogo Plata
  • Guillotine
  • Standing Guillotine

Not Allowed

  • Knee Bar
  • Toe Hold
  • Bicep/Calf Slicer
  • Knee Reap
  • Neck Crank
  • Heel Hook
  • Spine Manipulation
  • Leg Splitting Submissions
  • Scissors Take Downs
  • Slams
  • Smoother Choke - Hand Over Mouth

Any rank can enter this division

Allowable

  • Standing Submissions
  • Triangle with Head Pull
  • Triangle without Head Pull
  • Arm Triangle Chokes
  • Arm Bars
  • Shoulder Locks
  • Omoplata
  • Ezekiel Choke
  • Straight Ankle Lock
  • Jumping Guard
  • Wrist Lock
  • Knee Bar
  • Toe Hold
  • Bicep/Calf Slicer
  • Knee Reap
  • Neck Crank
  • Spine Manipulation
  • Leg Splitting Submissions
  • Heel Hook
  • Gogo Plata
  • Guillotine
  • Standing Guillotine
  • Smoother Choke - Hand Over Mouth

Not Allowed

  • Scissors Take Downs
  • Slams

Basic Rules

Standard Match Times

  • 4-5 Years Old 3 Min Matches - Both Gi & NOGI
  • 6-7 Years Old 3 Min Matches - Both Gi & NOGI
  • 8-9 Years Old 3 Min Matches - Both Gi & NOGI
  • 10-11 Years Old 4 Min Matches - Both Gi & NOGI
  • 12-13 Years Old 4 Min Matches - Both Gi & NOGI
  • 14-15 Years Old 4 Min Matches - Both Gi & NOGI
  • 16-17 Years Old 5 Min Match - Both Gi & NOGI
  • Adult 18+ Gi
  • White Belt = 5 Min
  • Blue Belt = 6 Mins.
  • Purple Belt = 7 Mins.
  • Brown & Black Belt = 8 Mins.

Adult 18+ NOGI

  • Beginner NOGI - 5 Min
  • Intermediate NOGI = 6 Min
  • Expert NOGI = 8 Mins

Master Match Times

  • M30 Gi & NOGI - 5 Mins
  • M40 Gi & NOGI - 5 Mins
  • M50 Gi & NOGI - 5 Mins
  • M60+ Gi & NOGI - 5 Mins

Matches will always have a victor; Matches can be won by…

  • SUBMISSION
  • POINTS
  • REFEREE DECISION
  • REFEREE STOPPAGE
  • FORFEITURE OF THE MATCH
  • DISQUALIFICATION BY FOULS
  • COMPETITOR INJURY

If matches ends in a draw;

  • It will be a referee decision.

No Submissions for kids that are 7 years old or younger in the White Belt or Beginner NOGI divisions!

A Submission happens when a competitor forces an opponent to:

  • Tap with their hand against their opponent or the floor in a visible manner.
  • Tap with their feet on the ground (if he or she does not have the use of their hands).
  • Verbally request the referee that the match be stopped.
  • Verbally says “Tap”.
  • If a competitor screams or yells in the heat of the match. 

*Referees will objectively stop any match when they believe that the competitor could be at risk of incurring serious injury regardless of whether the competitor taps or not. This decision is solely up to the referee and is not able to be contested or appealed.

Point System

Techniques and positions that are awarded with points. All techniques or positional changes MUST have established control for 3 seconds for points to be awarded. Also, any submission attempts by the opponent being scored on must be cleared prior to being able to secure position for count.

Takedown

  • When a fighter starts in the standing position, forces the opponent to fall back down, sideways or into a seated position on the ground, and establishes the position for 3 seconds.
  • When a fighter forces their opponent to the ground on all fours or belly down, points shall be awarded once the fighter establishes top position for 3 seconds, having his entire body behind the line of at least one of the arms. At least one of the opponents knees needs to be on the ground.
  • A fighter who initiates the takedown movement, after the opponent has pulled guard, will not receive points.
  • When a competitor pulls guard after the opponent has established a grip on the pants, it will be considered a takedown for the competitor with the grip on the pants after 3 seconds of top control.
  • When a competitor forces their competitor to the ground and lands inside the guard, and the person on the bottom successfully applies a sweep/counter takedown before 3 seconds of control, only the competitor performing the counter technique shall be awarded points if he establishes control for 3 seconds on top.
  • When both competitors stand up, after 3 seconds in the standing positions, both will have the possibility of scoring points through a takedown.

Sweep

  • Action where the scoring competitor is in the bottom position playing guard and is able to move to a top control position, and establish control for at least 3 seconds.
  • In the case of 50/50 guard, a 2 point sweep is only registered if the athlete moving to top position is able to free their legs from the opponent’s, and control the top position for at least 3 seconds.

Knee on the Belly

  • When a competitor in a top position places the knee or shin closest to the opponents hips on the bottom competitor's belly, chest or ribs while placing the other foot on the ground.

Locked submission attempts

  • Locked submission attempts that end out of bounds without purpose (competitors will be restarted, standing, in the center)

Executing a Takedown

  • When executing a takedown, if the opponent flees the mat, the competitor executing the takedown will be awarded 2 points.

Double Guard Pull

  • When a double guard pull occurs, the competitor who gets to the top position first and establishes control for 3 seconds is awarded 2 points. If 20 seconds pass and neither opponent reaches the top position the referee will stop the fight and both competitors will be penalized. The fight will be restarted from the standing position.

Guard Pass

  • When a top competitor clears the legs and establishes side control, knee on belly, north-south position, or full mount.

Mount

  • When the athlete is sitting on the opponent’s torso with 2 knees on the ground, or one knee and one foot on the ground. The competitor on top must be facing the opponent with only up to one arm trapped under the leg, if both arms are under the legs points will not be given.

Back Mount

  • When the athlete is sitting on the opponent’s torso and they are flat and facing the ground. The competitor mounting the back must have both knees on the ground or one knee and one foot on the ground.

Back position with hooks 

  • The competitor takes control of their opponent’s back and places the heels (hooks) between their opponent’s thighs. Both hooks must be in place to receive points. A body triangle (body lock) or having the feet crossed will not result in points.
  • If a competitor is defending a takedown when taken out of bounds no points will be awarded to either competitor
  • It is Referee discretion to determine whether an athlete is fleeing the mat to avoid a takedown or Defending a takedown. These calls can not be contested. 
  • When a submission is applied during a scoring move/technique no points will be assessed until the submission or position is disengaged (for example if a top player attempts an ankle lock from his opponents guard, and his opponent comes to the top position to accept sweep points, NO POINTS will be assessed until the ankle lock has been defended or abandoned)
  • No points are awarded for escaping an inferior position (side control, mount, back, knee on belly) regardless of where the competitors end up from the escape attempt.

Advantage Points are awarded only for legitimate submission attempts. It falls on the referee to assess whether the opponent was in danger of a submission.

  • Advantages should not be rewarded in cases that the opponent does not need to address the submission in any way to end the attempt.

Penalties & Fouls

Poor Personal Conduct – May result in immediate DQ.

Will result in a warning and associated penalties

  • Inserting fingers or toes inside the sleeves or pants, or foot inside the opponent’s belt
  • Running away from the action of the match as well as backing out of guard (more than 2 steps and not engaging their opponent
  • Sitting to guard without having a physical connection to the opponent.
  • If a foul occurs the referee may
  • Restart the action in the last position before progression occurred, or
  • Restart the competitors standing if it cannot be recreated.

A verbal warning will be given on the first offense where a competitor is committing a foul or stalling.

Stalling – A referee will issue a warning to a competitor when they are stalling by telling them that they must modify the position. When a competitor does not modify his grips or position after a 20 second count this warning will be given. After another 20 seconds a 2nd warning will be given, and 2 points will be awarded to the opponent. There will be no 3rd warning, competitors will be DQ’s after a 3rd 20 second period has passed with no movement.

  • Warnings are given to the competitor after committing a foul.
  • 1st Offense: Verbal Warning, penalty added
  • 2nd Offense: +2 points for opponent, penalty added
  • 3rd Offense: Disqualification
  • If a child applies an illegal technique, the referee will stop the fight and undo the illegal move. No penalty will be given and the match will be restarted by the referee. Unless the referee understands that illegal technique it’s been used to get some reasonable advantage in the fight. In this case, penalties can be applied.
  • In the event of a youth tap from an illegal technique, before the referee has a chance to stop the match the offender will be DQ.

Unsportsmanlike conduct

Unsportsmanlike conduct may result in a competitor’s immediate disqualification.

Using any part of the body (fist, forearm, elbow, shoulder, head, knee, or leg) to cause a concussive blow to one’s opponent.

Eye gouging is the act of pressing or tearing the eye using the fingers, other body parts, or instruments.

Biting in any form is illegal. A referee may not be able to physically observe some actions such as biting.

Pulling of the hair in any fashion is an illegal action. A competitor may not grab a hold of their opponent’s hair to control their opponent in any way.

Any attempt by a competitor to use their fingers in a manner that attacks their opponent’s mouth, nose or ears, stretching the skin to that area will be considered “Fish hooking”.

A competitor may not place their fingers into an opponent's nose, ears, mouth, or any body cavity.

Grabbing fingers & toes as single digits. Competitors must grab 3 or more digits at a time.

Malicious slamming is considered slamming an opponent with ill will or intent to cause injury. Spiking is considered to be any take-down where you control your opponent’s body directing his feet straight up and his head straight down and forcibly driving the opponent’s head into floor/mat.

  • Using the belt for any type of submission.
  • Use of foul language, cursing, or other immoral acts of disrespect towards the referee, opponents or any of the assisting staff or public
  • Engaging in any unsportsmanlike or malicious conduct
  • Attacking an opponent on or during a break
  • Attacking an opponent who is under the care of the referee or doctor
  • Attacking an opponent after the end of the match
  • Flagrantly disregarding the instructions of the referee
  • A competitor MUST follow the instructions of the referee at all times. Any deviation or non-compliance may result in the competitor’s disqualification.
  • Interference by the coach - Interference is defined as any action or activity aimed at disrupting the match or causing an unfair advantage to be given to one competitor. Coaches or corners are not allowed to distract the referee or influence the actions of the referee in any fashion.

FUJI BJJ Policies

The health and wellbeing of athletes and spectators is of the utmost importance to us. Therefore hygiene will be strictly enforced. 

  • Finger and toe nails trimmed and cut short. 

Hair

  • Long hair must be tied back in a way that ensures zero disruption to their opponents grappling ability or the progression of the match. 
  • Dyed hair must not leave any stains or residue. Competitors will be disqualified if they do.
  • Gel or Hairspray 

All gear used in competition must be kept clean and tidy. Gear that is falling apart, has a bad odor, is stained, or color bleeds on any surface will not be allowed during the competition. Gear subject to this rule includes but is not limited to: 

  • Jiu Jitsu Gis
  • Belts
  • Rashguards
  • Fight Shorts
  • Leggings
  • Apparel worn for NOGI 
  • Knee Pads
  • Ankle Wraps
  • Elbow Sleeves

Competitors who are wearing gear that does not meet the standard of the referee on the mat will be asked to remove or change their gear. If a competitor can not find a replacement or compete without the item they will be disqualified. 

Competitors may not wear any item that is made of any hard material including plastic. Competitors will be asked to remove or replace these items. Most common offenses to this rule include: 

  • Male/Female Cups - that are made of plastic or metal
  • Jewelry of any kind - Belly button rings must come out
  • Prosthetics
  • Cast
  • Gauged Ears - should be secured shut with medical tape
  • Joint Braces that include plastic pieces to hold velcro straps

Fit of Jiu Jitsu Gis 

Jiu Jitsu gi should fit properly and meet standard competition rules. If a referee feels that a gi hinders an opponent from gripping or performing techniques he may ask the competitor to change his uniform. If a competitor can not find a replacement gi he will be DQ from the match. But will however be allowed to compete in future matches if the competitor finds a replacement gi later on. 

NOGI Attire 

NOGI attire worn during competition must meet the following criteria: 

  • Top
  • Must cover the torso and shoulders
  • Can be a Rashgaurd or T-Shirt
  • Shirts that are worn may not be overly baggy (referees discretion can not be challenged) 
  • Tank Tops or Sports Bras are not allow 
  • Bottoms
  • Must completely cover the butt 
  • Must not have any zippers or pockets
  • Strings must be on the inside of the garment
  • Garments that are overly baggy will not be allowed. (referees discretion can not be challenged)

All fighters will have the ability to refund themselves if they register during early registration time period and refund themselves directly through Smoothcomp during the early registration process.

If you try to cancel your registration during Normal or Late Registration time frame you will be issued your own personal coupon code for a future event. This is generated directly in Smoothcomp.  

If there is a special circumstance as to why you can not attend. Please contact the tournament director to find a solution.  

All uncontested Divisions will follow these options starting with option 1 then moving down the list. All competitors have the ability in Smoothcomp to go in and update their own resignation to put themselves in a division of their choosing. 

Kids 15 and Under: 

  1. We will move them up in weight by one weight class
  2. We will move them up in age but keep them in the same weight
  3. We will move them up in age and up in weight by one weight class
  4. If none of the above can be done we will contact you directly to find a solution 

Adults

  1. We will move you up in weight by one weight class
  2. We will contact you to find a solution

Masters

  1. We will move you up in weight by one weight class
  2. We will move you down in age and keep you in the same weight class
  3. If none of the above can be done we will contact you directly to find a solution
  • The competitor has the right to have one coach present during the match.
  • One chair will be placed on the side of the mat area exclusively for the coaches use during the match.
  • The scorekeeper will not wait for a coach to start a match if they are not present.
  • The coach must not stand or kneel on the mat area during the match.
  • The coach shall not talk to the referee during the match, doing so results in a penalty.
  • The coach shall not talk to the score keeper's table under risk of being penalized.
  • Anyone can be a coach as long as they have been approved by a FUJI BJJ Staff member.
  • Coaches will not use profanity or make derogatory remarks during the matches. They will receive one warning then be removed.

Contact us

If you have any questions or need clarification on a rule please send us a message.

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