How a BJJ competition works

Competitors are split into divisions by belt, age, gender and weight, so matches are even. There is a white-belt division for beginners. Weight is often checked at the venue, so confirm your division’s limits in advance.

Competitions are split into gi (uniform on) and no-gi (without the gi). The rules and legal grips differ slightly: in the gi you can grip the uniform, in no-gi you cannot. Many events offer both, and you enter them separately.

A match is won first and foremost by a submission that forces the opponent to tap. If there is no submission, points decide it: dominant positions and sweeps score. If points are tied, advantages break it. When time runs out, whoever has the most points wins.

The most common international ruleset is IBJJF, but local events may use their own, beginner-friendly rules. Read each event’s rules beforehand, since the legal submissions vary by belt level and ruleset.

Ask your coach for a suitable first event, registration is usually done on the event’s own page in advance. See upcoming competitions in Finland with their dates, venues and organisers.