How to score in Jiu Jitsu

One of the most popular forms of Jiu Jitsu is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, this form of martial arts formed from the Japanese version. There are numerous tournaments held each year and the scoring system in place determines the winner of the end of the tournament.

When one of the following is achieved one point is awarded.

A fighter delivers a clean strike using the hand or foot to a legal area on the body, a strike to the head is permitable so long as it is a light strike or touch contact.

When contact is made to the inner or outer thigh using a roundhouse kick resulting in light or medium contact the same applies.

If a strike looks potentially dangerous or injurious a point is awarded.
If multiple strikes are launched a judge at his or her discretion may award multiple points.

Only during a five second period are multiple strikes allowed after which time the fighters are separated and the match resumes.

If you are able to execute a controlled kick to the head resulting in light contact to the head gear area multiple points may be awarded.

You can also get multiple points if you execute a legitimate hold down position during ground time.

The color of the belt determines the points during this ground time, a black belt is awarded two points for every ten second up to thirty seconds at a time. Lower colored belts the points are 1 point for every 5 seconds with a 15 second time limit.

The hold down time is started at the referees signal. Where as in boxing a fighter can be saved by the bell that does not happen here so the point goes to the person who started the hold down.

There are other ways to score such as if you execute a half throw which causes the opponents feet to leave the mat. The last way to score points is through the use of submission.

A referee can deduct points if they feel that excessive contact was used, examples of this include the use of an illegal fighting technique, running out of bounds to avoid contact, or attacking illegal areas on the body. Other infractions may include disrespect to an official, refusing to stop after being ordered to stop and just general unsportsmanlike conduct.

A referee may disqualify a fighter by giving them a minor or major disqualification. A minor means that you cannot compete during the rest of the competition, a major means that you are banned from competing in future competitions for a certain amount of time.

Atypical match in Jiu Jitsu consist of two one minute rounds allowing for the fighters to rest between rounds for thirty seconds, also giving the referee time to see who is leading among the two fighters. After the thirty second break both fighters will be given the signal to start the second round. For black belts the rules are the same except that there are two rounds consisting of two minutes.

Scoring in Jiu Jitsu is pretty much the same as in all other contact sports the ref will add up the scores and announce the winner.

Basic Jiu Jitsu Etiquette

The art of Jiu Jitsu is an old timeless tradition, for a person to learn this art they must enroll in a class and follow basic etiquette.
Jiu Jitsu etiquette is practiced by everyone, with absolutely no exceptions. If you find yourself forgetting as what to do then the best advice is to do what the senior student is doing.

The first rule is that the proper uniform must be worn, if you have not been given one then until such time as you are given one just wear a t-shirt and shorts or sweat pants.

The second thing to remember is that during the class it will be hot so make sure you have a towel along with plenty of water to avoid getting dehydrated.

You are allowed to take notes during the class, that way you can review when you get home that evening. These notes should be turned over to your sensei. This is one component which you are graded on so that you can earn your next belt.

Your instructor no matter if they are male or female must be referred to as “Sensei” meaning the one that has gone before. Outside of the class environment you can call your instructor by their first names. If you are being taught by someone who is not an instructor you can refer to them as sir or ma’am.

In addition to calling your instructor sensei one must also bow which is the way to salute in Jiu Jitsu. Bowing is done before you work with a partner and afterwards, this is a way to show respect. To properly bow you need to stand with your feet together and both of your hands on the front of your thighs, it is important to maintain eye contact when bowing, along with sliding the hands down the thighs for a second before standing back up.

You should also bow when you enter or leave the mat or dojo, this is seen by others as a sign that you are there to practice with them. Also it tells others that you are there and not distracted by the worries you may have in the outside world, once the class is over and you bow you are ready to return to your outside life.

If the class is already in progress and you are leaving or entering the mat make sure your instructor knows this so they know where everyone is.

In a Jiu Jitsu class there is a seating arrangement. Brown belts will sit on the left of the instructor, blue on the right side and the beginners or white belts face the instructor.

Sitting during a class is also important, the proper way is to sit on your knees with you rear resting on your feet. Another way to sit is cross-legged; any other way can be looked upon as being disrespectful unless you are injured.

During a match one way to show submission is to tap either your opponent or the mat, when this is done the person must stop what they are doing. Jiu Jitsu etiquette is a must all the time as to avoid serious injury to someone, when in doubt ask the sensei or a senior student.