BJJ Guides &amp; FAQs

Oct 25, 2026 · 9 min read

ADCC rules explained: points, legal moves and Opens

ADCC scoring, the no-points half, guard-pull penalties, match times from Worlds to the Opens, and which submissions each ADCC Opens division allows.

#adcc#rules#no-gi#competition

Are bicep slicers and neck cranks legal?

Which IBJJF belts can use a bicep slicer, where neck cranks and can openers stand, how ADCC rules compare, and which legal finishes to use instead.

#bicep slicer#neck crank#rules#ibjjf

Are heel hooks legal at white belt?

Can a white belt heel hook in IBJJF or ADCC? See the one IBJJF division where heel hooks are legal, how gi and no-gi differ, and how to train them safely.

#heel hooks#rules#white belt

Armbar vs triangle: which guard finish when?

Choose the triangle when you control the neck and one arm inside your legs; choose the armbar when the arm is isolated and you can align your hips for elbow extension. The best decision is the one that matches the opponent’s posture and hand position.

#armbar#triangle#guard#comparison

Jul 27, 2026 · 4 min read

Back control finishing system: seatbelt to choke

Build a back-control finishing system around a reliable seatbelt, hip positioning, and a short list of chokes so hand-fight defenses still leave you attacking.

#back control#chokes#guide

A beginner closed guard system that actually chains

Build a simple closed-guard system around posture breaks, scissor and hip-bump sweeps, and two high-percentage submissions so every defense creates another threat.

#closed guard#system#beginners

Oct 20, 2026 · 4 min read

BJJ belt order: every rank from white to red belt

The adult BJJ belt order is white, blue, purple, brown and black, then coral and red. See IBJJF minimum ages, minimum time per belt, stripes and the 13 kids belts.

#belts#ranks#ibjjf#beginners#kids

Oct 20, 2026 · 5 min read

What does OSS mean in BJJ? Plus 40 jiu-jitsu terms

OSS is an all-purpose word in BJJ gyms for hello, thanks, yes and I understand. Here is where it comes from, when to say it, and 40 other BJJ terms beginners hear in class.

#beginners#glossary#etiquette#terms

Body lock pass vs knee cut: which pressure pass?

Choose the body lock pass when you can glue chest-to-chest through half guard; choose the knee cut when you can slice a knee across and win the far hip without giving up underhooks.

#passing#body lock#knee cut#comparison

Closed guard vs open guard: which should you play?

Play closed guard when you can lock your legs and break posture; go to open guard when the passer stands or you need hooks and frames to manage distance.

#closed guard#open guard#guard#comparison

Competition day checklist for BJJ

Use a simple competition-day checklist: confirm rules and weight, pack gi or no-gi gear plus backups, arrive early enough to weigh in and warm up, and keep your game plan short enough to remember under nerves.

#competition#checklist#beginners#faq

Competition

Competition Preparation Guide

A comprehensive guide to preparing for your first BJJ competition, including training tips and mental preparation.

Mar 13, 2024 · 3 min read

#competition#training#mental game

Oct 24, 2026 · 5 min read

Coral, red and kids BJJ belts: IBJJF ages and times

What the coral (red and black, red and white) and red belts mean in BJJ, the years they take, and the grey, yellow, orange and green kids belts, from the 2026 IBJJF chart.

#belts#ranks#ibjjf#kids

Guard

Developing a Strong Guard Game

Key principles and concepts for maintaining an effective guard and controlling your opponent.

Mar 14, 2024 · 3 min read

#guard#defense#control

Do I need to be in shape before starting BJJ?

No, you do not need to be in shape before starting BJJ. Class itself can build useful fitness if you manage intensity, breathe calmly, and train consistently.

#fitness#beginners#training

Ezekiel vs cross collar choke: which gi choke when?

Choose the cross collar choke when you can feed deep collar grips and break posture; choose the Ezekiel when a sleeve-and-forearm wrap is available from mount, side control, or inside closed guard and the collar path is blocked.

#ezekiel#cross collar#gi#choke#comparison

Should beginners start with gi or no-gi?

Beginners can start with either gi or no-gi because both build real grappling skills. Gi training often slows the pace and teaches grip discipline, while no-gi emphasizes movement, wrestling, and body control.

#gi#no-gi#beginners

Gi vs no-gi BJJ: key differences

Gi BJJ rewards clothing grips, slower control, and lapel attacks; no-gi rewards body control, wrestling ties, speed, and slippery transitions.

#gi#no-gi#training#comparison

Guillotine vs D'Arce vs Anaconda

Choose the guillotine when the neck is exposed in front of you, the D'Arce when an arm is trapped across the neck line, and the anaconda when the head-and-arm roll or squeeze is open.

#front headlock#guillotine#d'arce#anaconda#comparison

Half guard retention basics for white and blue belts

Retain half guard by winning frames and underhooks early, using a knee shield to stop smash passes, and recovering fuller guard before hunting low-percentage submissions.

#half guard#retention#guide

Half guard vs closed guard: which bottom game?

Choose closed guard when you can lock the waist and break posture; choose half guard when one leg is trapped during a pass and you need knee-shield frames, underhooks, or sweeps.

#half guard#closed guard#guard#comparison

Heel hook vs toe hold: which foot lock when?

Choose heel hooks when rules allow and you control the knee line in ashi or saddle; choose toe holds when you need a legal twisting foot attack from secondary control or gi contexts.

#heel hook#toe hold#leg locks#comparison

Fundamentals

The Importance of Hip Movement in BJJ

Hip mobility is the hidden engine behind guard retention, escapes, and explosive attacks. Learn the key movement patterns every practitioner must master.

Apr 1, 2024 · 3 min read

#hip movement#drills#fundamentals

How do belt promotions usually work in BJJ?

BJJ belt promotions are coach-driven judgments about consistent skill, mat time, and training character — not a fixed hours-to-rank contract. Stripes mark progress inside a belt; the next belt usually means your fundamentals hold up under pressure.

#belts#promotions#beginners#faq

How long are BJJ competition matches?

Adult IBJJF match times usually range from about 5 minutes at white belt to 10 minutes at black belt, while ADCC and other no-gi rulesets use different time limits and overtime formats.

#competition#ibjjf#adcc

How long is a BJJ class? Typical jiu-jitsu class length

Most BJJ classes run 60 to 90 minutes: warm-up, technique, drilling, then sparring. See how a jiu-jitsu class splits its time and whether beginners spar.

#class structure#beginners#training

How long does it take to get a blue belt in BJJ?

Most adults reach blue belt after about 1.5 to 3 or more years of consistent BJJ training. Attendance, coaching quality, mat time, and each gym standard all change the timeline.

#blue belt#beginners#training

How many times a week should I train BJJ?

Most beginners do well with 2 to 3 BJJ classes per week. Students who are already adapting can often train 3 to 5 times weekly if recovery, sleep, and injury management stay solid.

#training frequency#beginners#recovery

How do I choose a BJJ gym?

Choose a BJJ gym based on coaching quality, culture, class structure, cleanliness, and whether the training style matches your goals for sport, fitness, or self-defense.

#beginners#gym#training

How to recover from training injuries in BJJ

Recover from BJJ injuries by getting clear medical advice when needed, reducing load before intensity, protecting the injured area in class, and returning through drilling before hard sparring.

#injuries#recovery#beginners#safety

Oct 24, 2026 · 4 min read

How to tie a BJJ belt so it stays tied: step by step

How to tie a jiu jitsu belt with the standard double wrap and square knot, in five diagrammed steps, plus how to stop it coming undone and the IBJJF belt length rule.

#belts#gi#beginners#how to

How to train for your first BJJ competition

Prepare for your first competition with ruleset study, match-length rounds, a simple A-game, weighing logistics, and calm expectations about nerves and outcomes.

#competition#training#guide

Oct 18, 2026 · 5 min read

IBJJF age divisions: adult and masters chart (2026–27)

IBJJF Adult is 18+, Master 1 is 30+, Master 2 is 36+, and each later master division adds five years. See 2026 and 2027 birth years and belts.

#rules#ibjjf#age divisions#masters#competition

Oct 21, 2026 · 7 min read

IBJJF gi rules: colors, fit, patches and no-gi uniform

IBJJF gi rules in one place: white, royal blue or black only, the 2 cm sleeve and pant checks, collar and belt sizes, where patches can go, and the no-gi uniform rules.

#rules#ibjjf#gi#uniform#competition

Oct 11, 2026 · 5 min read

IBJJF illegal moves by belt and age: full chart

All 26 moves on the IBJJF Illegal Moves table in one chart, by age and belt: what kids, teens, white, blue, purple, brown and black belts can and cannot do.

#rules#ibjjf#illegal moves#submissions#belts#kids

#kids#juvenile#rules#ibjjf#submissions

IBJJF kids rules 2026: what’s legal at ages 4 to 17

Under 16, IBJJF bans straight foot locks, omoplatas, frontal guillotines, wrist locks and Ezekiels. At 16–17 foot locks, omoplatas and guillotines open up. See the age-by-age table.

Aug 1, 2026 · 8 min read

Oct 10, 2026 · 5 min read

IBJJF kids and teen divisions: ages and belts

IBJJF sorts kids by birth year: Mighty Mite is 4–6, Pee-Wee 7–9, Junior 10–12, Teen 13–15 and Juvenile 16–17. See birth years, belts and illegal moves.

#kids#teen#juvenile#rules#ibjjf#age divisions

Oct 21, 2026 · 6 min read

IBJJF match times by belt and age, plus points and penalties

How long is a BJJ match? IBJJF adult matches run 5 minutes at white belt to 10 at black belt. Full match times by age and belt, the points table, advantages and penalties.

#rules#ibjjf#competition#points#masters#kids

Oct 18, 2026 · 3 min read

IBJJF rules checker: what is illegal for your age and belt

Pick your age, belt and gi or no-gi to see which of the 26 moves on the IBJJF Illegal Moves table you can and cannot use, and what opens up next.

#rules#ibjjf#illegal moves#legality#kids#masters

What is the difference between IBJJF and ADCC rules?

How IBJJF and ADCC rules differ on scoring, advantages and leg locks, and what that means for how you train and compete under each.

#ibjjf#adcc#rules

Oct 21, 2026 · 7 min read

IBJJF weight classes: gi and no-gi chart with calculator

Every IBJJF weight class in kg and lb for gi and no-gi, adult, masters and juvenile, with a calculator that tells you your division from your weight.

#rules#ibjjf#weight classes#competition#masters

Is BJJ good for self-defense?

BJJ can be very useful for self-defense because it teaches clinch control, escapes, pins, and ground survival. It is not a complete self-defense system by itself, so awareness, striking defense, and avoidance still matter.

#self-defense#beginners#fundamentals

Is BJJ safe for beginners?

BJJ can be relatively safe for beginners when gyms emphasize tapping early, controlled sparring, and progressive drilling — but joint locks, collisions, and ego still create injury risk.

#safety#beginners#training

Are calf slicers legal in IBJJF?

Which IBJJF belts can use a calf slicer, why lower belts cannot, and how ADCC rules differ. Plus how to drill the compression safely.

#calf slicer#rules#ibjjf

Are knee bars legal in IBJJF? 2026 belt rules vs ADCC

Which belts can finish a knee bar under IBJJF rules, why the line sits where it does, how kids brackets differ, and what ADCC allows instead.

Aug 1, 2026 · 3 min read

#knee bar#rules#ibjjf

Is the twister legal in IBJJF?

Is the twister legal at any IBJJF belt? See how IBJJF treats spinal locks, what ADCC allows instead, and what to do when you land the position.

#twister#rules#ibjjf

Are toe holds legal in IBJJF?

Which IBJJF belts can use a toe hold, why lower belts cannot, and how ADCC rules differ. Plus how to control the knee line before you finish.

Aug 1, 2026 · 3 min read

#toe hold#rules#ibjjf

Are wrist locks legal in IBJJF?

Are wrist locks legal at your IBJJF belt? See where the white-belt line sits, how ADCC treats wrist locks, and how to drill them safely.

Aug 1, 2026 · 3 min read

#wrist lock#rules#ibjjf

Oct 24, 2026 · 8 min read

Jiu jitsu vs judo, wrestling, Muay Thai and MMA compared

BJJ vs judo, wrestling, Muay Thai and MMA: how each sport is won, what is legal, and what carries over to jiu jitsu, checked against IBJJF, IJF, UWW, IFMA and MMA rules.

#comparison#judo#wrestling#mma#beginners

Kimura vs Americana: which shoulder lock when?

Choose the kimura when you can isolate the arm across the centerline or attack from scrambles; choose the americana when top pressure has pinned the elbow near the mat.

#kimura#americana#shoulder locks#comparison

Knee cut vs torreando pass

Choose the knee cut when you can win inside position and staple a hip line; choose torreando when you can redirect the legs and pass around before frames recover.

#passing#knee cut#torreando#comparison

A beginner map of modern leg entanglements

Map outside ashi, single-leg X, saddle, and 50/50 so you understand where heel hooks and ankle locks come from before specializing in one system.

#leg locks#ashi#guide#no-gi

Jul 27, 2026 · 4 min read

Mount retention basics: stay heavy without burning out

Retain mount by controlling hips and arms, distributing weight intelligently, and choosing high-percentage attacks that do not hand the bottom player an easy elbow escape.

#mount#retention#guide

Mounted triangle vs arm triangle: which head-and-arm finish?

Mounted triangle if you climb high and trap one arm with your legs; arm triangle if shoulder pressure and a side angle can finish the squeeze.

#mounted triangle#arm triangle#mount#choke#comparison

Omoplata vs kimura from guard: which shoulder lock when?

Choose the omoplata when your legs already control the shoulder line from guard; choose the kimura when you can sit up, isolate the wrist, and rotate the arm with a figure-four grip.

#omoplata#kimura#guard#comparison

A simple roadmap for passing open guard

Pass open guard by clearing feet, winning a connection, and choosing one pressure or movement pass family instead of improvising a new path every scramble.

#passing#open guard#guide

Private lessons vs more mat time in BJJ

Choose private lessons to fix specific problems with focused feedback; choose more mat time to build timing, conditioning, and pattern recognition. Most beginners get more from consistent classes before buying many privates.

#privates#training#beginners

Rear naked choke vs bow and arrow

Choose the rear naked choke when body-to-body back control and neck access are stable; choose the bow and arrow when gi collar control lets you angle off and use the lapel.

#back control#rear naked choke#bow and arrow#comparison

Rear naked choke vs short choke: which back finish?

Use the classic rear naked choke when you can thread a deep choking arm and finish elbow-to-elbow; use short-choke or palm-to-palm variations when the arm cannot fully wrap but neck pressure is still available.

#back control#chokes#rear naked choke#comparison

Should I start with gi or no-gi BJJ?

Either path works. Gi often slows exchanges and teaches grips; no-gi often rewards wrestling and body control. Start with whichever your local gym teaches well and that you will attend consistently.

#gi#no-gi#beginners

Turtle defense and back takes: both sides of the scramble

From turtle, defend by protecting the neck and near elbow while looking to recover guard; from top, break posture, win a seatbelt, and climb hooks without overcommitting to loose crucifixes.

#turtle#back takes#guide

BJJ points system: how IBJJF scoring works

IBJJF scores 2 points for a takedown, sweep or knee on belly, 3 for a guard pass and 4 for mount or back control held 3 seconds. Advantages break ties.

#ibjjf#competition#rules

What belt do I start at in BJJ?

Almost every adult beginner starts at white belt. Prior experience in wrestling, judo, or other grappling can help your learning curve, but it does not skip the white-belt rank in most academies.

#belts#beginners

What is closed guard in BJJ?

Closed guard is a bottom position where your legs wrap around the opponent’s torso, controlling posture and creating attacks, sweeps, and retention options.

#closed guard#beginners#positions

What is half guard in BJJ?

Half guard is a bottom position where you control one of their legs between your legs — used for retention, sweeps, and modern lockdown or knee-shield games.

#half guard#beginners#positions

What is open guard in BJJ?

Open guard is any bottom guard where your legs are not locked around the opponent’s waist — including butterfly, De La Riva, spider, and modern lapel or entanglement guards.

#open guard#positions#beginners

Oct 25, 2026 · 8 min read

What is reaping in BJJ? Reap and false reap rules

The IBJJF definition of a knee reap, how the false reap differs, and where reaping is legal in IBJJF, ADCC, NAGA and Grappling Industries.

#reaping#false reap#leg locks#rules#ibjjf

Jul 26, 2026 · 4 min read

What submissions are illegal at white belt (IBJJF)?

The IBJJF white-belt banned list in one checklist: which leg locks, wrist locks and cranks are out, why, and what white belts should drill instead.

#white belt#rules#ibjjf#submissions

What to expect in your first month of BJJ

Your first month of BJJ is mostly about surviving class, learning basic movements, and building the habit of showing up — not collecting advanced techniques or winning sparring.

#beginners#first month#white belt

What should I wear to my first BJJ class?

Wear clean athletic clothes without pockets, zippers, or jewelry unless the gym provides a loaner gi. Call ahead because some academies require a gi, rash guard, or specific uniform for first classes.

#first class#beginners#hygiene

What to focus on in your first three months of BJJ

In the first three months, prioritize survival, frames, hip escapes, closed-guard basics, and training habits over collecting advanced techniques.

#white belt#beginners#guide

Competition

White belt tournament rules: IBJJF, NAGA, GI and ADCC

First BJJ tournament? White belt rules at IBJJF, NAGA, Grappling Industries and ADCC Opens: legal submissions, match length, points and weigh-in.

Oct 25, 2026 · 9 min read

#white belt#rules#competition#ibjjf#naga#grappling industries#adcc

X-guard vs single-leg X: which elevation guard?

Use X-guard when you can elevate with both hooks under a standing passer; use single-leg X when you isolate one leg for sweeps, stand-ups, and ankle-lock entries.