AJP

Overview

Athletes with physical, visual, or cognitive disabilities compete in adapted professional jiu-jitsu divisions. The reference does not specify how bouts are won or structured; AJP holds an annual championship and includes Para divisions in many Grand Slam events.

How to win

• Decision priority — Rank outcomes: submission, points, advantages, penalties, then referee decision.
• Decision priority — Rank outcomes: submission, points, advantages, penalties, then referee decision.
• Tournament format — Single-elimination brackets are organized by classification and weight class.
• Medals by division — Gold, silver, and bronze are awarded per classification, weight, and belt.

The game

• Match classification — Two competitors compete within the same classification; Para divisions use consolidated weight classes (+ variants).
• Same classification — Each match has two competitors from the same classification.
• Classification categories — Categories are VI, DEAF, II, WC, and AMB; II includes sub-classifications.
• Weight classes consolidated for Para divisions (typically 3-4 weight categories per classification)
• Required officials — Use one mat referee, scoring official, timekeeper, and classification officer; add an interpreter where needed.

Playing the ball

• Match length: 4-6 minutes depending on belt + classification; Scoring inherits AJP standard: takedown (2), sweep (2), knee-on-belly (2), guard pass (3), mount/back (4); Submission = instant win
• Match length: 4-6 minutes depending on belt + classification
• Standard scoring — Award 2 for takedowns, sweeps, and knee-on-belly; 3 for guard passes; 4 for mount or back.
• Submission — A submission results in an instant win.
• Maintain set grip — In the VI category, maintain the referee-set grip throughout; do not change position when going out.

Fouls & penalties

• Fouls and penalties — Fouls include stalling, fleeing, illegal submissions, and slamming; classification fraud earns a lifetime ban, while unsportsmanlike conduct results in disqualification.
• Foul categories — Fouls include stalling, fleeing, illegal submissions, and slamming.
• Classification fraud — Results in a lifetime ban.
• Unsportsmanlike conduct — Unsportsmanlike conduct results in disqualification.
• Anti-doping policy — Follow AJP anti-doping policy, aligned with the WADA Code.

Equipment

• Standard AJP-approved gi (kimono) or no-gi rashguard + shorts depending on category; Adaptive equipment: assistive devices for visually impaired (referee-mediated grip acknowledgment, no audible…
• Approved attire — Wear an AJP-approved gi, or a rashguard and shorts for no-gi categories.
• Adaptive equipment — Visually impaired athletes may use referee-mediated grip acknowledgment; deaf athletes may use hearing-aid systems.

🚨 Cardinal Rule— Serious violation — may trigger retaliation or social exclusion

• Recognize and honor all alternative tap signals immediately
  — Because many Para Jiu-Jitsu athletes cannot deliver a standard palm-tap (one-arm amputees, limb-difference competitors), the community norm demands that verbal taps ('tap', 'stop'), foot stomps, and other pre-declared signals are treated with the same urgency as a hand tap. Releasing even a fraction late is considered a serious breach of respect and safety.(Athletes and coaches are expected to communicate alternative tap methods to the referee and opponent before the match.)[1]

📋 General Expectation— Generally expected; soft social enforcement among regulars

• Bow or shake hands post-match regardless of outcome or scoring dispute
  — Inherited from mainstream BJJ culture and reinforced in Para divisions, refusing or visibly withholding the post-match handshake/bow — even after a controversial referee decision — is viewed as a disrespect to the sport and the competitor. The Para community places particular emphasis on this given the broader message Para athletes represent.[1]