Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu vs Para Jiu-Jitsu — Same Game, Different Rules

Gi (Kimono): IBJJF-approved gi (jacket + pants); minimum thickness; colored belt (white/blue/purple/brown/black + adult black-belt degrees) indicating rank; No-Gi: rashguard + shorts (or grappling pants); rashguard must cover torso, no shoes; Gi colors: white, blue, or black only; no patches in n...

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 interference); hearing-aid systems for deaf athletes; Mouthguard recommended; protective cup permitted...

Mat: minimum 8m × 8m IBJJF-approved competition mat with marked center + outer safety border; Match area defined by colored mat edge; Mat material: minimum 4 cm tatami-style thickness

Standard 8m × 8m AJP-approved tatami; Wheelchair-accessible competition mat with transfer-assistance area; Classification panel + medical station + interpreter area (for deaf athletes) on-site

Two competitors per match; Weight classes (Adult Male, kg, gi): Rooster (-57.5), Light Feather (-64), Feather (-70), Light (-76), Middle (-82.3), Medium Heavy (-88.3), Heavy (-94.3), Super Heavy (-100.5), Ultra Heavy (+100.5); Belt classification: White, Blue, Purple, Brown, Black

Two competitors per match within the same classification; Classifications: VI (visually impaired), DEAF, II (intellectually impaired, with sub-classifications), WC (wheelchair), AMB (ambulatory amputee); Weight classes consolidated for Para divisions (typically 3-4 weight categories per classific...

White Belt: 5 min; Blue/Purple: 6 min; Brown: 7 min; Black: 10 min; If tied at time, ref-decided victory based on advantages, penalties, position; 2 points: Sweep (from bottom to top), Knee-on-Belly

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 decision priority: submission > points > advantages > penalties > referee decision; Tournament: single-elimination bracket within each weight + belt + age group; Absolute: open-weight category at championship level (all weights together)

Decision priority: submission > points > advantages > penalties > referee decision; Tournament: single-elimination bracket per classification + weight class; Gold/Silver/Bronze per classification + weight + belt

Stalling: verbal warning → penalty (gives opponent advantage); 4 penalties = DQ; Fleeing match area: penalty; Illegal submissions: any submission not permitted at the belt level → DQ if applied; e.g., heel hooks illegal in gi, knee reaps illegal in many categories

Standard AJP foul taxonomy (stalling, fleeing, illegal submissions, slamming); Classification fraud: lifetime ban; Unsportsmanlike conduct: DQ

BJJ injury profile: joint injuries (shoulder, elbow, knee), neck strain, occasional concussion. IBJJF prohibits slamming.

Para Jiu-Jitsu inherits BJJ injury profile (shoulder, elbow, knee joint locks) plus classification-specific considerations: wheelchair athletes require transfer-assistance protocols; visually impai...