01 — Official Ruleset

The Rules

One unified ruleset across every stop of the season. Built for clarity, broadcast pacing, and decisive finishes.

02 — Match Format

Round Time

10 min

Single round. No overtime in qualifiers.

Finals

12 min

Plus 3 min golden score if tied.

Uniform

IBJJF Gi

League-approved patches only.

Weigh-in

Same day

2 hours before bout. Gi included.

03 — Scoring

Points are earned, not given.

Mount / Back Control

3 second hold with both hooks (back) or both knees down (mount).

Guard Pass

Stabilize side control or north-south for 3 seconds.

Takedown / Sweep / Knee-on-Belly

Established control for 3 seconds.

Advantage

Near-finish action. Tiebreaker only.

Submissions end the match instantly at any point.

04 — Penalties & Banned Techniques

Stalling

Two warnings = 1 point to opponent. Third = disqualification.

Illegal Grips

Inside sleeve, inside pant, cross-grip lapel beyond shoulder line.

Banned Techniques

Heel hooks, reaping, neck cranks, slams. Instant DQ.

Conduct

Unsportsmanlike behavior reviewed by league officials post-bout.

05 — Competition Structure

Stage 01

Qualifier

Open mat trials in 6 host cities. Top 2 per division advance.

Stage 02

League Stage

Round-robin pods. Best 4 per weight advance to playoffs.

Stage 03

Playoffs

Single elimination. Best-of-one. Live broadcast.

Stage 04

Grand Final

Per-belt champion + Absolute. Black Belt Absolute = grand prize.