What is Bjj Points System Guide in BJJ?

Bjj Points System Guide is a key technique in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu used to control, sweep, or submit an opponent. Practiced at all belt levels, it requires correct body positioning, leverage, and timing to execute effectively.

How do I learn Bjj Points System Guide?

Start with slow cooperative drilling to build muscle memory for the correct mechanics. Focus on body position, weight distribution, and grip placement before adding resistance. Video study and regular instructor feedback accelerate progress significantly.

What belt level is Bjj Points System Guide appropriate for?

Bjj Points System Guide can be introduced at white belt, with deeper competition application developing at blue belt and above. Some advanced variations suit intermediate practitioners best. Always train under a qualified instructor.

White

BJJ Points System Guide: IBJJF Scoring Explained

📱 Track every roll like the pros

Free forever — heatmap, technique progress, streaks.

Try Free →

Contents

IBJJF Points Table

Action	Points	Conditions
Takedown	2	Bring opponent to ground, hold 3 seconds
Sweep	2	From guard, reverse to top position, hold 3 seconds
Guard Pass	3	Pass to side control or north-south, hold 3 seconds
Knee on Belly	2	Establish knee on belly position, hold 3 seconds
Mount	4	Establish full mount, hold 3 seconds
Back Control	4	Both hooks in or body triangle, hold 3 seconds

The 3-Second Rule

Points are only awarded if the position is held for 3 seconds. This prevents "flash" positions from scoring. If you achieve mount but are immediately swept, no points are awarded. The 3-second holding requirement rewards stable, controlled top game.

Advantages

Advantages are awarded for near-sweeps, near-submissions, and near-passes that don't quite score points. They serve as tiebreakers. Advantages can win a match when the score is tied.

Strategic Implications

High-Value Positions (4 pts)

Mount and back control are the highest-value positions. A single mount position scores more than two takedowns or two sweeps. The strategic priority should be: secure any takedown/sweep → pass guard → elevate to mount or back control.

Guard Pass Is the Pivot Point

At 3 points, the guard pass is the pivotal scoring action. It converts a roughly tied 2-2 score (both athletes may have had takedowns or sweeps) into a 5-2 advantage, and then allows elevation to 9-2 (mount) or more.

⚡ Pro Tip: Know the score at all times during your match. Many competitors lose on advantages because they didn't realize they needed to score more. Track the score mentally throughout the match.

Common Mistakes in Points System Guide

Rushing the Setup

Attempting to finish before proper mechanics are in place results in failed attempts and positional loss. Prioritize position before submission.

Using Strength Over Technique

Muscling through setups creates bad habits and fails against stronger or more skilled opponents. Focus on leverage and angles.

Skipping Drilling

Techniques only become available in live rolling after extensive drilling. Regular repetition builds the muscle memory needed for execution under pressure.

Ignoring Defensive Reactions

Every technique has common counters. Learn the most frequent defensive reactions and have follow-up attacks ready.

Common BJJ Problems & FAQ

Q: As a beginner, I'm confused about how to score points in BJJ and what actions actually count towards winning by points, especially when I'm just trying to survive.

Points are awarded for achieving dominant positions like a sweep (reversing from bottom to top), a pass (moving from side control or mount to a more dominant position), a mount (being on top with your hips over your opponent's torso), or a back control (having both hooks in and controlling the opponent's back). To score, you must establish and maintain these positions for at least three seconds, demonstrating control and stability.

Q: I keep hearing about 'advantages' and 'penalties' in BJJ points, but I don't understand how they work or if they are as important as actual points, especially when I'm struggling to get any points myself.

Advantages are awarded when you almost achieve a scoring position or submission but don't quite stabilize it for the full three seconds, or if your opponent commits a foul that doesn't warrant a penalty. Penalties are given for infractions like stalling, illegal moves, or fleeing the mat, and they can result in your opponent receiving points or advantages. While points are the primary scoring mechanism, advantages can break ties and penalties can significantly impact the match outcome.

Q: When I try to sweep my opponent in BJJ, I often end up on my back or they just end up in a better position, so how do I actually execute a sweep to score points without getting submitted?

A successful sweep requires using your leg structure to create an off-balancing moment for your opponent while simultaneously generating upward momentum with your hips. Focus on using your legs to control their base, such as hooking their ankles or hips, and then explosively driving your hips towards them while lifting your legs to initiate the reversal, ensuring your hips are lower than theirs to generate leverage.

🥋 Related Techniques

BJJ Advantage System: How Advantages Work BJJ Belt System: Complete Guide to All Ranks BJJ Berimbolo System BJJ Inversion System BJJ Kneebar Complete Guide

📬 Free BJJ Newsletter

Get the free BJJ White Belt Guide plus technique breakdowns, training tips & exclusive content every week. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Get Free Access →

🥋 Landed your first BJJ Points System Guide? Log every tap.

Track submissions, sessions & streaks — free forever.