Competition strategy
Rules knowledge changes match decisions: when a position scores, what action is rewarded and when a tactical risk makes sense.
BJJ RULES & REFEREEING
Understand the rules. Make fair decisions.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is competed under different rulesets. At Tiago de Paula BJJ we teach not only technique but also rules knowledge – using AJP as our core BJJ ruleset, ADCC for submission grappling, and structured development for future referees.
AJPGi & No-Gi rules
ADCCSubmission grappling
Refereeingtraining & mentoring
Zurich + Thalwilone team culture
RULES ARE PART OF THE GAME
Understand the rules and you compete smarter – and officiate better.
Scoring, advantages, penalties, legal techniques, timing phases and referee decisions vary between rulesets. We therefore treat rules knowledge as part of martial arts education for competitors, coaches and referees alike.
Safety
Legal and illegal techniques vary by ruleset, age, belt and experience level. Current rules are therefore part of responsible competition preparation.
Coaching
A coach at matside needs to understand scoring, time phases and referee signals to guide an athlete precisely.
Refereeing
Good referees combine rules knowledge with positioning, clear communication, composure and consistent decisions under pressure.
THE RULESETS WE TEACH
AJP and ADCC use different competition logic.
This overview is for orientation. The current official rules and the specific event information always take precedence.
AJP Rules
For traditional Gi and No-Gi BJJ, Tiago de Paula BJJ teaches the Abu Dhabi Jiu Jitsu Pro (AJP) rules. The current AJP Rule Book defines scoring, advantages, penalties, legal and illegal techniques, referee gestures, and competition and uniform requirements. AJP also publishes Rules Update Guides and offers official Rules Courses.
- AJP Gi and No-Gi rules
- Scoring, advantages and penalties
- Technique legality by division and current rule version
- Official Rule Book, update guides and Rules Courses
ADCC Rules
ADCC Submission Fighting is more submission-oriented and uses its own scoring and timing phases. Match times, point phases and legal techniques can vary by event format and experience level. Negative points and referee decisions play an important role.
- Submission-oriented grappling
- Distinct scoring and timing phases
- Negative points and referee decisions
- Rules vary by event and experience format
REFEREE DEVELOPMENT
We develop referees – and encourage responsibility on the mat.
At Tiago de Paula BJJ, rules knowledge is part of athlete development. Members interested in refereeing can train rules interpretation, match management, positioning, communication and decision-making with us. Official certifications and appointments are issued by the relevant federations and event organisers; our internal development does not replace those official processes.
Rules
Study AJP and ADCC rules, understand the differences and evaluate common competition situations correctly.
Positioning
Move around the mat so actions, boundaries and potential safety issues remain clearly visible.
Communication
Use clear commands, signals and calm communication with athletes, the table and other officials.
Decision Making
Make consistent decisions under time pressure, score transparently and prioritise safety.
FROM OUR TEAM TO THE WORLD STAGE
Emily: from national ADCC refereeing to Kraków.
Our Blue Belt athlete Emily earned respect at national ADCC competitions through calm decisions, clear communication and strong rules knowledge. In 2026 she was confirmed as a referee for the ADCC Amateur World Championship in Kraków. For us, that shows that progress in BJJ is not only about medals – it is also about taking responsibility for the sport.
The 2026 ADCC Amateur World Championship takes place in Kraków on 11 September, with the official referee seminar scheduled for 10 September.
OFFICIAL PATHWAYS
Academy development and federation approval are not the same thing.
We prepare athletes technically for referee responsibilities. Anyone who wants to officiate officially for AJP or ADCC must also meet the current requirements of the federation or event organiser.
AJP
AJP publishes the official Jiu-Jitsu Rule Book and Rules Update Guides and runs Rules Courses through the AJP Learning Academy. Official referee appointments remain with AJP and event structures.
AJP Rule BookADCC
ADCC publishes its own Rules & Regulations and holds referee seminars around major events. Selection and appointments are handled within ADCC and event structures.
ADCC Rules & RegulationsFAQ
Common questions about BJJ rules and refereeing.
01Are AJP and ADCC rules the same?+
No. Scoring, match times, point phases, legal techniques and decision logic differ significantly. Always check the ruleset used by the specific event.
02Which BJJ rules do I learn at Tiago de Paula BJJ?+
For traditional Gi and No-Gi BJJ we primarily teach the AJP rules. For submission grappling and relevant competitions we also work with the ADCC rules.
03Which rules apply at a tournament?+
That always depends on the organiser. AJP events use the current AJP rules and ADCC events use the applicable ADCC rules. Other tournaments may use a different ruleset, so the current event information is decisive.
04Can I become a referee at Tiago de Paula BJJ?+
We develop rules knowledge and referee skills internally and mentor interested athletes in practice. Official certification, approval and appointments remain with the relevant federation or event organiser.
05What does a good BJJ referee need?+
In addition to secure rules knowledge, referees need good positioning, clear communication, composure, attention, consistent decisions and a strong focus on safety.
06Where can I find the current official rules?+
We link directly to the current AJP Rule Book and AJP rules resources and to the official ADCC Rules & Regulations. Always check the event-specific information before competing.
TIAGO DE PAULA BJJ · RULES & REFEREEING
Want to understand the rules – or develop as a referee?
Speak to our coaches or contact the team. We can show you how to build AJP and ADCC rules knowledge systematically and what next steps make sense for competition or refereeing.
Contact the team