General Guidelines
OFFICIAL DRESS
REFEREES
Referees and Judges must wear the official uniform designated by the tournament host (official event shirts and uniform pants) or Martial arts uniform (Gi) Wrestling or mat shoes may be worn. Female referees and judges should wear a soft style hairclip or band. NO Tennis shoes or other outdoor shoes permitted. NO blue jeans or non-athletic apparel permitted while performing the duties of referee or corner judge.
CONTESTANTS
Coaches
OFFICIAL PROTEST
Reversing previous judgments that contravene the rules
•Voiding results of the affected matches in the pool from the point previous to the incident
•Redoing such matches that have been affected by the incident
•Issuing a recommendation to the ASJL representative and Tournament arbitrator that involved referees are evaluated for correction or replaced for the duration of the division competition.
The responsibility rests with the Arbitrators to exercise restraint and sound judgment in taking actions that will disturb the smooth operation of the event in any significant manner. Reversing the process of the eliminations is a last option to secure a fair outcome.
*Any conduct exhibited by competitors, coaches, team mates, or family; that is deemed disrespectful and/or interferes with the safe and peaceful operation of the event, may result in a disqualification from the tournament and the offending party, or parties involved, will be asked to leave the building!!! The American Jujitsu League is a progressive martial arts competition organization; that holds to the traditions of respect and discipline and expects proper conduct to be displayed by ALL who attend our events.
Kata (traditional Karate Style solo forms; Weapon divisions may also be offered by tournament host/director)
Self-Defense (Partner self-defense demonstration)
Free-Sparring (Sport Jujitsu format; Continuous Action Light contact strikes, kicks, throws & takedowns, ground fighting)
Grappling (Modified BJJ format)
ASJL Tournaments offer multiple divisions
Participation classes are divided by age, weight, rank, and time in training; this is done to provide the fairest possible format for juniors and cadet participants.
ASJL Sanctioning requires that the tournament director offers the ASJL Sport Jujitsu Free sparring divisions. All other events are held at the discretion of the tournament host. It is Highly recommended that Kata and BJJ grappling be offered in addition to sport jujitsu free fighting at all events.
*Tournament director/host has the right to combine, add, or delete divisions to accommodate the participation of tournament contestants. Junior and Cadet Participants with a significant discrepancy in size compared to age may be moved to an alternate division to maintain the integrity of the divisions; however, this will be avoided if possible.
Please note that a participant that moves up in an age group may be placed with lower ranking participants; likewise, if a participant moves down an age bracket they may be placed with more advanced participants. A contestant may not request to be placed in an alternate division to increase the chances of success; alternate divisions are used to maintain fairness and avoid unnecessary risk of potential injury to contestants. All factors will be considered by host, officials and a coach before a decision is rendered.
Competition Levels
Age Categories:
Junior Divisions – Non-submission groups (grapple for position and points only)
Cadet Divisions – Legal Submission groups (submission wins the round)
*Beginner divisions (light and heavy) may be added to cadet and Adult Categories
Adult under Black Belt – Legal Submission groups (submission wins the round)
Black Belt Divisions – Legal Submission groups (submission wins the MATCH)
18-35 Men
18-35 Women
35- 49 Men
35-49 Women
50 & up Men
50 & up Women
This competition Format is designed to allow ALL styles an equal advantage to compete. All competitors must compete in the division of the highest rank attained in ANY style of martial art. If you are a Black Belt in Karate, Tae Kwon Do, or Kung Fu you MUST compete as a Black Belt IN ALL DIVISIONS!!! A competitor who is a Brown Belt in Karate should NOT be competing against persons who have 3 to 6 months experience in any other art. Integrity and fair play is expected from martial artists!
Weight Divisions (Adult)
Light Below 170 Light Under 130
Middle 170 – 199.9 Middle 130 – 159.9
Heavy 200 – over Heavy 160 – up
MEN’S: Adult Black Belt
Light………………. 154.9 lbs. and under
Middle……………. 155 lbs. to 169.9 lbs.
Super Middle….. 170 lbs to 184.9 lbs
Light-Heavy……. 185 lbs. to 199.9 lbs.
Heavy…………. 200 lbs. to 224.9 lbs. .
Super Heavy…… 225 lbs. and over
Cadet Divisions Male and Female
Chief referee divides weight classes at ring side size matching the competitors***14 -15 and 16-17 year old division can be combined and divided by size if number of participants does not allow adequate divisions. Cadets MAY NOT Compete with Adult.
LADIES: Adult (All ranks)
Light………………. Under 130 lbs.
Middle…………….. 130 lbs. to 159.9 lbs.
Heavy……………… 160 lbs. and over
The ASJL uses modified World Council of Jujitsu Organizations WCJJO rule format
Sport Jujitsu Sparring – Required for ASJO Sanctioning
In ALL Divisions – Contests consist of 2 rounds of continuous action fighting, with a break between rounds. Points are scored with strikes and kicks, as well as legally authorized throwing techniques; Throwing technique reversals, and control holding techniques (Osaekomi-waza). Submissions are LEGAL for groups ages 12 years and older. Successful submissions will win and end the round for under Black Belt divisions
One (1) pt for a kick or punch to the body
One (1) pt for a hand Strike to the Head
Two (2) pts for a kick to the Head
10 second grip to initiate a throwing technique (striking ceases once grips are initiated)
Point value of throws 1, 2, 3, & 4 points to be determined, and called, by center referee.
No striking of any kind on the ground
Under Black Belt
One (1) additional point will be awarded for each additional 5 seconds pin is held; up to 4 consecutive points (20 seconds)
One (1) additional point will be awarded for each additional 5 seconds pin is held; up to 4 consecutive points (20 seconds)
Black Belt Divisions
One (1) pt for a kick or punch to the body
One (1) pt for a Strike to the Head
Two (2) pts for a kick to the Head
Legal Techniques
Illegal techniques
*****Safety is of the upmost importance for the competitors; at the discretion of the referee(s), a competitor may be allowed up to 2 minutes to recover from an injury following which the competitor must either continue or the round must be decided
Kata/Kobudo
Empty hand forms and Weapons Divisions
Kata competition takes the form of Team and Individual matches. Team matches consist of competition between multiple person teams. The Individual Kata match consists of individual performance in separate male and female adult (18 yrs and up), and Cadet (12 to17years) divisions. Junior divisions, under the age of 12 yrs., may be combined male and female and is the decision of the tournament director. The contestants will be expected to perform free selection (“TOKUI”) Kata during the competition. Black belt Contestants must perform a different Kata in each round, in the event of a tie score for places 1st thru 4th; once performed a Kata may not be repeated. Under black belt divisions may repeat kata in multiple rounds as needed to determine a clear winner. The karate-gi jacket may not be removed during the performance of Kata. Chinese style or other traditional cultural uniforms are permitted during kata competition.
THE JUDGING PANEL
Following a bow to the Judging Panel, the contestant will then move to the starting position and give a clear announcement of the name of the Kata that is to be performed, and will begin. On completion of the Kata, the contestant will wait for the scores to be announced, and the chief referee to dismiss. After Kata has been completed, return to the match area perimeter and await the decision from the Panel.
CRITERIA FOR DECISION
1.The Kata must be performed with competence, and must demonstrate a clear understanding of the traditional principles it contains. In assessing the performance of a contestant or team the Judges will look for:
a. Realistic demonstration of the Kata meaning.
b. Understanding of the techniques being used (BUNKAI).
c. Good timing, rhythm, speed, balance, and focus of power (KIME).
d. Correct and proper use of breathing as an aid to KIME.
e. Correct focus of attention (CHAKUGAN) and concentration.
f. Correct stances (DACHI) with proper tension in the legs, and feet flat on the floor.
g. Proper tension in the abdomen (HARA) and no bobbing up and down of the hips when moving.
h. Correct form (KIHON) of the style being demonstrated.
i. The performance should also be evaluated with a view to discerning other points such as the difficulty of the kata presented.
j. In Team Kata synchronization without external cues is an added factor.
A BLACK BELT contestant who comes to a halt during the performance of Kata, or who performs a Kata different from that announced will be disqualified. Under black belt contestants may re-start the performance of the kata ONE time.
* Under belt divisions should be graded on a 5 to 7 scale with ten decimals. Black Belt divisions should be graded on a 7 to 9 point scale; also with ten decimals. Hand signals for scoring is acceptable; however, easily read score cards are preferred.
EXPLANATION
I. Traditional Kata is not a dance or theatrical performance. It must adhere to the traditional values and principles. It must be realistic in fighting terms and display concentration, power, and potential impact in its techniques. It must demonstrate strength, power, and speed — as well as grace, rhythm, and balance.
II. Team Kata: all team members must start the Kata facing in the same direction and towards the Chief Judge.
III. No ties are permitted. The competitor/Team, who receives the highest numeric score, will be declared the winner by the calling announcer.
Participants compete as a Team. Teams consist of two (2) competitors who are similar age and Weight; either contestant can attack or defend at any given time.
BLACK BELT and Advanced divisions
Teams must defend 12 techniques; 3 grabs, 3 restraints or embraces, 3 strikes, and 3 weapon attacks. Teams judged on same criteria as Kata and Weapons divisions. Either contestant can attack or defend at any given time.
Modified World Council Jujitsu Organizations BJJ Format
For full WCJJO Rules visit wcjjo.org
Scoring
1) To gain points for a position, the competitor must show clear control for 3 seconds.
2) No Advantages are used in the A.S.J.O. Format. The referee will score in the event of a near submission or score (near takedown, near guard pass, etc).
3) No Stalling: Referee will issue warnings for the 1st offense of stalling (i.e. backing out of the guard without engaging, hugging the opponent’s hips inside the guard, backing away from the opponent out of bounds, etc). A 2nd offense will result in a penalty point for the staller’s opponent. A 3rd offense will result in a 2 point deduction. A 4th offense will result in a disqualification.
4) If a competitor flees the ring to avoid a takedown and it is obvious that the competitor is going to be taken down, his or her opponent will be awarded two points.
5) There are no points for reversals. It is a person’s obligation to escape a bad position (mount, rear mount, or side control). No points are awarded for these escapes; without obtaining a reversal of control and held for 3 seconds.
Match Duration
Junior Divisions (age 11 and under) – 3 minutes
Cadet Divisions (age 12 -17) – 4 minutes
Adult under Black belt (age 18 and Up) – 4 minutes
Black Belt (age 18 and Up) – 6 minutes
Black Belt Grand Championship Matches (Finals Only) – 10 minute Submission only (no points)
In the event of a tie at the end of the 10 minute time limit; an additional 5min round will be played with points to determine a winner.
REFEREEING
DURATION AND OVERVIEW OF A CONTEST MATCH
Match Duration
Junior Divisions – 3 minutes
Cadet Divisions and Adult under Black belt – Legal Submission groups – 4 minutes
Black belt – All contests consist of one round of six (6) minutes of continuous fighting following which a decision will be awarded.
DECISION OF A CONTEST MATCH
The competitor signals to the referee their submission by tapping twice the opponent or mat or self; or verbally signals their submission or expresses pain while trapped in a submission hold.
The referee perceives that a hold in place may expose the competitor to serious physical injury and ends the fight giving victory to the competitor that applied the lock.
A coach of one of the competitors may request that the fight be ended either by directing him or herself to the referee or by throwing the towel into the contest area for any reason.
Where it is ruled that a competitor has ‘intentionally’ injured their opponent this may invoke a ‘major disqualification’ as defined in Disqualification.
At the discretion of the referee(s), a competitor may be allowed up to 2 minutes to recover from an injury following which the competitor must either continue or the round must be decided
Note: Competitors who lose consciousness because of head trauma should not be allowed to compete again in the same tournament and should be directed to undergo treatment from medical staff.
REFEREES GESTURES
The referee will make gestures indicated below, according with the actions – For all gestures made, the referee will raise his or her hand indicating the competitor receiving the score with right indicating red and left indicating white.
POINT SCORING
When the proper defensive counter for a submission hold results in exiting the match area, the referee shall signal 2 (two) points be awarded to the competitor applying the submission hold
Match progression – Matches should unfold as a progression of positions of technical control that ultimately result in a submission hold. Therefore competitors who voluntarily relinquish a position, in order to again score points using the same position for which points have already been awarded, shall not be awarded points upon achieving the position anew.
When one competitor comes to point-scoring positions but only gets out of the submission in hold without staying in these positions, he/she will not receive any advantage for those positions.
If the opponent pulls closed guard and remains suspended in the air, the competitor will have to put the opponent’s back on the ground within 3 (three) seconds and stabilize the top position for 3 (three) seconds to be awarded with Takedown points.
In this case, the referee shall count only 3 (three) seconds of control at the end of the sequence before signaling the points be scored (e.g., guard pass followed by mount counts for 7 [seven] points). In the case of the mount, when there is a transition straight from back mount to mount or Vice-versa—for being distinct positions—competitors shall be awarded four points for the first mount and another four points for the
POINT SCORING POSITIONS
When a competitor forces his/her opponent back-down, sideways or into a seated position on the ground after standing on two feet at some point during the movement, and keeps the fight on the ground and himself/herself in the top position for 3 (three) seconds.
When a competitor forces his/her opponent to the ground on all fours or belly-down, points shall only be awarded once the competitor performing the takedown has established a back clinch on his/her opponent—hooks need not be in place but at least one of the opponent’s knees must be maintained on the ground for 3 (three) seconds.
If a competitor forces his/her opponent to the ground in the outlying safety area, the competitor performing the takedown should have both feet within the match area when the movement begins. In this case, if the competitors land in a stabilized position, the match shall be restarted at the center of the match area and the competitors will be placed in the same position they were in when the match was stopped. The referee will count 3 (three) seconds of stabilization before scoring the points.
When the opponent has one or two knees on the ground, the competitor performing the takedown will only be awarded points if he/she is standing at the moment the takedown is carried out. An exception may be made under circumstances; and respecting the 3 (three) seconds of stabilization.
When the competitor forces his/her opponent to the ground using a single or double-leg takedown and the opponent lands seated and successfully applies a counter-takedown (another takedown), only the competitor performing the counter-takedown shall be awarded the two points when he/she can stabilize this position for 3 (three) seconds.
For any takedown technique where the competitor, delivering his/her opponent back-down or sideways on the ground, lands in guard or half-guard and immediately suffers a successful sweep by the opponent, he/she shall be awarded 2 points relating to the takedown and his/her opponent shall be awarded the two points from the sweep.
Competitors who initiate a takedown movement after the opponent has pulled guard shall not be awarded the two points or advantage point relating to the move.
When the competitor in top position manages to surmount the legs of the opponent in bottom position (pass guard or half-guard) and maintain side-control or north-south position over him/her for 3 (three) seconds.
When the competitor on top maintaining side-control places a knee on the belly, chest or ribs of his/her opponent – who is on bottom with their back or side on the ground –, maintaining his/her other leg extended diagonally away from the opponent and his/her foot (not knee) on the ground, body facing the opponent’s head (not legs), and thus remains for 3 (three) seconds.
When the competitor is on top, clear of the half-guard, sitting on the opponent’s torso and with two knees or one foot and one knee on the ground, facing the opponent’s head and with up to one arm trapped under his/her leg – and thus remains for 3 (three) seconds.
Should the competitor have one of the opponent’s arms trapped under his/her leg, he/she shall only be awarded points for the mount if the leg trapping the arm does not extend beyond the opponent’s shoulder.
When the competitor lands on top with a triangle fastened around the opponent on bottom, no points shall be awarded for the mount.
When the competitor takes control of the opponent’s back, placing his/her heels between the opponent’s thighs without crossing his/her legs and in a position to trap up to one of the opponent’s arms without trapping the arm above the shoulder line – and thus remains for 3 (three) seconds.
When the competitor on bottom with the opponent in his/her guard or half-guard inverts the position, forcing the opponent who was on top to be on bottom – and maintains him/her in this position for 3 (three) seconds.
When the competitor on bottom with the opponent in his/her guard or half-guard inverts the position and the opponent turns his/her back on all fours and the competitor who initiated the reversal establishes a back clinch over opponent’s back – without needing to place hooks but maintaining the opponent with at least one knee on the ground for 3 (three) seconds.
When the competitor on bottom with the opponent in his/her guard or half-guard gets to his/her feet, puts the opponent down and maintains the grips necessary to hold the opponent in bottom position for 3 (three) seconds.
FOULS
Foul Classifications
Severe Foul
Technical Fouls
iii) When a competitor intentionally attempts to get his or her opponent disqualified by reacting in a way that places his or her opponent in an illegal position
vii) When the competitor utilizes any substance that makes the kimono slippery for the grips.
viii) When a competitor applies a hold prohibited for his/her respective age or belt group, as indicated in the table below.*
Technical Fouls – Illegal Moves – When a competitor intentionally attempts to get his or her opponent disqualified by reacting in a way that places his or her opponent in an illegal position.
Disciplinary Fouls
iii) When a competitor bites, pulls hair, strikes or applies pressure to the genitals or eyes, or intentionally uses a traumatic blow of any kind (such as punches, elbows, knees, head butts, kicks, etc.).
Serious Fouls
a) When a competitor kneels or sits without having a grip of any kind on the opponent.
b) When a standing competitor flees the bounds of the match area, avoiding combat with the opponent
c) When a standing competitor pushes his/her opponent to outside the match area without clear intent of attempting a submission or scoring. (Note: previously, the competitor being pushed was the one penalized).
d) When a competitor on the ground evades combat by sliding his/herself outside the match area.
e) When a competitor on the ground stands to escape combat and does not return to combat on the ground.
f) When a competitor breaks the grip of the opponent pulling guard and does not return to combat on the ground.
g) When a competitor intentionally removes his/her own gi or belt, causing the match to be stopped.
h) When a competitor grabs the opening of the opponent’s sleeve or pant leg with the fingers placed inside the garment, even if performing a sweep or any other maneuver
i) When a competitor grabs the inside of the opponent’s gi top or pants, and when a competitor passes a hand through the inside of the opponent’s gi to grip the external part of the gi.
j) When a competitor communicates with the referee by speaking or with gestures, except when he/she is reporting a medical issue.
k) When a competitor disobeys a referee order.
l) When a competitor exits the match area following a match prior to the referee announcing the result.* – * For these specific cases there is no gesture for penalization and the referee will signal one penalty be added on the scoreboard for the perpetrating competitor and concede at least one advantage point to the opponent, in accordance with the series of penalties addressed
m) When a competitor deliberately exits the match area to prevent the opponent from completing a sweep.** – ** In this case and only this case, the referee should signal two points be awarded to the opponent and one penalty point be added to the score of the competitor who exited the match area.
n) For Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi, when a competitor grabs hold of his/her uniform or that of his/her opponent in any way
o) When a competitor places a hand or foot on his/her opponent’s face.
p) When a competitor intentionally places his/her foot in his/her opponent’s belt.
q) When a competitor intentionally places a foot in the opponent’s lapel without gripping the same side of the lapel with his/her hand.
r) When a competitor places a foot in the lapel behind the opponent’s neck, with or without gripping it.
s) When a competitor uses his/her own belt or the opponent’s belt to assist in a choke or any other circumstance in a match while the belt is untied.
t)When a competitor, without using the gi, strangles his/her opponent using both hands, or applies pressure to the opponent’s windpipe using the thumb.
u) When a competitor holds the neck using both hands (one in front and one behind).
v) When a competitor blocks the passage of air to his/her opponent’s nose or mouth using his/her hands.
w) When a competitor takes more than 20 seconds to tie his/her belts during a match stoppage (when the competitor is also using the identification belt).
x) When a competitor runs around the match area and does not engage in the combat
y) When a competitor unintentionally reacts in a way that places his/her opponent in an illegal position
Lack of Combativeness (stalling)
a) Lack of combativeness (stalling) is defined by one competitor clearly not pursuing positional progression in a match and also when a competitor impedes his/her opponent from carrying out said progression.
b) When both competitors simultaneously demonstrate a lack of combativeness (stalling) in any position in a match.
c) Lack of combativeness (stalling) is not declared when a competitor is defending his/herself from an opponent’s attacks from mount, back-control, side-control or north-south positions.
d) Examples of situations constituting lack of combativeness (stalling).*
i) When a competitor, upon achieving side-control or north-south positions over an opponent, does not seek positional progression.
ii) When a competitor in an opponent’s closed guard does not seek to pass guard and at the same time prevents the opponent from seeking positional progression from guard.
iii) When the bottom competitor playing closed guard wraps his/her arms around the opponent’s back or performs any other controlling movement clutching the opponent to him/her without intending to achieve a submission or score.
iv) When a competitor on foot grabs and maintains his/her hand on the opponent’s belt, preventing the opponent from completing a takedown movement and without attempting an attack of any kind.
Note* the aforementioned examples are merely illustrative and do not represent all the situations that may be deemed lack of combativeness (stalling).
PENALTIES
Severe Penalties
Serious Penalties
Referees shall abide by the following series of penalties.
a) 1st penalty – The referee will mark the first penalty for the competitor.
b) 2nd penalty – Advantage point concession to opponent of penalized competitor and second penalty marked on scoreboard for perpetrating competitor.
c) 3rd penalty –Two points concession to opponent of penalized competitor and third penalty marked on scoreboard for perpetrating competitor.
d) 4th penalty – Disqualification of perpetrating competitor.*
If the competitor has already received penalties for lack of combativeness on the scoreboard, these penalties will be added to the penalties for serious fouls.
Note * In the under-15-year-old events, on a competitor’s fourth and fifth fouls the referee shall award two points to the opponent and one penalty point to the perpetrating competitor for each penalty. Only on the sixth penalty shall the referee disqualify the perpetrating competitor.
Penalties for lack of combativeness
The penalties for lack of combativeness will follow the sequence below after the referee considers one or both competitors been under the situations described in article
Note* the referee shall count out 20 (twenty) consecutive seconds and will perform the gesture for a lack of combativeness, followed by the verbal command “Stalling!” and the gesture for the awarded penalty, as described previously
If the competitor has already received penalties for serious fouls on the scoreboard, these penalties will be added to the penalties for lack of combativeness.
Additional Events that May be offered:
Please do not request to add any type of “Full Contact” Martial Art Event. The ASJO is a family friendly competition format and children should be able to participate in offered events.
Tournament hosts should inform the ASJO of events that will be offered at the event and the number of Divisions offered at the event; at least 60 days prior to the tournament date.
In order to have an event sanctioned by the ASJL, and the host of the event must follow the rules published below.
American Sport Jujitsu League
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