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Rules

Take a look at the Official ASJL Rules

General Guidelines

OFFICIAL DRESS

  1. Contestants and their coaches must wear the official uniform as herein defined.
  2. The A.S.J.L. representative may disqualify any official, coach or competitor who does not comply with this regulation.

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

  1. Contestants must wear a traditional Japanese/Korean style Jujitsu, Judo, or karate uniform; heavy weight uniforms are recommended, but not mandatory. One contestant must wear a red belt or identifying flag and the other a white belt or identifying flag during sport jujitsu and grappling divisions. The red and white flags shall be provided by the tournament host.
  2. The jacket, when tightened around the waist with the belt, must be of a minimum length that covers the hips, but must not be more than three-quarters thigh length. The sleeves can extend to the wrist and no less than one Fist distance from wrist. Female competitors must wear a plain white T-shirt or rash guard style shirt beneath the jacket. Male competitors may also wear rash guard style or tight PLAIN t-shirt under the Jacket.
  3. The maximum length of the jacket sleeves must be no longer then the bend of the wrist and no shorter than halfway down the forearm. Jacket sleeves may not be rolled up.
  4. The trousers must be long enough to cover at least two thirds of the shin and must not reach below the anklebone. Trouser legs may not be rolled up, and must be tied.
  5. Contestants must keep their hair clean and cut to a length that does not obstruct smooth bout conduct. Hachimaki (headband) will not be allowed. Should the Referee consider any contestant’s hair too long and/or unclean, he may disbar the contestant from the bout, or require the contestant to pull back and tie the hair with a soft style hair tie. In Kumite matches hair slides are prohibited, as are metal hairclips. In Kata, a discreet hair clip is permitted. Ribbons and other decorations are prohibited.
  6. Contestants must have short fingernails and must not wear metallic or other objects, which might injure their opponents. The use of metallic teeth braces must be approved by the Referee and the Official Doctor, and an appropriate gum style mouth guard should completely cover the braces. The contestant accepts full responsibility for any injury. No jewelry of any kind!! This includes ANY and all piercings.
  7. The following protective equipment is compulsory, for Sparring Divisions:
    A. approved mitts.
    B. Gum style mouth shield
    C. Soft style foam dipped foot protection
    D. Groin Guards are mandatory for male contestants                                                    E. 
    Foam dipped Head gear for Under 18 competitors
  8. Glasses are forbidden. Soft contact lenses can be worn at the contestant’s own risk.
  9. The wearing of unauthorized clothing or equipment is forbidden. Soft shin-instep guards, knee pads, and elbow pads are permitted. NO metallic or hard plastic fasteners will be approved for shin guards or knee braces. All brace type equipment must be neoprene style wraps.
  10. It is the duty of the Arbitrator (Kansa) to ensure before each match or bout that the competitors are wearing the approved equipment. (In the case of Continental Union, International, or National Federation Championships it should be noted that normally approved equipment, must be accepted and cannot be refused
  11. The use of bandages, padding, or supports because of injury must be approved by the Referee on the advice of the Official Doctor, if needed.

Coaches

  1. Coaches shall at all times during the tournament, wear an official tracksuit of their dojo, team, or National Federation and display their official identification while near competition area.
  2. Only ONE coach is permitted outside the safety area, directly behind his/her competitor. Coaches may not engage in conversation with the referee or corner judges. Any inappropriate conduct or verbal aggression made by a coach can and will result in the disqualification of the contestant.
Special Circumstances
  1. There may well be a religious basis for the wearing of certain items such as turbans or amulets. Persons wishing, by virtue of their religion, to wear what would otherwise be construed as unauthorized clothing must notify the AJL representative in advance of tournament registration. The Representative/Referee will examine each application on its merit. No accommodation will be made for people who just turn up on the day and expect to participate.
    II. If a contestant comes into the area inappropriately dressed, he or she will not be immediately disqualified; instead the fighter will be given three minutes to remedy matters.
    III. If the ASJL Representative agrees, Refereeing Officials may be allowed to wear warm up or track suit uniforms while performing duties. However, shoes MUST be of an approved design or removed.
THE REFEREE PANEL
  1. The Refereeing Panel for each kumite match shall consist of: one Referee (SHUSHIN), three corner Judges (FUKUSHIN), and one arbitrator (KANSA). For local (smaller) events the score keeper may act as arbitrator.
  2. The Referee and Judges of a kumite, or grappling bouts must not be from the same dojo, be an instructor of, or have the nationality of either of the participants (International Events). During smaller events this may not be possible; in this case the ASJL representative may move judges to other competition areas, or replace the official with another official during that division.
  3. In addition, for facilitating the operation of matches, several timekeepers, caller announcers, record keepers, and score supervisors shall be appointed.

OFFICIAL PROTEST

  1. No one may protest about a judgment to the members of the Refereeing Panel.
  2. If a refereeing procedure appears to contravene the rules, the coach of the contestant, or the official representative of the dojo/team is the only one allowed to make a protest. Contestants, family members, and team mates are NOT permitted to make a protest of any kind.
  3. The protest will take the form of an oral report submitted immediately after the incident in which the protest was generated. The protest should be made to the area arbitrator; the referee shall be notified and all matches in that division Cease. If the issue cannot be resolved by the area arbitrator and referee, the Tournament arbitrator and ASJL representative will be notified to resolve the issue. All competition in that division must stop until the problem is resolved and fair, safe competition can resume. (The sole exception is when the protest concerns an administrative or safety malfunction. The Match Area Controller should be notified immediately after the administrative or safety malfunction is detected).
  4. Declined Protests – If a protest is found invalid, the Appeal shall be over ruled and competition shall resume. It should be noted that the safety of all competitors is the primary concern of the arbitrating officials.
  5. Accepted Protests – If a protest is accepted, the officials shall take such measures as can be practically carried out to remedy the situation including the possibilities of:

    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.

  1. The decision of the Appeals staff is final, and can only be overruled by a decision of the ASJL executive Committee; which is unlikely, due to the direct involvement of the arbitrators on sight.

*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.

  • 1st Infraction – Warning!
  • 2nd Infraction – Opponent awarded 2 points
  • 3rd Infraction – Disqualification from the match

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

  • Beginner divisions are less than 12 months training
  • Novice divisions are more than 12 months training but less than 36 months training
  • Advanced divisions 36 months to 48 months training
  • Black Belt Competitors 16 years of age and older; with more than 48 months training must compete in Black Belt Divisions

Age Categories:

Junior Divisions – Non-submission groups (grapple for position and points only)

  • 5 & under- boys and girls
  • 6 & 7 – boys and girls
  • 8-9 boys– Light (under 90lbs) & Heavy (90lbs & over)
  • 8-9 girls– Light (under 90lbs) & Heavy (90lbs & over)
  • 10-11 boys– Light (under 100lbs) & Heavy (100lbs & over)
  • 10-11 girls– Light (under 100lbs) & Heavy (100lbs & over)

Cadet Divisions – Legal Submission groups (submission wins the round)

  • 12-13 Male–     Novice Light & Heavy           Advanced – Light & Heavy (<130>)
  • 12-13 Female– Novice Light & Heavy           Advanced – Light & Heavy (<120>)
  • 14-15 Male–     Novice Light & Heavy           Advanced – Light & Heavy (<160>)
  • 14-15 Female– Novice Light & Heavy           Advanced – Light & Heavy (<140>)
  • 16-17 Male–     Novice Light & Heavy           Advanced – Light & Heavy (<180>)
  • 16-17 Female– Novice Light & Heavy           Advanced – Light & Heavy (<155>)

*Beginner divisions (light and heavy) may be added to cadet and Adult Categories

Adult under Black Belt – Legal Submission groups (submission wins the round)

  • 18-35 Men–                  Novice Light & Heavy      Advanced – Light & Heavy(<190>)
  • 18-35 Women–            Novice Light & Heavy      Advanced – Light & Heavy(<165>)
  • 35- 49 Men–                 Novice Light & Heavy      Advanced – Light & Heavy(<195>)
  • 35 & up Women–        Novice Light & Heavy      Advanced – Light & Heavy(<170>)
  • 50 & up Men–              Novice Light & Heavy  Advanced – Light &  Heavy(<195>)

Black Belt Divisions – Legal Submission groups (submission wins the MATCH)

18-35 Men

  • Light weight
  • Middle Weight
  • Light Heavy wt.
  • Heavy Weight
  • Super Heavy

18-35 Women

  • Light Weight
  • Heavy Weight

35- 49 Men

  • Light Weight
  • Heavy Weight

35-49 Women

  • Light Weight
  • Heavy Weight

50 & up Men

  • Light Weight
  • Heavy Weight

50 & up Women

  • Light Weight
  • Heavy Weight

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)

Under Black Belt Adult Males                                                     Under Black Belt Adult Females

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

  • Successful submissions will win and end the MATCH in Black Belt Divisions.
  • Clicker counters are cleared after each round. Most number of round wins determines the winner. If there is a tie after two rounds an additional 3rd round is held to determine the winner. In the event of a tie after the 3rd round; additional 1minute rounds will be held and scored until a winner is determined.
  • In ALL 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  

  • Ages 7 and under2 – 60 sec (1min) rounds of continuous action, LIGHT CONTACT, Sparring; 15 sec break between rounds;20 second ground time (no submissions – ground pins only – 20 second ground time) Ground points (2) being awarded for successful pins held for 10 seconds

One (1) additional point will be awarded for each additional 5 seconds pin is held; up to 4 consecutive points (20 seconds) 

  • Ages 8 thru 11; 2 – 90 second (1 1/2 minute) rounds of continuous action, LIGHT CONTACT, Sparring; 30 second break between rounds (no submissions – ground pins only – 20 second ground time) Ground points (2) being awarded for successful pins held for 10 seconds

One (1) additional point will be awarded for each additional 5 seconds pin is held; up to 4 consecutive points (20 seconds) 

  • Cadet divisions Ages 12 and up & all Adult under Black Belt Divisions compete in 2 – 90 second (1 1/2 minute) rounds of continuous action, LIGHT CONTACT, Sparring; 30 second break between rounds (submissions are LEGAL) 30 second Ground Time
  • 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.
  • 30 second Ground Time with Ground points (2) being awarded for successful pins held for 10 seconds. After the 10 second pin, competitors should work to obtain submissions until successful or until ground time expires
  • No striking of any kind on the ground
    • After 10 seconds, Competitors must change or improve position and/or work for a submission
  • Successful submission is an automatic win for that round;
  • Referee called submission – The referee will call “Break” and then call “Judges on the submission CALL” the support of one judge plus the referee will result in a win of the current round. In the event that the center referee does not have the support of one corner judge; in consideration of the vantage point and view of the center referee, the competitor applying the submission will be awarded five (5) points and the round will continue.

Black Belt Divisions

  • 2 – 120 second (2 minuterounds of continuous action, LIGHT CONTACT, Sparring; 60 second (1min) break between rounds
  • Points scored with kicks and punches to legal target areas

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

  • 10 second grip to initiate a throwing technique (striking ceases once grips are initiated)
  • Point value of throws will be 1, 2, 3, & 4 point techniques to be determined, and called, by center referee.
  • 30 second Ground Time with Ground points (2) being awarded for successful pins held for 10 seconds
  • After 10 seconds, Competitors must change or improve position and work for a submission until successful or until ground time expires
  • Submission is an automatic win for The Match in ANY ROUND;
    • Referee called submission – The referee will call “Break” and then call “Judges on the submission CALL” the support of one judge plus the referee will result in a win of the contest and ends the MATCH.
    • In the event the event that the center referee does not have the support of one corner judge; in consideration of the vantage point and view of the center referee, the competitor applying the submission will be awarded five (5) points and the round will continue in the standing position.

Legal Techniques

  • Light contact punches, kicks and strikes to legal target areas
  • Sweeps and Base leg sweeping techniques
  • Throwing techniques
  • Pinning and Control Techniques
  • Joint lock and Choking Submission techniques in divisions ages 12 and over ONLY

Illegal techniques

  • Strikes that are thrown with no control or cause penetration to target; Light Contact Rules will be Enforced!!!!
  • Strikes or kicks to the Face Mask (T-zone) area: Eyes, nose, Mouth (NOTE: Cheek, forehead, chin, and side of face, are legal striking areas; entire head gear in Junior divisions is a legal Target area)
  • Kicks below the Belt-line and above the Achilles tendon Area: boot to boot sweeps are legal techniques
  • Throws that cause a competitor to land on his head and/or neck
  • Twisting knee locks
  • Ankle Cranking Submissions
  • Neck Cranking Submissions
  • Small joint manipulation; Finger locks are illegal – WRIST locks are OK!
  • Submissions are Illegal in age groups 11 years old and under

*****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

  1. The panel of three or five Judges for each match will be designated by the Referee supervisor or Match Area Controller.
    2. The Judges of a kata match must not be the instructor of, team mate of, or have the nationality (international competition only) of any of the participants in the division; if possible. It is understood that during smaller events this may not be reasonable.
    3. In addition, timekeepers, scorekeepers and caller/announcers will be appointed.

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.

  •  Junior Divisions – Age 11 and Under
  • Teams must defend 6 techniques; any combination of Grabs, restraints, or Strikes
  • Cadets (Teens) and Adult Beginner and Novice Divisions – 12-17 and Adult Under Black Belt
  • Teams must defend 9 techniques3 grabs, 3 restraints or embraces, and 3 strikes

BLACK BELT and Advanced divisions

Teams must defend 12 techniques3 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

 Simplified BJJ Rules 

Scoring

  • Takedown or Throw = 2 points
  • Sweep = 2 points
  • Pass opponent’s guard = 3 points
  • Mounted position = 4 points
  • Back Mount with Hooks in = 4 points
  • Back Mount knees on ground, opponent flat on stomach = 4 points (Additional 4 points are scored by putting the hooks in from this position)
  • Body triangle from the back = 4 points
  • Knee on stomach = 2 points

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.

Expanded BJJ Rules 

REFEREEING

  • There will be one referee – unless the organizers of a tournament deem it appropriate to appoint two additional referees who will be seated in chairs placed at opposing corners of the match area.
  1. a) Corner referees when appointed – bear the same powers as the central referee – and all or any points, or penalty points awarded must be confirmed by at least two of the three referees.
  2. b) Should there be a consensus between the corner referees and the central referee, the corner referees shall remain seated in the chairs at the corners of the match area.
  3. c) Should there be a conflict of opinion with the central referee, the corner referees should stand up and signal for points, or penalty points to be awarded or subtracted, using gestures predefined below.

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.

  • Commencement – competitors will be called to the mat by the referee and the contest shall begin with both competitors facing each other in a standing position, the referee facing towards the table with red to his or her right and white to his or her left. After making a standing bow, the contest will start after the referee’s call to “BEGIN”. Competitors must bow to each other before and after the match and refusal to do so will constitute an immediate disqualification.
  • Within match area – competitors will compete within the match area and the referee is to always be directing the competitors to the center of the mat.
  • Out of bounds and stabilized – When 2/3 of the competitors’ bodies (usually when both competitors belts are across the line) are outside the match area in a stabilized position on the ground, the referee should stop the match and, noting the position of each competitor, restart the match at the center of the match area with the competitors in positions identical to those they were in at the moment of stoppage.
  1. a)The referee may be assisted by the timekeeper in moving the competitors back to the center of the mat. In case the referee and the timekeeper are unable to move the competitors back to the center of the mat, the competitors will be asked to walk back to the center and continue from the same position.
  • Out of bounds and not stabilized – When 2/3 of the competitors’ bodies are outside the match area (usually when belts of both competitors are out of bounds) on foot or in a non-stabilized position on the ground, the referee should stop the match and restart the two competitors on their feet at the center of the match area.
  • Submission hold in place – When a competitor has a submission hold in place in the outlying safety area, the referee should not interrupt the match.
  • Submission hold defended by moving out – When a competitor has a submission hold in place and the opponent defends by moving to outside the outlying safety area; the referee should stop the match and restart the match at the center of the match area with the competitors standing. In this case, when the referee deems it clearly apparent the competitor under attack initiated the movement that led to exiting the match area, the referee shall signal for 2 (two) points to be added to the score of the competitor performing the submission hold, as described below

DECISION OF A CONTEST MATCH

  • Referee signals scoring – will be signaled by the referee(s) during the match and recorded by the scorekeeper. The match will be awarded to the competitor who achieved a submission, or if no submission the competitor with the highest match points, or if a draw then an additional 1 minute round will be held to determine the winner. If still a draw to the competitor with the least penalty points will be determined the winner.  If a draw still prevails then the referee(s) shall declare the winner on which competitor displayed greater offense during the match and came closest to achieving possible point or submission-scoring positions.
  • Submission – occurs when:

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.

  • Disqualification – If a competitor is issued a disqualification at any time during the match this signifies a loss of the contest and the other competitor wins.
  • Injury due to a foul – If a competitor is injured due to a majority called infraction (foul) and cannot continue the offending competitor cannot be awarded the win for that match. The win must go to the injured competitor.  The medical or senior appointed qualified first-aid officer must make the decision for an injured competitor not to continue fighting and the competitor cannot recommence competing in the Tournament until he or she is given medical / first aid approval. The referee should be informed of this.

Where it is ruled that a competitor has ‘intentionally’ injured their opponent this may invoke a ‘major disqualification’ as defined in Disqualification.

  • Injury not due to a foul – If a competitor sustains an injury, which is not attributed to a foul, and cannot continue then the referee will award the round accordingly.

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

  • Injury with bleeding or a wound – The match will be stopped and “time-out” called to allow the competitor to be attended to.  If the bleeding cannot be controlled within 2 minutes the round will be called. Any blood on the mat surface must be cleaned before play continues.
  • Loss of consciousness – The competitor shall be declared to have lost the match upon losing consciousness due to a legal hold applied by the opponent or due to an accident not stemming from an illegal maneuver by the opponent.

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.

  1. a) Two-points – Takedown, sweep and knee on the belly – The referee raises hand of arm corresponding with competitor to be awarded points with first and middle fingers extended.
  2. b) Three-points – Guard pass – The referee raises hand of arm corresponding with competitor to be awarded points with first, middle, and ring fingers extended.
  3. c) Four-point – Mount and back control – The referee raises hand of arm corresponding with competitor to be awarded points with first, middle, ring fingers, and little finger extended.
  4. d) Point deduction – To take off an awarded point – The referee raises arm corresponding with competitor to be deducted points to shoulder height with palm open.
  5. e) For the interruption of the fight – match stoppage, end of match – The referee opens his or her arms together on a horizontal plane level with the shoulder.
  6. f) For interruption of time during the fight – The referee puts his or her hands one above the other forming a “T” signaling the timekeeper to stop the time.
  7. g) For lack of competitiveness – stalling – The referee raises both arms to chest height with both hands holding forearms
  8. h) For signaling a penalty – The referees arm corresponding with penalized competitor being raised to shoulder height with clenched fist
  9. i) For disqualification – The referee raises arms over head with forearms crossed and fists clenched, followed by arm corresponding with disqualified competitor pointing to competitor’s belt.
  10. j) One-point Advantage – One Point The referee signals with the arm corresponding with competitor to be awarded, extending parallel to mat with hand open and palm facing downwards.  
  11. k) Announce match result – Arm of winning competitor raised while facing judges’ table and the arm of losing competitor held downwards.

POINT SCORING

  • Three seconds – Points shall be awarded by the central referee of a match whenever a competitor stabilizes a position for 3 (three) seconds.

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.

  • While in a submission hold – Competitors who arrive at a point-scoring position while caught in a submission hold shall only be awarded points once they have freed themselves from the attack and stabilized the position for 3 (three) seconds.

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.

  • Defending a sweep – Competitors who, in defending a sweep, return their opponent back-down or sideways on the ground shall not be awarded the takedown-related two points or advantage point
  • Competitors defending standing back-control – where the opponent has one or two hooks in place and doesn’t have one foot on the mat, shall not be awarded the takedown-related two points or advantage point, even after he/she stabilizes the position for 3 (three) seconds.
  • Competitors who begin a takedown movement – before the opponent pulls guard shall be awarded two points or an advantage point for the move, respecting the Takedown rules.
  • Points for takedown – When a competitor has a grip on his/her opponent’s pants and the opponent pulls open guard, the competitor with the grip on the pants shall be awarded two points for the takedown if he/she stabilizes the top position on the ground for 3 (three) seconds.

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.

  • Cumulative points – Competitors shall be awarded cumulative points when they progress through a number of point-scoring positions, as long as the three-second positional control from the final point-scoring position is a continuation of the positional control from the point-scoring positions from earlier in the sequence.

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

  • Takedown 2 points –

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.

  • Guard Pass 3 points –

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.

  1. a) Note 1 – Guard is defined by the use of one or more legs to block the opponent from reaching side-control or north-south position over the competitor on bottom.
  2. b) Note 2 – Half-guard is the guard where the competitor on bottom is lying on his/her back or side and has one of the top-positioned competitor’s legs trapped, blocking him/her from achieving side – or north-south control over the bottom-positioned competitor for 3 (three) seconds.
  3. c) Note 3 – The position of the top competitor’s legs determines whether it is half-guard or reverse half-guard.
  • Knee-on-Belly (Knee ride) 2 points 

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.

  • Mount and Reverse Mount 4 points –

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.

  • Back Control 4 points –

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.

  • Sweep 2 points –

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

  • Fouls are technical or disciplinary infractions addressed in the rules that are committed by competitors before, during or after a match.

Foul Classifications

  1. a)               Severe Foul – Subdivided into technical fouls, and disciplinary fouls.
  2. b)               Serious Foul
  3. c)               Combativeness Foul (Stalling)

Severe Foul

Technical Fouls

  1. i) When a competitor’s gi is rendered unusable and he/she is unable to exchange it for a new one within a period of time stipulated by the referee
  2. ii)  When a competitor deliberately flees the match area to avoid submitting to a submission hold applied by his/her opponent

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

  1. iv)  When a competitor is not wearing an undergarment under his/her gi and this fact comes to the referee’s attention
  2. v) In the Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi, when a competitor applies creams, oils, gels or any slippery substance to any part of the body
  3. vi)  When the competitor utilizes any substance that increase the adherence in any part of his/her body

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

  1. When a competitor directs profane language or obscene gestures at his/her opponent, the center table, table officials, referee or public.
  2. When a competitor exhibits hostile behavior towards an opponent, referee or any other member of the organizing committee or public.

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.).

  • When a competitor exhibits offensive or disrespectful behavior towards an opponent or the public through words or gestures during a match or in celebrating victory.

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

  • Penalties are awarded by referees with the aim of assuring the match flows properly and that the rules of the sport and the competition are being respected.  Referees shall abide by the following series of penalties for each category of penalty.

Severe Penalties

  • Technical Penalties: Summary disqualification from the match at the moment of the infraction.
  • Disciplinary Penalties: Summary disqualification from the match and competition at the moment of the infraction.

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.*

  • Serious penalties are cumulative between them and different fouls will bring into effect the escalating penalty sequence addressed previously

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:

 

  • Point Kickboxing
  • Point Karate Kumite
  • Board Breaking
  • No Gi submission wrestling
  • Demonstration “Skits” (martial art related)
  • Musical Forms
  • Team Weapon Forms

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

  1. An individual, a club, dojo, or association may schedule and host a League event.
  2. The tournament host shall agree to follow rules and guidelines set forth by the ASJL.
  3. For an event to be recognized as officially sanctioned by the League, the tournament must include the Freestyle sparring format using the modified international rules established by the American Sport Jujitsu League in the free style (Sport Jujitsu) divisions.
  4. Tournament hosts may combine divisions to accommodate the number of participants in various sanctioned events; however, prior to the day of the event, all age, weight, and gender divisions must be offered and planned to take place.
  5. The host may, or may not, include other traditional, family oriented, martial arts categories during the sanctioned event, i.e. Kata competition of any type (solo, weapons, synchronized, compulsory, Judo/Jujitsu partner, etc.), self-defense/duoGrappling (Traditional Ne-waza, Brazilian style, gi or no gi submission); however, the host must submit the designated rule format to the ASJL board or League officers thirty days prior to the event for approval.
  6. The League has formatted rules for kata categories, self-defense/duo categories, and grappling categories; however, these rules may be altered for specific or specialized events.
  7. Full contact or MMA style completion divisions will NOT be approved for any ASJL sanctioned event.
  8. There shall be no sanctioning fee for any ASJL event host; however, the host MUST use, and purchase tournament awards supplied by the ASJL. The awards will be supplied for all divisions that take place on the day of the event.
  9. The tournament host assumes responsibility of scheduling and acquisition of the event venue
  10. The tournament host assumes responsibility of providing adequate matting for the event; which must be in accordance with size and safety requirements set forth in the ASJL rules.
  11. The tournament host shall provide liability insurance for the event
  12. The ASJL shall provide award medals/medallions for each division of the event; host will be charged per division, not per award. (Example: a division has only two (2) competitors and is executed during the event, the host will be charged for the division awards 1st, 2nd, &3rd places)
  13. Host shall only be charged for divisions that take place, not for divisions offered. (Example: The event is advertised as having 90 divisions for various age groups and gender classes. The attendance dictates that some divisions are to be combined, and/or deleted and only 45 divisions are completed. The host will be charged for the 45 divisions that actually took place. However, the tournament host will be charged for the full 90 sets of Mylar inserts for the event.)
  14. The awards will be distinguished from one event to the other with Mylar type inserts for each sanctioned event. Providing an event name and artwork for the Mylar is the responsibility of the tournament host. Mylar produced for the event will be charged to the tournament host, as part of the award fees. The production of the Mylar inserts will be made in a number great enough to accommodate ALL offered divisions. Unused Mylar will become the property of the tournament host.

Champions are made not born

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