Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Combat Progressions

Simply put, you win by submission. All manner of armlocks and wristlocks are allowed, as well as chokes, straight leg and ankle locks and the toe hold. Neck cranks, finger locks and twisting leglocks are banned.

If you don't win by submission in the allotted time then the match goes to points. The points reward your attempts to progress towards positions that are closer and closer to establishing a submission hold. You have to get through these phases of combat in order to win points in Brazilian Jiu-jistu Tournaments:

1. "Throw" your opponent to the ground. 2 POINTS.

2. "Pass The Guard" 3 POINTS, meaning get around your opponent's legs and maintain control from the side for 3 seconds.

Clinch Fighting

4. "Control" your opponent. In MMA or in real combat, you can strike your opponent into submission or worse. If you have his or her back, get your hooks (heels) into the inner thigh area and work a rear choke.

Knee on Belly control for 3 seconds: 2 POINTS.

Progress from knee on belly to full mount control. 

Mount for 3 seconds: 4 POINTS.

Now, as your opponent tries to turn onto his or her stomach to turtle out of the mount, you take...

Back Control for 3 seconds: 4 POINTS.

North South Control

It only counts if you get BOTH heels inside your opponent's inner thighs. It doesn't matter whether you are both face up or face down - you still get 4 points.

*If you are being controlled, you need to "Escape".

5. Finish your opponent at any time by applying a "submission" technique such as a choke, joint lock, or even a crushing pin. IMMEDIATE VICTORY.

Rear Naked Choke (RNC)

*Every position of control must be held for at least 3 seconds to qualify for points.

Sometimes you can skip a phase of combat if you are clever or if your opponent makes your job easy for you, but you have to be ready to fight your way through all.