If a division doesn't have enough competitors, kids and teens may be merged into the next weight class, or an age group up to 2 years older.
Not comfortable with the adjusted matchup? You can withdraw your child and get a free registration for the next event.
3-minute rounds, submission only. No submission in regulation → one overtime round each, in full mount control (for safety). Fastest sub or escape wins. Full/half guard, side control, and knee-on-belly all count as an escape for the bottom player - the top player can take the back as long as control of the bottom player is never lost.
Juveniles follow the same rules and timing as white belt adults.
May also enter Absolute if they want to challenge themselves further.
Tournament style - only the winner advances, with a third-place fight for bronze.
2 in a bracket → one match decides it.
3 in a bracket → comeback bracket, with a shortcut for the bye winner.
4+ in a bracket → single elimination - losers of the semifinals fight for bronze.
Weigh-ins must be done at least 1 hour before your fight (2 hours recommended).
Missed weight? Forfeit the match and follow the diet next event.
Long-sleeve rashguards and spats are allowed - but you must weigh in wearing them if you plan to compete in them.
4-minute rounds, submission only. No submission in regulation → one overtime round each, starting in back mount or the spiderweb (armbar with the attacker on top). Still tied after that? We rerun overtime under the same rules until there's a winner.
Absolute division: the heavier athlete must pursue the action during regulation time. The lighter athlete won't be penalized for disengaging - but the heavier athlete can be penalized for failing to initiate or chase the fight.
🏆 How You Win
Five ways to get your hand raised
Submission, an overtime submission, escaping faster than your opponent, or a disqualification in your favour.
For kids, the referee stops the fight before full extension on any submission, for safety.
Your opponent gives up - by tapping, or verbally ("tap", "I give up", "mate").
The referee steps in if they feel a competitor can't defend themselves, or that their safety is at risk.
Your opponent is disqualified for breaking a forbidden rule.
Techniques
What's legal, what's not
Kids: upper-body attacks only - no guillotines, anacondas, darces, or wrist locks. No spine-risk submissions.
✓ Legal
Any choke (except closing the windpipe with a hand)
Arm bar, shoulder lock, or wrist lock (wrist lock not for white belt)
Any ankle lock
Kneebar - blue belt and above
Twister - blue belt and above
Pulling guard
Flying armbars and flying triangles (no jumping guard)
✕ Illegal
Slamming
Jumping guard
Kani basami / flying scissors sweep (even with a hand post)
Wrist locks - white belt
Reaping in gi (reaping in no-gi is okay if the foot is free to turn)
Heel hooks
Bicep and calf slicers
Kneebar - white belt
Can opener
Twister - white belt
Neck cranks trapping both shoulders with downward pressure
Full Nelson
Spiking your opponent on their head during a takedown
Spiking your opponent's head while they're on your back
Rolling forward while someone has your back
Any striking, punching, or kicking
Eye gouging or fish hooking
Grabbing ears or hair
Holding fewer than 4 fingers or 5 toes
Thumbing, scratching, or pinching
Biting
Squeezing or pressuring the groin
Slippery substances on body or clothing
Crossface guillotine twisting the chin
Holding the T-shirt or shorts (no-gi)
Using any illegal technique results in immediate disqualification - no second chances.
If This Edition's In A Ring
In case the edition is in a ring
These rules only apply when this particular edition is held in a ring rather than an open mat.
The mat area is 6 × 6 metres inside the ring. The ropes are in play, but you can't push your opponent out of the ring.
Pushing your opponent out of the ring is an illegal technique and results in disqualification.