Jiu-Jitsu (AJP)·Combat Sports

AJP

🏛️Official — AJP

Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP) Tour Rules· 2026 AJP Tour Rules — Abu Dhabi-based professional jiu-jitsu circuit; World Pro Championship + Grand Slam events; AJP scoring + submission rulesetOpen source

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Indoor

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Section 1: Introduction

Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP) is the professional jiu-jitsu circuit operated by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF). AJP rose to prominence by operating the Abu Dhabi World Professional Championship (the highest-prize-purse BJJ tournament in the world) and an extensive Grand Slam circuit with stops on every inhabited continent. AJP rules are similar to but distinct from IBJJF — AJP uses its own scoring schedule, weight-class distribution, and submission legality rules. AJP and IBJJF are the two dominant rule-sets in competitive sport BJJ. See the sibling IBJJF Rules entry for the alternative international ruleset.

Section 2: Equipment

Gi (Kimono): AJP-approved gi; colored belt indicating rank
No-Gi: rashguard + shorts/grappling pants
Gi colors: white, blue, or black
Mouthguard recommended; protective cup permitted
No shoes, no jewelry, nails trimmed
Female competitors: rashguard required under gi top in some events

Section 3: Playing Area

Standard 8m × 8m AJP-approved tatami; multiple mats at Grand Slam events
Center match area with marked outer safety zone
Mat material: at least 4 cm tatami-style thickness

Section 4: Players & Officials

Two competitors per match
Weight classes (Adult Male, kg): -56, -62, -69, -77, -85, -94, -120
Belt classification: White, Blue, Purple, Brown, Black (recognized via UAEJJF + IBJJF cross-recognition)
Age categories: Juvenile, Adult, Masters
Officials: 1 mat referee + 1 scoring official + 1 timekeeper; AJP-certified referee panel

Section 5: Rules of Play

Match Length

White Belt: 4 min; Blue: 5 min; Purple: 6 min; Brown: 7 min; Black: 8 min (10 min for major tournaments)
If tied: referee decision based on points, advantages, penalties

AJP Scoring

2 points: Takedown, Sweep, Knee-on-Belly
3 points: Guard Pass
4 points: Mount, Back Mount
Scoring schedule differs subtly from IBJJF (e.g., AJP counts takedown as 2 like sweep; IBJJF does similarly)

Submissions

Joint locks + chokes legal subject to belt + age restrictions
Heel hooks legal in no-gi at adult Brown/Black at some AJP events (more permissive than IBJJF)
Knee reaps legal in some no-gi categories
Submission via tap, verbal submission, or referee stoppage = instant win

Penalties + Advantages

Stalling, fleeing match, illegal grip → penalties
4 penalties = DQ
Advantage awarded for near-completion of scoring moves; tiebreaker only

Section 6: Scoring

Decision priority: submission > points > advantages > penalties > referee decision
AJP Tour points: each Grand Slam round contributes ranking points; year-end championship tour standings
World Pro Championship: highest annual purse in BJJ (~$50K+ for gold)
Gold/Silver/Bronze per weight + belt + age

Section 7: Violations & Penalties

Stalling: verbal warning → penalty; repeated = DQ
Fleeing: exiting match area without tactical reason = penalty
Illegal submissions for belt/age: immediate DQ if applied
Slamming: DQ
Gi-grip violations: grabbing inside cuffs/pants → penalty
Unsportsmanlike conduct: DQ
Anti-doping: AJP anti-doping program; in-event + out-of-competition testing

Section 8: Safety Considerations

Same injury profile as BJJ generally: joint injuries (shoulder, elbow, knee), occasional concussion. AJP belt-graded submission restrictions enforced; high-risk submissions (heel hooks, knee reaps, twisters) only legal at higher belt levels in specific no-gi categories. Slamming prohibited. Referee stops for safety. On-site EMT + medical doctor at Grand Slam and World Pro level; AED on-site. Skin-infection screening before mat use. Concussion protocol per AJP medical guidelines. Pre-match medical check.

AJP

About

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Full Rulebook(11 sections)

Overview

How to win

The game

Section 1: Introduction

Section 2: Equipment

Section 3: Playing Area

Section 4: Players & Officials

Section 5: Rules of Play

Match Length

AJP Scoring

Submissions

Penalties + Advantages

Section 6: Scoring

Section 7: Violations & Penalties

Section 8: Safety Considerations

Playing the ball

Fouls & penalties

Equipment

Version History(1)

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