Jiu-Jitsu Ne-Waza·Combat Sports

JJIF

🏛️Official — JJIF

Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF) Ne-Waza Rules· 2026 JJIF Ne-Waza Rules — groundwork-only ju-jitsu (gi + no-gi categories) under the IOC-recognized international federationOpen source

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Beginner Guide

At a glanceEverything you need to set up a game

1 players

Players

Indoor

Environment

gi, mat

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Section 1: Introduction

Ne-Waza ("ground-technique") is JJIF's groundwork-only competition discipline, structurally similar to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu but governed under the IOC-recognized Ju-Jitsu International Federation. JJIF Ne-Waza covers both gi and no-gi categories with a points-based scoring system and submissions as instant wins. The discipline provides a competition pathway for traditional Japanese Ju-Jitsu practitioners alongside the more striking-oriented JJIF Fighting format. See sibling IBJJF Rules, AJP Jiu-Jitsu Rules, and JJIF Fighting Rules entries for related rule-sets in the broader jiu-jitsu ecosystem.

Section 5: Rules of Play

Match Length

5 minutes (single period)

If tied: 2-minute golden-score overtime, first scoring action wins

Starting Position

Match begins standing; both competitors approach + engage

Pulling guard permitted but referee may intervene if continuous pulling without action

Scoring

2 points: Takedown, Sweep, Knee-on-Belly

3 points: Guard Pass

4 points: Mount, Back Mount

Submission: instant win

Submissions

Joint locks legal on arms; some on legs (varies by belt + age)

Chokes legal at Senior level

No heel hooks, no twisters, no neck cranks (more restrictive than ADCC or modern no-gi grappling)

Section 8: Safety Considerations

Ne-Waza injury profile: joint injuries (shoulder, elbow, knee), neck strain, occasional concussion. JJIF restricts high-risk submissions (heel hooks, twisters) more strictly than ADCC or even IBJJF. Slamming prohibited. JJIF requires on-site team physician + EMT + ambulance at international championship level. AED on-site. Concussion protocol: SCAT-5 assessment + multi-stage return-to-competition clearance. Skin-infection screening before mat use. Equipment inspection pre-match.

JJIF

About

Related Sports

Full Rulebook(11 sections)

Overview

How to win

The game

Playing the ball

Section 1: Introduction

Section 2: Equipment

Section 3: Playing Area

Section 4: Players & Officials

Section 5: Rules of Play

Match Length

Starting Position

Scoring

Submissions

Section 6: Scoring

Section 7: Violations & Penalties

Section 8: Safety Considerations

Fouls & penalties

Equipment

Version History(1)

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