Para Jiu-Jitsu·Combat Sports

AJP

🏛️Official — AJP

Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP) Para Jiu-Jitsu Rules· 2026 AJP Para Jiu-Jitsu Rules — adaptive jiu-jitsu for visually impaired, deaf, intellectually impaired, wheelchair, and ambulatory athletes; AJP Para World ChampionshipOpen source

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Beginner Guide

At a glanceEverything you need to set up a game

1–2 players

Players

Indoor

Environment

mat, gi

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Section 1: Introduction

Para Jiu-Jitsu under AJP (UAEJJF) adapts professional jiu-jitsu competition for athletes with physical, visual, or cognitive disabilities. Classifications include visually impaired, deaf/hard-of-hearing, intellectually impaired (with classifications), wheelchair users, and ambulatory amputees. AJP hosts the annual Para Jiu-Jitsu Championship and integrates Para divisions into many of its Grand Slam events. See sibling AJP Jiu-Jitsu Rules entry for the able-bodied ruleset.

Section 2: Equipment

Standard AJP-approved gi (kimono) or no-gi rashguard + shorts depending on category

Adaptive equipment: assistive devices for visually impaired (referee-mediated grip acknowledgment, no audible interference); hearing-aid systems for deaf athletes

Mouthguard recommended; protective cup permitted (men)

Wheelchair categories: athlete competes from wheelchair OR seated on mat depending on impairment

No jewelry; nails trimmed

Section 4: Players & Officials

Two competitors per match within the same classification

Classifications: VI (visually impaired), DEAF, II (intellectually impaired, with sub-classifications), WC (wheelchair), AMB (ambulatory amputee)

Weight classes consolidated for Para divisions (typically 3-4 weight categories per classification)

Officials: 1 mat referee + 1 scoring official + 1 timekeeper + classification officer + interpreter (where needed)

Section 5: Rules of Play

Match length: 4-6 minutes depending on belt + classification

Scoring inherits AJP standard: takedown (2), sweep (2), knee-on-belly (2), guard pass (3), mount/back (4)

Submission = instant win

VI category: referee announces grip-set, athletes maintain grip throughout (no "going-out" position changes)

Wheelchair category: starts seated/from kneeling; modified positional scoring

Belt restrictions on submissions apply (heel hooks, reaps) per AJP standard

Section 8: Safety Considerations

Para Jiu-Jitsu inherits BJJ injury profile (shoulder, elbow, knee joint locks) plus classification-specific considerations: wheelchair athletes require transfer-assistance protocols; visually impaired athletes require referee-mediated grip acknowledgment to prevent disorientation; deaf athletes use visual signals for round-start/end. AJP-mandated on-site medical: team physician, EMT, ambulance, AED. Classification-specific medical clearance required. Skin-infection screening before mat use. Concussion protocol per AJP medical guidelines.

AJP

About

Related Sports

Full Rulebook(7 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

Section 6: Scoring

Section 7: Violations & Penalties

Section 8: Safety Considerations

Playing the ball

Fouls & penalties

Equipment

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Version History(1)

Variations of Jiu Jitsu(2)

More from AJP(1)