The tournament will be governed by FILA/CAWA rules
Click to download FILA/CAWA rules in PDF.
One question we are repeatedly asked is how the rules differ from standard Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu rules. Please see the "BJJ Rules vs. FILA Rules" section below.
Matches
The tournament will be single elimination.
Uniform
The standard BJJ/judo gi is acceptable for gi competitions. There are no restrictions on colours, so bust our your tie-dyed Cat Fight gi and get it on!
The only legal uniform for no-gi competition is a tight-fitting rash guard (t-shirts are not allowed) and tight spandex or board shorts. The shorts cannot be excessively baggy or have buttons, snaps or pockets.
Divisions
There will be gi and no-gi divisions (open to all styles). Depending on how many competitors we get, we might have to combine weight and experience divisions (but we'll give you the opportunity to move up in weight or experience if you don't think you're going to get a match).
Experience divisions (including BJJ, sambo, wrestling, judo, grappling, etc.):
- Novice (6 months)
- Beginner (18 months)
- Intermediate (36 months, or BJJ or judo blue belt)
- Advanced (over 36 months, or BJJ purple/brown black, or judo brown/black)
1. 50kg (110 lbs)
2. 55kg (121 lbs)
3. 60kg (132 lbs)
4. 65kg (143 lbs)
5. 75kg (165 lbs)
7. Over 75kg (165 lbs)
8. Absolute/open weight
Scoring
Points will only be awarded if a grappler manages to gain a dominant control position for 3 seconds (Either from standing or on the ground).
Dominant control positions (2, 3 and 4 points)
- Side Mount (2 points): When a grappler gains control by passing his opponent's leg defenses while keeping his opponent's back to the mat for the count of 3 seconds.
- Full Mount (3 points): When a grappler controls his opponent who is lying on the back, from the top with both of his knees touching the ground on either side of the opponent for the count of 3 seconds.
- Back Mount (4 points): When a grappler controls his opponent from the back, with his chest to the back of his opponent and his legs hooked inside of his opponent's legs for the count of 3 seconds.
Note: The dominant control position progression will reset if the top grappler loses dominant
control and the bottom grappler re-establishes ground/standing neutral position for at least 3
seconds.
Takedown (1 point)
When a grappler managed to take his/her opponent down and to gain top control for 3 seconds. If, with the takedown, the grappler manages to establish a dominant control position, he/she will further receive the corresponding points (i.e.: 1+2 for takedowns landing in side mount, 1+3 for takedowns landing in full mounts, and 1+4 for takedowns landing in back mount).
Escape (1 point)
When a disadvantaged grappler manages to escape and go into neutral or top position, he/she will be awarded with 1 point if he/she maintains the neutral position for 3 seconds.
Sweep (1 point)
When a grappler manages to sweep from ANY position (guard, side mount, full mount, or back mount) directly to a top position (guard, side mount, full mount, or back mount) and maintains the control for 3 seconds. A Sweep point will be awarded.
Jumping into guard (-1 point)
Jumping into guard from a standing position without a deliberate attempt of a submission or takedown will not be penalized by a caution, but will award one point to the opponent
BJJ Rules vs FILA Rules
Since many of us come from a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu background, one of the most common questions we are seeing is about how the FILA/CAWA rules differ from CBJJ rules. The points scored are slightly different but they accomplish the same goal. Here's a quick primer:
1. The outcome of the matches and the goal of scoring are basically the same in both types of grappling: you can win on points or you can win by submission (a.k.a. "catch"). Points are rewarded for improving your position.
2. There are no advantages scored in FILA Grappling for "almosts". The rules are very clear about what constitutes point scoring. You must secure positions for at least three seconds in order to be awarded points.
3. Takedowns and throws are worth one point (vs two points in BJJ).
4. There are no points specifically for guard passing, but there are points for establishing control once you move past the guard. This is effectively the same as BJJ: you don't score points for passing the guard in BJJ until you establish some sort of control (side control, back grab, mount).
5. Knee on belly and north/south count as side mount as long as control is established for at least three seconds.
6. FILA grappling does not distinguish between a sweep and a reversal. One point is scored for a reversal of position, whether the reversal is initiated with the legs (as in a BJJ sweep) or any other technical move (as in a bridge, frame and roll to go from side control bottom to side control top). In BJJ, unless a sweep is initiated with the legs, it is not scored.
7. To score points for back mount, you must have both hooks inside the thighs OR a body triangle.
8. If action must be stopped for any reason (out of bounds, injury time, etc.) FILA grappling uses four standard restart positions. The rule book explains these restart positions. This avoids disputes over minor things like hand placement, angles, etc.
9. Stalling is not tolerated in FILA grappling. If you establish a position then you must work to improve your position or finish a submission. If you do not do this, you will be warned, then cautioned with the loss of a point, then disqualified. It makes for much more exciting grappling.
