The typical Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament is divided up into matches between the same belt ranks and weight classes within the belt ranks. The progressive ranks in BJJ are white, blue, purple, brown and finally black belt.

The match begins with competitors standing up on padded mats wearing judo gi's. Competitors attempt to perform a takedown using judo-type throws, footsweeps, tackles, or alternatively, "jumping" up and simultaneously wrapping their legs around their standing opponent to get them quickly into "guard." Once on the ground, they grapple but are allowed to stand up at any time.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Tournament Point System

Points are awarded for certain techniques. Opponent loses and ends the match if the opponent submits at any time during the match (ex. choking an opponent, applying armbar or anklelock).

Gaining the "Mount position" is worth 4 points.

This is where one competitor sits astride a prone opponent with both legs in a kneeling down position. The bottom competitor is lying on his back. This is considered highly advantageous in a vale tudo or streetfight situation, so is awarded accordingly.

Gaining the "Rear Mount position" is worth 4 points.

This is where one competitor sits astride a prone opponent, who is lying face down with both legs in a kneeling down position. This is considered highly advantageous in a vale tudo or streetfight situation, so is awarded accordingly.

"Passing the guard" is worth 3 points.

The guard is a position where one competitor lying on their back wraps their legs around their opponent who is often kneeling between the legs. Opponent is in "your" guard if the opponent is in between your legs. "Passing the guard" consists of getting out of the opponent's "guard" position (opponent with legs wrapped around your trunk) and going to the "cross-side" position or "side-mount" using various techniques. "Side-mount" position consists of one competitor lying prone on their back with their opponent on top in a relative perpendicular position keeping the bottom competitor down.

"Takedown" is worth 2 points.

Bringing down your opponent from the standing position using footsweeps, judo throws, tackles while you maintain an "advantageous" position.

"Knee-on-stomach" position is worth 2 points.

Often from the "cross-side" position, the competitor on top "jumps" up and places one knee on the bottom competitor's stomach to keep him down. From this position, the top competitor can choke and of course strike the face in a vale tudo or streetfight situation.

"Sweeps" is worth 2 points.

Using the legs to reverse the opponent in your guard to the bottom position while you get on top.