A Complete Guide to IBJJF Legal and Illegal Submissions
Master the IBJJF submission rules for all belt levels. From white belt fundamentals to black belt advanced techniques, understand exactly which submissions are legal—and avoid disqualification in competition.
Navigating IBJJF submission rules can be challenging, especially when rules vary significantly across belt levels and formats (gi vs no-gi). Making mistakes in competition can result in penalties, immediate disqualification, or even injury to yourself or your opponent.
Understanding and adhering to these IBJJF rules is essential for every Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor. Whether you train in the gi or compete in no-gi formats, knowing which techniques are legal and illegal submissions protects you, your training partners, and ensures fair competition.
2025 IBJJF Rules Update: This guide reflects the current official IBJJF ruleset for 2025, including recent changes to heel hook legality in No-Gi and clarifications on spinal lock restrictions across all divisions.
Understanding Belt Level Submission Restrictions
The IBJJF restricts certain dangerous submissions at lower belt levels to protect developing athletes. As you progress through the ranks, more advanced (and typically riskier) techniques become available. This framework balances safety with technical development.
IBJJF Legal Submissions for Adult Brown and Black Belts
Brown and black belt competitors enjoy the widest range of legal submissions. Notably, several dangerous techniques become legal at these levels in No-Gi competition, reflecting the skill level required to defend against them safely.
| Submission Technique | Gi / No-Gi Status |
|---|---|
| Submissions stretching legs apart (Banana Split) | Legal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Chokes with spinal lock | Legal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Straight foot lock | Legal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Ezekiel choke | Legal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Frontal guillotine choke | Legal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Omoplata | Legal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Triangle pulling the head | Legal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Arm triangle | Legal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Lock inside closed guard (Kidney Lock) | Legal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Wrist lock | Legal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Single-leg takedown with head outside | Legal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Biceps slicer | Legal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Calf slicer | Legal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Kneebar | Legal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Toe hold | Legal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Heel hook | Illegal in Gi | Legal in No-Gi |
| Locks twisting the knees | Illegal in Gi | Legal in No-Gi |
| Knee reaping | Illegal in Gi | Legal in No-Gi |
🎯 Key Distinction: IBJJF No-Gi rules differ significantly from gi competition. Heel hooks, knee reaping, and twisting knee locks—all illegal in gi at every level—become legal for brown and black belts in No-Gi. This reflects the more dynamic nature of no-gi grappling and the skill required to safely defend.
IBJJF Illegal Submissions for Adult Brown and Black Belts
Even at the highest belt levels, certain techniques remain prohibited due to extreme injury risk. These moves are banned universally across all IBJJF competitions.
| Banned Submission | Status |
|---|---|
| Slam | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Spinal lock without choke | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Scissor takedown | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Bending fingers | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Suplex takedown | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
IBJJF Legal Submissions for Adult Blue and Purple Belts
Blue and purple belts have expanded submission access compared to white belts, but several advanced techniques remain restricted. Notable: wrist locks become available at blue belt.
| Legal Submission | Availability |
|---|---|
| Submissions stretching legs apart | Legal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Chokes with spinal lock | Legal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Straight foot lock | Legal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Ezekiel choke | Legal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Frontal guillotine choke | Legal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Omoplata | Legal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Triangle pulling the head | Legal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Arm triangle | Legal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Wrist lock | Legal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Single-leg takedown with head outside | Legal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Slam | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Spinal lock without choke | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Scissor takedown | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
IBJJF Illegal Submissions for Adult Blue and Purple Belts
Several dangerous techniques remain prohibited for blue and purple belts despite their increased skill level. These restrictions exist to protect against advanced injuries like ligament damage.
| Banned Submission | Status |
|---|---|
| Biceps slicer | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Calf slicer | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Kneebar | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Toe hold | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Heel hook | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Locks twisting the knees | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Knee reaping | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Lock inside closed guard (Kidney Lock) | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Bending fingers | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Suplex takedown | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
IBJJF Legal and Illegal Submissions for Juvenile and White Belts
IBJJF white belt rules are the most restrictive to protect athletes learning the fundamentals. This includes juvenile competitors (16-17 years old), who follow similar restrictions as adult white belts to ensure safe technical development.
White belts can execute only the most basic submissions. As you progress toward blue belt, significantly more techniques become available. This graduated approach helps develop injury prevention skills before exposing athletes to advanced pressure submissions.
| Submission / Technique | Legal Status |
|---|---|
| Submissions stretching legs apart | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Chokes with spinal lock | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Straight foot lock | Legal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Ezekiel choke | Legal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Frontal guillotine choke | Legal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Omoplata | Legal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Triangle pulling the head | Legal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Arm triangle | Legal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Lock inside closed guard (Kidney Lock) | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Wrist lock | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Single-leg takedown with head outside | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Biceps slicer | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Calf slicer | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Kneebar | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Toe hold | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Heel hook | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Locks twisting the knees | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Knee reaping | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Slam | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Spinal lock without choke | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Scissor takedown | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Bending fingers | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Suplex takedown | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
IBJJF Kids Rules (Ages 4-15 Years)
Young athletes have the most restrictive IBJJF kids rules to prioritize safety during physical and technical development. Ages 4-15 follow similar restrictions as white belts but with additional constraints on certain submissions.
⚠️ Safety First: Kids divisions employ maximum restrictions on all chokes, leg locks, and pressure submissions. Referees strictly enforce these rules to prevent injuries to developing bodies. Training partners and parents should understand these restrictions before competition.
| Submission Technique | Legal Status (Ages 4-15) |
|---|---|
| Rear naked choke | Legal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Armbar | Legal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Kimura | Legal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Americana | Legal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Triangle (without head pull) | Legal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Cross collar choke (Gi) | Legal in Gi only |
| Guillotine choke | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Triangle pulling the head | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Omoplata | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Ezekiel choke | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Wrist lock | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Straight foot lock | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
| All leg locks | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Slam | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Spinal lock | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Scissor takedown | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Suplex takedown | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
| Jumping guard | Illegal in Gi and No-Gi |
IBJJF Illegal Moves for All Belts and Divisions
Certain techniques are universally prohibited across all IBJJF competitions regardless of belt level, age, or format (gi/no-gi). These bans exist due to extreme injury risk or the irreversible nature of damage they can cause.
Prohibited Techniques and Why They’re Banned
Jumping Guard
Attempting a leaping closed guard to counter a takedown can cause severe neck and spine injuries, especially when beginners fail to execute properly. Illegal for white belts and kids at all ages. Legal for blue belts and above.
Slamming
Lifting an opponent and forcefully driving them to the ground poses extreme risks to the neck, back, and head. Even when attempted to escape submissions like an armbar, slamming remains illegal for all belt levels. This includes suplex takedowns that land opponents on their head/neck.
Spinal Lock Without a Choke
Spinal locks (like a full nelson without an attached choke) extend the spine beyond its typical range of motion, causing severe injuries. Illegal for all divisions. Note: Spinal locks WITH a choke are legal for advanced belts.
Striking Techniques
Striking, including hitting, kicking, or any percussive impact, is prohibited in all IBJJF Brazilian jiu-jitsu events. Engaging in strikes results in immediate disqualification.
Scissor Takedown
This traditional grappling move wraps the legs around an opponent’s legs to force them to the mat, risking serious knee injuries. Banned from all IBJJF competitions at all levels.
Finger Grabbing / Bending Fingers
Grabbing, twisting, or bending opponent fingers is prohibited. This rule prevents injuries such as sprains, dislocations, or fractures, ensuring competitor safety. Illegal for all belt levels.
Suplex Takedowns (Landing on Head/Neck)
Are suplexes legal in BJJ? No. The suplex involves lifting and slamming an opponent to the ground. It’s illegal due to the high risk of causing severe back injuries, neck damage, or even paralysis. IBJJF has banned suplex takedowns from all competitions.
Referee Authority: Referees have discretion to issue warnings, penalty points, or immediate disqualifications for illegal technique attempts depending on severity and intent. Repeated illegal technique attempts may result in match stoppage and disqualification.
Frequently Asked Questions About IBJJF Rules
Is the Ezekiel Choke Legal in IBJJF Competitions?
Yes, the Ezekiel choke is legal for all adult blue belts and above in both Gi and No-Gi IBJJF competitions. However, it is illegal for white belts and kids (ages 4-15) due to safety concerns about tracheal pressure.
Are Heel Hooks Legal in IBJJF?
Heel hooks are legal for brown and black belts in No-Gi competition only. They remain illegal in Gi matches for all belt levels, and are completely illegal for blue, purple, white belts, and kids. The IBJJF No-Gi rules opened heel hooks for adult brown/black belts in 2021 to align with modern grappling standards, specifically recognizing the inside heel hook’s effectiveness when properly applied by experienced athletes.
Is Jumping Guard Legal in IBJJF?
Jumping guard is illegal for white belts and children to prevent self-inflicted injuries and neck damage. It is permitted for blue belts and above, making it one of the key distinctions between beginner and intermediate IBJJF white belt rules.
Can You Use a Calf Slicer in IBJJF Competitions?
The calf slicer is only legal for brown and black belts in both Gi and No-Gi competitions. It is completely illegal for blue, purple, white belts, and children. The calf slicer requires advanced control and understanding of pressure mechanics, which is why it’s restricted to upper belt levels.
What’s the Difference Between Gi and No-Gi Submission Rules?
The biggest difference: Heel hooks, knee reaping, and twisting knee locks are illegal in gi but legal for brown/black belts in no-gi. Collar chokes work better in gi due to lapel grips. Overall, no-gi offers more submission options for advanced belts, while gi emphasizes upper body submissions and control through fabric grip.
Can Referees Override the Rules for Safety?
Yes. Referees can stop a match immediately if they determine an athlete is using an illegal submission attempt dangerously. They may also issue warnings for repeated infractions. An athlete’s safety always takes precedence over technical rule compliance.
Conclusion: Compete Safely and Confidently
The IBJJF’s detailed rulebook on legal and illegal submissions exists to protect competitors while maintaining the art’s technical integrity. Understanding which IBJJF submission rules apply to your belt level, age, and competition format ensures you can focus on executing your best jiu-jitsu rather than worrying about disqualification.
Whether you’re a white belt competing at your first local tournament or a brown belt preparing for Worlds, these rules safeguard both you and your opponents. Illegal submissions cause injuries that sideline athletes from training and competing. By adhering to IBJJF rules 2025, you’re investing in longevity in the sport.
Key Takeaways
📋 Know Your Belt Level Rules
Rules change dramatically from white to blue to brown. Before competing, consult the official IBJJF rulebook for your specific division to avoid penalties or disqualification.
🥋 Gi vs No-Gi Differences
Heel hooks and reaping are illegal in gi but legal in no-gi for advanced belts. Never assume a legal no-gi technique is legal in a gi competition.
⚠️ Safety is Priority One
Illegal techniques exist because they cause irreversible injury. Train submissions that are legal for your belt level to develop proper mechanics and respect for the art.
👨🏫 Train with Your Coach
Your instructors understand the nuances of IBJJF rules. Ask them specifically which techniques apply to you before competing. They may also explain why certain techniques are restricted at your belt level.
Final Thought: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a lifetime journey. Whether you’re stepping onto the mat for competition or training at your local gym, understanding and adhering to IBJJF submission rules is crucial for your development, safety, and success. Train smart, submit with honor, and respect the rules that protect our community.
OSS!
