No-Gi Rules

Midwest BJJ Nationals – No-Gi Submission-Only Tournament Rules

Adult Division (Ages 16+)

Advanced Techniques (4+ years of training)

  • Legal Submissions:
    • Chokes: All chokes (e.g., guillotine, rear-naked choke, triangle choke).
    • Joint Locks: All joint locks (e.g., armbar, kimura, Americana).
    • Leglocks: All leglocks, including ankle locks, knee bars, and heel hooks.
    • Takedowns & Takedown Defense: All standard no-Gi takedowns (e.g., single-leg, double-leg, body lock).
  • Advanced Techniques:
    • Heel hooks
    • Knee reaps (legal for advanced division).
    • Inversions and berimbolos (advanced sweeping and passing techniques).
  • Illegal Techniques:
    • Slams
    • Stalling (passivity penalties may apply).

Intermediate Techniques (2–4 years of training)

  • Legal Submissions:
    • Chokes: Basic chokes (e.g., guillotine, triangle choke, cross-collar).
    • Joint Locks: Basic joint locks (e.g., armbar, kimura).
    • Leglocks: Ankle locks and knee bars are allowed for intermediate competitors.
  • Intermediate Techniques:
    • Knee reaps not allowed
    • Takedowns: Common no-Gi takedowns are allowed, though more complex setups (e.g., body lock, reaps) are typically restricted.
  • Illegal Techniques:
    • Heel hooks (not allowed for intermediate competitors).
    • Slams (unless in self-defense).
    • Reaping: Restricted to advanced competitors.

Beginner Techniques (Less than 2 years of training)

  • Legal Submissions:
    • Chokes: Basic chokes (e.g., guillotine, triangle choke).
    • Joint Locks: Basic joint locks (e.g., armbar, kimura).
    • Leglocks: Ankle locks are allowed for beginners, but knee bars and heel hooks are not permitted.
  • Beginner Techniques:
    • Takedowns: Basic takedowns (e.g., single-leg, double-leg).
    • Guard Passes: Basic guard passes (e.g., over-under pass, knee slice pass).
  • Illegal Techniques:
    • Heel hooks, knee bars, and reaping are not allowed for beginners.
    • Slams: Prohibited.
    • Stalling: Warnings and penalties may be applied for passivity.

Youth Division (Ages 8–15)

Legal Submissions (Ages 8–15)

  • Chokes: Basic chokes (e.g., guillotine, triangle choke, rear-naked choke).
  • Joint Locks: Armbar, kimura, Americana (typically focused on controlled, safe execution).
  • Leglocks: Not allowed

Illegal Techniques (Ages 8–15)

  • Reaping: Not allowed for any youth competitor.
  • Slams: Prohibited at all youth levels (no scissor takedowns)
  • Heel Hooks and Knee Bars: Not allowed for youth competitors (unless specified for higher-level divisions).