Fair. Safe. Championship-grade.
Sonoma Jiu‑Jitsu Cup rules are IBJJF-aligned and refined for a smooth, safe, and competitive tournament day.
General Rules
- All matches follow IBJJF rules with age-appropriate modifications.
- Athletes must be registered on Smoothcomp before event day.
- Athletes must present a valid photo ID matching their Smoothcomp registration.
- Match schedule and mat assignments are posted on-site and on Smoothcomp.
Uniform Requirements
- Gi: clean, well-fitted, white, blue, or black. No mixed colors.
- No-Gi: rash guard + shorts or spats. No metal, zippers, or pockets.
- Belt must be tied correctly for the entire match.
- No shoes on the mat. No jewelry. Long hair tied back.
Scoring
- Takedown / Sweep / Knee-on-Belly: 2 points.
- Guard Pass: 3 points.
- Mount / Back Control / Back Mount: 4 points.
- Position must be stabilized for 3 seconds to score.
Match Duration
Official match durations are determined by division and belt rank to ensure safe, fair, and competitive matches for all athletes.
Kids Division
| Division | Match Duration |
|---|---|
| Mighty Mite 1 (Age 4) | 2 Minutes |
| Mighty Mite 2 (Age 5) | 2 Minutes |
| Mighty Mite 3 (Age 6) | 2 Minutes |
| Pee Wee 1 (Age 7) | 3 Minutes |
| Pee Wee 2 (Age 8) | 3 Minutes |
| Pee Wee 3 (Age 9) | 3 Minutes |
| Junior 1 (Age 10) | 4 Minutes |
| Junior 2 (Age 11) | 4 Minutes |
| Junior 3 (Age 12) | 4 Minutes |
| Teen 1 (Age 13) | 4 Minutes |
| Teen 2 (Age 14) | 5 Minutes |
| Teen 3 (Age 15) | 5 Minutes |
Juvenile Division
| Belt Division | Match Duration |
|---|---|
| White Belt | 5 Minutes |
| Orange Belt | 5 Minutes |
| Green Belt | 5 Minutes |
| Blue Belt | 5 Minutes |
Adult Division
| Belt Division | Match Duration |
|---|---|
| White Belt | 5 Minutes |
| Blue Belt | 6 Minutes |
| Purple Belt | 7 Minutes |
| Brown Belt | 8 Minutes |
| Black Belt | 10 Minutes |
Master Division
Follow the official IBJJF standard. All Master belt divisions have the same match duration.
| Belt Division | Match Duration |
|---|---|
| White Belt | 5 Minutes |
| Blue Belt | 5 Minutes |
| Purple Belt | 5 Minutes |
| Brown Belt | 5 Minutes |
| Black Belt | 5 Minutes |
Important
The Sonoma Jiu‑Jitsu Cup reserves the right to adjust match durations for special divisions, superfights, or promotional events when announced in advance. Unless otherwise specified, all official tournament matches will follow the durations listed above.
Advantages
- Awarded for near-scoring positions or credible submission attempts.
- Used as tiebreakers after points.
- Referee has full discretion on advantage calls.
Penalties
- Given for stalling, false starts, or minor rule infractions.
- 1st penalty: warning. 2nd: advantage to opponent. 3rd: 2 points to opponent. 4th: disqualification.
- Fleeing the mat during a submission = immediate disqualification.
Illegal Techniques
- Kids: no submissions with joint locks. Chokes only at Green belt.
- Juvenile: no heel hooks, reaping, cervical locks, or bicep/calf slicers.
- Adult White – Blue: no heel hooks, no wristlocks, no reaping.
- Any strike, eye poke, or slam is automatic disqualification.
Weigh-in Procedure
- Same-day weigh-in, on-site, one hour before your division starts.
- Athlete weighs in wearing their competition gi/uniform.
- One official weigh-in per athlete — no re-weighs.
- Failing to make weight forfeits the division; no refunds.
Category Consolidation
- Categories may be combined by age, weight, or belt when fewer than 3 athletes are registered.
- Athlete safety and competitive fairness are always prioritized.
- All consolidation decisions are at the sole discretion of Sonoma Jiu‑Jitsu Cup.
Code of Conduct
- Respect referees, coaches, opponents, staff, and spectators at all times.
- One coach per athlete at matside.
- No profanity, no taunting, no unsportsmanlike behavior.
- Violations result in warnings, disqualification, or event ban.
Medical Policy
- Certified medical staff on-site at every event.
- Any injury will be evaluated by the medical team before an athlete may continue.
- The medical team has final authority to withdraw an injured athlete.
Referee Authority
- Referee decisions are final on the mat.
- Formal protests must be filed at the head-table within 5 minutes of the match.
- Video reviews are not part of the official rulebook.
Season Team Awards
Academies earn Team Ranking points at each of the four 2027 tournaments. The three academies with the highest cumulative point totals after the Sonoma Autumn Finals share $8,000 in official Team Awards.
| Placement | Points Awarded |
|---|---|
| 🥇 1st Place | 5 Points |
| 🥈 2nd Place | 3 Points |
| 🥉 3rd Place | 1 Point |
How the Season Championship Works
Every academy earns Team Ranking points at each of the four Sonoma Jiu‑Jitsu Cup events based on their final team placement. Only the top three teams at each tournament receive points.
Points from every event are added to each academy's season total. After the Sonoma Autumn Finals, the cumulative totals determine the final 2027 Team Ranking, and the top three academies are crowned Sonoma Jiu‑Jitsu Cup Team Champions — receiving $5,000, $2,000, and $1,000 respectively.
Important
Team points are cumulative throughout the season. Every tournament matters, and each event contributes to the final Team Ranking. The Team Awards are presented only after the completion of the Sonoma Autumn Finals, when the overall season standings are finalized. Full ranking methodology, tie-breakers, and eligibility rules will be published before the 2027 season begins.
Compete Hard. Shake Hands.
Every match begins and ends with respect — for the sport, the referees, and every athlete on the mat.