Combat Jujitsu
A dynamic full-contact format combining striking, throwing, and ground techniques under head-impact-free safety rules.
JJIF Contact Jujitsu V4.2 — 2023 (Project Phase)
Discipline Overview
Contact Jujitsu is a dynamic competition style that uses striking techniques, throwing techniques, and ground techniques. The goal is to defeat your opponent by TKO (Technical Knockout — as there are no strikes allowed to the head under the 2023 Head Impact Free rules), submission, or decision based on dominance. The 2023 Head Impact Free rules are the safe progression from the JJIF Fighting System to full contact fights.
Primary Objectives
- Win by TKO (Technical Knockout) — forcing the opponent to stop without head strikes.
- Win by submission using a legal lock or choke.
- Win by active domination or referee decision based on dominance throughout the bout.
Two Rules Variants
Contact Jujitsu operates under two distinct rule sets depending on the event and athlete level.
Head Impact Free (2023)
The standard safe progression rules. No strikes to the head. Uses 4oz contact gloves in white/blue. No head guard required. Open to all eligible competitors.
AIMAG 2017 Evolution
Designed for experienced, adult athletes only — includes the possibility of knockouts by head impact. Requires head protectors and 6–8oz gloves in red/blue.
Bout Duration & Recovery
Adult Bout Duration
3 minutes per bout.
Extra Time
If competitors are equal after 3 minutes, the Mat Referee adds 1 minute of extra time to determine the winner.
Recovery Between Bouts
A minimum of 15 minutes recovery time between successive bouts.
Medical Attention
Maximum 2 minutes of medical attention per bout. Exceeding this results in loss of the bout.
Mandatory Protective Gear
All Contact Jujitsu athletes must wear JJIF-homologated protective gear in every bout.
Gi
JJIF-homologated Jujitsu Gi in white or blue, clean and in good condition per the Sporting Code.
Contact Gloves
Open-palm grappling type gloves: 4oz (Head Impact Free) or 6–8oz (AIMAG), with elastic straps and no hand bandaging.
Shin & Instep Protectors
Slip-on type in red or blue (AIMAG) or white/blue (Head Impact Free), matching the belt colour.
Additional Gear
Mouth guards (recommended), groin guards for males (soft cup type), chest protectors for females (optional), and head protectors for AIMAG rules only.
Ways to Win
A Contact Jujitsu bout can be decided in several ways.
TKO (Technical Knockout)
Under Head Impact Free rules: the opponent kneels after a liver shot or other legal technique and cannot continue. Under AIMAG: knockout or two knockdowns.
Submission
The opponent submits via tap-out or verbal surrender to a legal lock or choke.
Active Domination
One competitor demonstrates clear, sustained dominance throughout the bout, leading the referee to stop the match.
Decision
If the bout runs its full duration, the judges award the win based on points and overall dominance.
Disqualification
Accumulation of penalties or a severe illegal technique results in disqualification.
Injury / Doctor's Decision
If an athlete cannot continue due to injury (beyond the 2-minute medical limit), the bout is awarded to the opponent.
Bout Conduct & Positions
Standing Position
A competitor is standing when they touch the contest area with their feet only.
Ground / Laying Position
A competitor is on the ground when any part of their body other than their feet touches the contest area.
Transitions
Competitors may freely move between standing and ground techniques while active. When inactive, the referee resets to standing in the centre.
Passivity Warning
A warning for passivity is given to a fighter blocking the progression of the fight.
Next Discipline
Fighting Jujitsu