Should there be a universal point system for Jiu Jitsu tournaments?

Yes

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by Tyson Abaroa

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Jiu Jitsu with or without a Gi is unique in that it is not a natural point scored sport. The goal of the sport is submission not points. It was developed on the Japanese field of battle for close combat between the ancient Samurai. Because of the sport's lineage and characteristics two opponents could grapple for up to fifteen minutes and there wouldn't be a single submission. For the reason that a Jiu Jitsu tournament would take days if it were based solely on submissions, a point system was added. With the point system came multiple organizations that score points differently. There are too many local, state, national, and international tournaments to count and most abide by different rules. Some score for takedowns and some don't. Some score for sweeps and some don't. Some give partial credit just for attempting a submission. There are organizations that favor wrestlers, others that are friendly to judo competitors, and some that are strictly Jiu Jitsu based.

It is frustrating to the athlete because he has to know all the different rules and point systems when he is competing. It is common for most Jiu Jitsu athletes to attempt to win by points before they start attempting risky submissions. With all of the different point systems the theory and methods of Jiu Jitsu are lost when the competitors place priority on points instead of submissions. The point debacle also means there are multiple world champions in different organizations that rarely face each other. Points in Jiu Jitsu need to keep with the spirit of the martial while allowing a clear and concise winner. Although points are based on decisions by Referees and Judges, there can still be resolution to the point system in Jiu Jitsu. There should be points give for takedowns but there needs to be a limit on takedowns so the matches don't turn into a wrestling match. There needs to be recognition for who is controlling the pace of the match with attempts on submissions and control over their opponent. In an Ideal world there would be a universal point system. In our world we need a uniform point system.

Whether the Gracie's will ever agree with the Machados, or NAGA will ever agree with FILA is another issue. With the current obscurity of points in Jiu Jitsu we sometimes see who the best at a particular tournament is, but not necessarily who is the best grappler.

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