Stop Chasing Submissions: How to Actually Win on Points in BJJ

You've been lied to. The fastest way to improve your Jiu-Jitsu isn't drilling more submissions—it's learning to control positions and rack up points. Submissions are flashy, but they're also where most injuries happen: a 2021 study of 1,140 athletes found that submissions caused 29.7% of injuries (Hinz 2021 BJJ injury study). If you're a white or blue belt preparing for your first tournament, your priority should be a points-based game, not hunting for taps in the gym. Here's how I'd build that game, step by step.

1. Pick two takedowns and drill them until you hate them

Most BJJ matches start standing. Under IBJJF rules, a takedown is worth 2 points—but only if you keep your opponent's knee on the ground for 3 seconds, and you get nothing if they're already on their knees when you take them down (IBJJF). So don't waste time on fancy throws. Choose a single-leg and a basic inside trip. Drill them for 10 minutes before every class. In a 5-minute white belt match, those 2 points can be the difference. And remember: if you pull guard and your opponent does too, the first to establish top position gets an advantage—so even guard pulling has a points angle.

2. Master one guard pass and one sweep from your favorite guard

You don't need to know every guard variation. Pick one guard—closed, half, butterfly, whatever feels natural—and learn one sweep and one pass from it. A sweep is worth 2 points, a guard pass is worth 3. If you pass and then mount, that's 7 points (3+4) (IBJJF). That's often enough to win a decision. Drill your sweep until you can hit it on a resisting opponent. Then drill the pass. In a 6-minute blue belt match, you'll have plenty of time to work.

3. Hold positions for 3 seconds—every time

Points are awarded only when you stabilize a position for about 3 seconds (IBJJF). That means your mount, side control, and back control must be solid. If you're constantly losing position, you're leaving points on the table. Spend at least half your sparring rounds just holding positions. Start in mount, let your partner escape, and work to re-establish. This is boring, but it's how you build the control that wins matches. And it reduces injury risk: most injuries occur during sparring (77.6% in the 2021 study), often from submissions or takedowns. By focusing on control, you'll be safer too.

Quick tip: If you're stalling—not pursuing positional progression—the referee will give you 20 seconds before a penalty, and four penalties means disqualification (IBJJF). So keep moving.

4. What can go wrong: neglecting submissions entirely

Here's the warning: if you never attack submissions, your opponent will feel comfortable and may stall or counter. You need at least one reliable submission from your best position. Pick one—armbar from mount, rear-naked choke from back, or triangle from guard. Drill it until it's automatic. But don't make it your whole game. In a tied match, advantages and penalties decide the winner, and a near-submission can earn you an advantage. So attack, but don't sell out.

What I'd actually do

If you're a white or blue belt with a tournament in 8 weeks, here's your plan: spend 60% of your drilling time on takedowns, sweeps, and passes; 30% on holding positions; and 10% on one submission. Spar with a focus on points. In your first match, aim to get ahead on points early, then coast. Don't try to be a hero. And if you're over 30, consider Master divisions—matches are 5 minutes, which gives you more time to work (IBJJF). The ADCC World Championship is the most prestigious event in submission grappling (ADCC official), but you don't need to be an ADCC-level grappler to win your local IBJJF tournament. Points win matches. Submissions just end them.

Sources

• IBJJF - https://ibjjf.com
• Hinz 2021 BJJ injury study - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34988235/
• ADCC official - https://adcombat.com/about-abu-dhabi-combat-club/