What techniques are illegal in BJJ competition?

Understanding illegal techniques protects you from disqualification and injury. Under IBJJF rules, the hierarchy of legal techniques by belt is: White belt allows straight ankle locks, armbars, chokes, and kimuras. Blue belt adds wrist locks, kneebars, and toe holds from certain positions. Purple belt maintains blue belt restrictions. Brown belt adds heel hooks (inside and outside) and calf and bicep slicers. Black belt allows all techniques. Slams from any height are always illegal, as are spiking opponents on their head. Grabbing inside the sleeve or pant leg is also prohibited. Other organizations have different rules. ADCC allows heel hooks at all levels after the first half of the match. NAGA allows kneebars for adults of all levels. Grappling Industries allows many techniques at white belt that IBJJF prohibits. Always review the specific rules of your tournament before competing. Using an illegal technique results in immediate disqualification regardless of intent.