In general, a Jiu Jitsu match is 5 minutes long. If you're at the gym and someone asks you to do a round, all else equal you should expect a 5 minute match.
That said, every tournament organization (or gym) is different! Match lengths can vary based on the skill level of the competitors, their age, or the specific event.
Here are some common Jiu Jitsu match lengths for a variety of the most common tournament organizations.
IBJJF Match Lengths
IBJJF matches for adults start at 5 minutes, go up by belt rank, and then go down by age. A little confusing, right? Well here is a clear breakdown of Jiu Jitsu match lengths in IBJJF events:
Adults
- White Belt: 5 minutes
- Blue Belt: 6 minutes
- Purple Belt: 7 minutes
- Brown Belt: 8 minutes
- Black Belt: 10 minutes
Masters (age 30 and up)
- Masters 1 (White and Blue): 5 minutes
- Masters 1 (Purple, Brown, and Black): 6 minutes
- Masters 2 and up (all belts): 5 minutes
Kids
- Mighty Mite (approx age 4-6): 2 minutes
- Pee Wee (approx age 7-9): 3 minutes
- Junior (approx age 10-12): 4 minutes
- Teen (approx age 13-15): 4 minutes
- Juvenile (approx age 16-17): 5 minutes
Note that we say "approx age" here because the IBJJF calculates your age by taking the current year and subtracting your birth year.
ADCC Match Lengths
ADCC rules are known for being a little confusing, and their match lengths are no different. They have a variety of match times depending on if the event is an Open, Trials, or World Championship.
ADCC National / Opens / Trials
- Qualifying rounds: 6 minutes with 3 minutes of possible overtime
- First 3 minutes with no points
- Second 3 minutes (and overtime) with points
- Finals: 8 minutes with 4 minutes of possible overtime
- First 4 minutes with no positive points (negative points do count)
- Second 4 minutes (and overtime) with points
ADCC World Championship
- Qualifying rounds: 10 minute rounds with 5 minutes of possible overtime
- First 5 minutes with no points
- Second 5 minutes (and overtime) with points
- Finals & Superfights: 20 minute rounds with 10 minutes of possible overtime
- First 10 minutes with no positive points (negative points do count)
- Second 10 minutes (and overtime) with points
Phew! Ok so now you're familiar with Jiu Jitsu match lengths for the two biggest tournament events. When it comes to smaller events, be sure to check the official website to see if they follow IBJJF rules, ADCC rules, or something else entirely.
Aside from competition, match lengths in the gym can vary. But again, the "standard" Jiu Jitsu match length is 5 minutes.
