What is ADCC?

ADCC stands for Abu Dhabi Combat Club. It is the most prestigious submission-grappling (mostly no-gi) world championships, often called the “Olympics of no-gi.” Athletes qualify through trials or invitations and compete for large prizes under ADCC’s own ruleset. Why it matters: ADCC scoring and legality differ from many gi tournaments. Heel hooks and other leg locks are part of the high-level game, and the culture rewards submissions heavily. Winning ADCC or even placing is a career-defining result for many grapplers. If you searched “what is ADCC,” “ADCC meaning BJJ,” or “ADCC full form,” the short answer is: Abu Dhabi Combat Club, the flagship no-gi world championships. It is an event/organization brand, not a belt rank. Separate from IBJJF Worlds (gi-focused federation circuit).