Grappling With Trauma: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for First Responders
Purpose
This study explores whether participating in an 8-week Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) program is linked to changes in trauma-related symptoms among first responders. Many first responders experience ongoing stress or exposure to traumatic events, and some prefer physical, movement-based activities rather than traditional clinical services to support their well-being. In this study, participants will attend BJJ classes one to two times per week for eight weeks. They will also complete short daily and weekly questionnaires about mood, stress, and well-being, write brief weekly reflections, and participate in a one-on-one interview after the program. The study aims to understand both symptom patterns and participants' personal experiences with emotional regulation and overall wellness during the program. This study does not provide mental health treatment and will not diagnose or treat PTSD. Instead, it examines whether BJJ, as a non-clinical physical activity, may offer supportive benefits for first responders.
Conditions
- Trauma-Related Symptoms Among First Responders
- Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms (Observational Focus Only)
- Occupational Stress and Emotional Regulation
- Avoidance, Anger/Irritability, Somatic Regulation, and Relational Connection
Eligibility
- Eligible Ages
- Over 18 Years
- Eligible Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- Current first responders (law enforcement, fire fighters, EMS, dispatch) - Adults (18+) - Experiencing trauma-related stress - Able/willing to attend BJJ classes twice per week - Able/willing to complete daily and weekly measures - Located in Montgomery County or nearby areas
Exclusion Criteria
- Individuals younger that 18 years of age - Individuals who cannot safely participate in physical activity - Individuals who cannot complete daily/weekly measures - Individuals who are not current first responders - Individuals who need a higher level of care
Study Design
- Phase
- N/A
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- N/A
- Intervention Model
- Single Group Assignment
- Intervention Model Description
- This study uses a single-group assignment in which all participants receive the same 8-week Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) program. The design follows a single-case research structure with repeated measurement across three phases: baseline, intervention, and follow-up. Each participant serves as their own unit of analysis, allowing the study to examine individual patterns of change in trauma-related symptoms over time. Daily behavioral ratings, weekly PTSD symptom measures, weekly journal reflections, and a post-program interview are used to capture both quantitative and qualitative outcomes. No randomization or control group is used, and the study does not provide clinical treatment. The model is intended to observe whether participation in a structured, movement-based program is associated with changes in emotional and somatic regulation among first responders.
- Primary Purpose
- Supportive Care
- Masking
- None (Open Label)
Arm Groups
| Arm | Description | Assigned Intervention |
|---|---|---|
|
Experimental Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Program |
Participants in this arm complete all phases of the study, including a baseline period, an 8-week Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) program, and a 4-week follow-up phase. During the baseline phase, participants do not engage in BJJ and complete daily behavioral rating scales and weekly PTSD symptom measures to establish symptom patterns prior to the intervention. During the 8-week intervention phase, participants attend beginner-level BJJ classes at a community academy and continue completing daily and weekly measures, along with weekly journal reflections. After the intervention, participants enter a 4-week follow-up phase in which they discontinue BJJ training and continue completing daily and weekly assessments to evaluate maintenance or change in symptoms. All participants receive the same sequence of activities and assessments, and no randomization or comparison arm is used. |
|
Recruiting Locations
More Details
- Status
- Recruiting
- Sponsor
- Sam Houston State University
Detailed Description
This study examines whether participation in an 8-week Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) program is associated with changes in trauma-related symptoms among first responders. First responders frequently experience repeated exposure to stressful or potentially traumatic events, yet many avoid traditional mental health services due to stigma, confidentiality concerns, and cultural expectations of emotional control. As a result, trauma-related symptoms often remain unaddressed. Some first responders prefer movement-based, non-clinical activities to support their well-being, making BJJ a culturally familiar and accessible option. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a structured grappling-based martial art that emphasizes controlled movement, breath regulation, problem-solving under pressure, and connection with training partners. Prior research with veterans and law enforcement officers suggests that BJJ may support emotional regulation, somatic awareness, and reductions in trauma-related distress. However, little research has examined BJJ as a complementary and alternative method (CAM) specifically for the broader first responder population. This study uses a single-case research design (SCRD) to follow each participant over time. Participants will attend beginner-level BJJ classes for eight weeks and complete daily behavioral rating scales and weekly PTSD symptom measures (PCL-5). They will also complete a brief weekly journal entry and a post-program interview to describe their experiences with stress, mood, regulation, and connection throughout the intervention. This mixed-methods approach allows the study to examine both symptom patterns and participants' lived experiences. This is not a clinical treatment study and does not diagnose or treat PTSD. The BJJ program is a non-clinical physical activity offered in a community gym setting. The study aims to understand whether participation in BJJ is associated with changes in trauma-related symptoms and related behavioral patterns such as anger/irritability, avoidance, somatic regulation, and relational connection. Findings may help identify culturally aligned, movement-based wellness options for first responders who may not engage in traditional mental health services.