THERAPEUTIC BENEFITS.


Training jiu jitsu offers myriad benefits to practitioners of all ages.

The following articles contain literature from studies indicating a therapeutic quality to training jiu jitsu:






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Tony Blomqvist Mickelsson

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as Social and Psychological Therapy: A Systematic Review

...Brazilian Jiu Jitsu holds great promise as a sociopsychological intervention; it is consistently associated with low levels of aggression, development of resilience, and the possibility of extending one’s social network. In other words, it may constitute a community that can buffer against mental illness and promotes well-being. This goal has direct implications for social workers, psychologists, and physical therapists that seek to combat public health issues. Additionally, considering the current pandemic and the mental illness it has brought with it, along with decreases in physical activity, practitioners and policy-makers will need to address how to go from here to re-establishing a healthy baseline of physical and psychological standards. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu seems appropriate to achieve these outcomes...

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Isaac Burt

An Innovative Approach to Working With Angry Adolescents Using Therapeutic Principles and Martial Arts

...Research indicates that for aggressive youth, movement based therapies are sometimes more effective than traditional talk therapy (Twemlow, Sacco, & Fonagy, 2008). Historically, some institutions that provide traditional therapy have subjugated aggressive youth (Piquero, 2008). Youth associate institutions and talk therapy with oppression and are sometimes reluctant to participate in what appears to be another form of degradation (Constantine, Hage, Kindaichi, & Bryant, 2007). In order to reach youth, a number of circumstances demand attention. An intervention must (a) be concrete, (b) hands on, and (c) able to capture youth’s attention quickly (Twemlow, Biggs, Nelson, Vernberg, Fonagy, & Twemlow, 2008)...

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Brian Lamarre and T. Nosanchuk

Judo-The Gentle Way: A Replication Of Studies On Martial Arts And Aggression

...There have been numerous studies of the effects of traditional martial arts training on aggressiveness, most reporting a decline in aggressiveness with training...

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Allison Willing

Jiu Jitsu Reduces Symptoms of PTSD and Related Psychopathologies

...Evidence suggests that routine practice of Jiu Jitsu, a martial art that focuses on self-defense and control, can reduce symptoms of PTSD, both psychological and physiological...

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Janelle Joseph

Physical Culture and Alternative Rehabilitation: Qualitative Insights from a Martial Arts Intervention Program

...It has been repeatedly demonstrated that the physical aspects of traditional martial arts must be integrated with mindfulness techniques for effective rehabilitation. Young offenders require the psychological training of martial arts (including meditation to enhance self-awareness and self-control) and the philosophical coaching of martial arts (on issues such as respect, honour, patience, leadership, perseverance, and responsibility) for the physical aspects to be a viable addendum to correctional programs (Trulson, 1986; Twemlow & Saaco, 1998). This combination of the physical, psychological, and philosophical can make a significant difference in drawing disenfranchised adolescents into considering changing their lifestyles and developing their characters positively (Twemlow, Saaco, & Fonagy, 2008)...

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Leonardo Andreato, Francisco Lara, Alexandro Andrade, and Braulio Branco

Physical and Physiological Profiles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Athletes: a Systematic Review

...In general, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu athletes had low body fat, without differences between novices and experts or between elite and non-elite athletes. The mesomorphic component was predominant...

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Isaac Burt and Kent Butler

Capoeira as a Clinical Intervention Addressing Adolescent Aggression with Brazilian Martial Arts

...Marginalized adolescents often feel they must fend for themselves, causing them to bully, steal, or fight perceived enemies. These youth have a significant need for group affiliation, positive or negative. They also have a need to feel powerful, and feelings of physical insecurity may influence aggressive acts and/or gang involvement (Rice & Dolgin, 2005). They long for adult protection, which is often lacking. Their need for affiliation may result in involvement with a violent street gang, making adolescents feel that they are involved in something important as well as giving them a feeling of personal safety and connection (Twemlow & Sacco, 1998). Capoeira [and Jiu Jitsu] implements a methodology akin to that customary with gangs (Twemlow & Sacco, 1998)...

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