Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Practitioners Research Articles

The Downward Spiral of Fear of Failure in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Practitioners

As sport and failure are unavoidable and part of the nature of the sport experience, understanding how one navigates failure is an important area of research. Guided by Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA; Smith et al., 2009) the purpose of this study was to understand the lived experiences and role of failure in sport from four Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) practitioners. Data collection grounded in Conroy’s (2001a) multidimensional model of fear of failure included three semi-repeated interviews and a singular journal entry. Data analysis revealed the consequences of failure suggested by Conroy (2001a) are relevant to BJJ, specifically, the fear of devaluing one’s self estimate, experiencing shame and embarrassment, and upsetting important others. A novel finding was the contextual nature of fear of upsetting important others both on a community and interpersonal level. Finally, failure was discussed as perceived, thus, future research should investigate the differences between perceived and actual failure.

Injuries Common to the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Practitioner.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that focuses on ground combat, emphasizing skill over strength and submission over striking. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the nature of injuries affecting practitioners of BJJ in the settings of competition, training, and conditioning. An online survey was created to collect demographic and injury-specific information. This survey was distributed to the 234 schools in the United States registered with the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF). The survey was also distributed to local BJJ schools and at local tournaments in the Greater New York City area. Data from atotal of N=56 participants were recorded for this survey. The majority of participants were male (n=44, 78.6%) and amateur competitors (n=29, 51.8%) with an average duration of BJJ training of 6.9 ± 5.9 years. The majority of participants (82.1%) train at least six hours per week and compete in an average of 4.6 ± 2.5 competitions per year. The most common injuries were to the finger/hand (78.6%) and knee (61.5%). The most commonly reported fracture was of the hand/fingers (n=6). Of the 156 total injuries reported, 133 (85.3%) occurred during practice or training rather than in competition and 76 (48.7%) required medical attention. Few injuries required surgical intervention. This study provides novel information regarding injury characteristics of BJJ practitioners with respect to the level of training and use of protective equipment that can guide expectations and management for this unique group of athletes. Amateur BJJ practitioners are the most commonly injured, and largely experience injuries of the upper extremities during training or conditioning rather than during competition.

Women Brazilian Jiu-jitsu practitioners showed a higher incidence of concussion: an epidemiological analysis

Women Brazilian Jiu-jitsu practitioners showed a higher incidence of concussion: an epidemiological analysis

Back pain and body posture of non-professional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners.

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of back pain in non-professional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners (NP-BJJ practitioners), and to assess the relationship between their back pain and postural disorders.MethodsThe study involved 61 subjects (age: 30.7 ± 4.9 years old; body mass: 79.4 ± 12.9 kg; body height: 179.6 ± 8.4 cm; 8 woman and 53 man), 31 who trained Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and 30 subjects who had never trained any combat sport. The mean time of training BJJ in the study population was 3.9 ± 4.1 years. Postural assessments were conducted with the use of the photogrammetric method. The assessment of back pain and injuries was conducted with the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and with our proprietary questionnaire.ResultsAmong both populations, 37 subjects reported back pain. There were no differences in back pain location between the two groups or in functional state on the ODI. Significant differences between the groups in the values of the postural parameters (spinal height, length of kyphosis, length of lordosis, pelvis inclination angle) were observed. Statistically significant differences between the NP-BJJ practitioners with and without back pain in the length of the thoracic kyphosis and the differences in the height of the waist triangles were found.ConclusionsBoth in the study population and in the control group the spinal pain was minimal or moderate on the ODI. BJJ practitioners who reported back pain had characteristic postural changes in some of the analysed postural parameters in comparison to BJJ practitioners who did not report back pain.

Energetics contribution during no-gi Brazilian jiu jitsu sparring and its association with regional body composition.

We used measurements of metabolic perturbation obtained after sparring to estimate energetics contribution during no-gi Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Ten advanced grapplers performed two six-minute sparring bouts separated by 24 hours. Kinetics of recovery rate of oxygen uptake was modelled and post-combat-sparring blood-lactate concentration measured to estimate oxygen equivalents for phospholytic and glycolytic components of anaerobic energetics, respectively. Linear regression was used to estimate end-combat-sparring rate of oxygen uptake. Regional and whole-body composition were assessed using dual X-ray absorptiometry with associations between these measurements and energy turnover explored using Pearson’s correlation coefficient (significance, P < 0.05). Estimated oxygen equivalents for phospholytic and glycolytic contributions to anaerobic metabolism were 16.9 ± 8.4 (~28%) and 44.6 ± 13.5 (~72%) mL∙kg-1, respectively. Estimated end-exercise rate of oxygen uptake was 44.2 ± 7.0 mL∙kg-1∙min-1. Trunk lean mass was positively correlated with both total anaerobic and glycolytic-specific energetics (total, R = 0.645, p = 0.044; glycolytic, R = 0.692, p = 0.027) and negatively correlated with end-exercise rate of oxygen uptake (R = -0.650, p = 0.042). There were no correlations for any measurement of body composition and phospholytic-specific energetics. Six minutes of no-gi Brazilian jiu-jitsu sparring involves high relative contribution from the glycolytic component to total anaerobic energy provision and the link between this energetics profile and trunk lean mass is consistent with the predominance of ground-based combat that is unique for this combat sport. Training programs for Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners should be designed with consideration given to these specific energetics characteristics.

Jiu-Jitsu and Society: Male Mental Health on the Mats

The growth in mixed martial arts (MMA) gyms worldwide, along with adjunct media discourse has been matched by the number of participants, characterized by the dedication and sacrifice imbued. These factors catalyzed this research which sought initially to understand the motivations of MMA gym members and the role that the training plays in their lives. Through an immersive participant ethnography lasting 3 years, the author trained, socialized, fought, and competed with members of an urban MMA gym in the United Kingdom. The findings focus on the subculture of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu existing within and alongside MMA and where men of diverse ages and creeds follow a path to improved mental health. Drawing from the salutogenic health model and the sociology of health literature, this paper shows that through membership of an MMA gym and dedication to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, participants embody a version of health that is closely aligned with Antonovsky’s theory of salutogenesis. This theory of health helps explain not only the dedication of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners and the growth of MMA more broadly but also posits a fresh perspective on the role of alternative physical activities in male mental health redress.

Capacity and confidence: What can be gleaned from the link between perceived and actual physical ability in Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners?

Among the many modern iterations of grappling-based combat sports, Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) has emerged as one of the most popular. In addition to its well-established effectiveness in competition, it is considered to be recreationally inclusive in the sense that virtually anyone can practice it independent of their baseline physical fitness. Despite its putative versatility, the attrition rate is notoriously high, particularly among inexperienced practitioners. Progression in the sport requires persistence in the face of repeated defeat in training, which may require certain psychological characteristics, or at least the ability to cultivate such characteristics. Although BJJ is highly technical, performance is also influenced by physical fitness. Additionally, fitness may be related to the psychological approach to and involvement in the sport, which is key in a sport that challenges several aspects of one’s self-efficacy, particularly in the early stages of practice. Through exploratory data analysis, this paper sought to elucidate the relationship between perceived and actual physical ability in BJJ practitioners. Both aerobic and muscular endurance appeared to be associated with perceived physical ability independent of factors such as rank and training experience. Conversely, maximal strength did not correlate with this construct. These findings indicate that physical fitness may be conducive to both BJJ performance and adherence through its relationship with self-efficacy. Since self-efficacy is concerned with belief in the ability to produce a subjectively desired outcome and does not necessarily reflect actual skill, the potential psychological advantage of physical fitness is likely applicable to practitioners at all levels of competence.

Health-related body composition and muscle strength in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners

This study aimed to analyze the health-related body composition and muscle strength performance in male and female Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) practitioners and to verify the upper and lower limbs bilateral asymmetry in these individuals. Forty-three BJJ practitioners participated of this study, 20 men and 23 women. The individuals performed anthropometric measurements (body mass, height and body fat), neuromuscular lower limb assessments (countermovement jump—CMJ, squat jump—SJ and sit-and-reach test), and upper limb assessments (handgrip strength test—HGS test and Kimono Grip Strength Test—KGST). The main results demonstrated that most practitioners (both men and women) were classified as normal body fat, regular performance in CMJ and HGS, however, with poor flexibility. Higher performance in neuromuscular tests (CMJ, SJ and HGS) and KGST was reported in men compared to women, while women presented better flexibility and the use of elastic energy during the jump compared to men (p < 0.05). Additionally, higher values of HGS in the dominant hand than the non-dominant was observed only in women (p = 0.001), and no significant difference was observed in the unilateral CMJ between the limbs for both women (p = 0.29) and men (p = 0.06). The recreational BJJ practice seems to induce improvements in body composition and muscle strength in the upper and lower limbs, without provoking bilateral asymmetries in the lower limbs. Men presented higher physical performance than women in most neuromuscular tests, but both showed poor flexibility.

Motivação para prática do Jiu Jitsu

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi conhecer os fatores que mais motivam os praticantes de Jiu-jitsu dentro das seguintes dimensões motivacionais: Controle do Estresse, Saúde, Sociabilidade, Competitividade, Prazer e Estética. Foi aplicado o Inventário de Motivação à Prática Regular de Atividades Físicas e/ou Esportivas – IMPRAFE-132 – de Balbinotti (2009). A amostra foi composta por 40 praticantes de Jiu-jitsu em diferentes academias e clubes de Porto Alegre, na faixa etária de 13 a 53 anos, de ambos os sexos. Constatou-se como fatores que mais motivam à prática regular da modalidade as dimensões Saúde, Prazer, seguida por Controle de Estresse, Competitividade, Estética e Sociabilidade que obtiveram valores indissociáveis estatisticamente. Quanto à dimensão Sociabilidade, embora tendo ficado dentro do terceiro grupo, apresentou um valor limítrofe, ficando muito próximo de p = 0,05. Com isso, os resultados indicam que os principais motivos que levam os praticantes de Jiu-jitsu pesquisados em Porto Alegre a manter a prática regular deste esporte são a manutenção da saúde e a obtenção de momentos de prazer.

Kinetics of Muscle Damage Biomarkers at Moments Subsequent to a Fight in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Practice by Disabled Athletes.

Purpose: Evidence indicates that muscle injury caused by exercise can lead to functional, biochemical, and clinical damage. These outcomes encompass an intrinsic potential to understand the real magnitude of interpretation of classic signs in sport environments and to monitor athletes, contributing to specific actions. However, little or no research has explored the general behavior of the variables presented in response to paradesportivo Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The objective of this study was to investigate the physiological behavior through clinical, functional, and metabolic outcomes in the moments following a simulated fight.Methods: Six disabled athletes, male Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners (34–44 years old), were included. The participants had their outcomes analyzed individually and the variables studied were correlated. It is noteworthy that participants I and II are professional athletes with world titles. The ethics committee involving human beings of the Federal University of Mato Grosso (register no. 2.997.241) accepted the study. The participants attended the collection site four times, with a 24-h interval between sessions, characterizing the following moments: pre-exertion, and post-exertion, 24, 48, and 72 h after the simulated fight. Data collected were muscle pain, perception of recovery, muscle strength, and blood samples for creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) analysis. The variables described were measured at all collection moments. The data were presented in individual raw values of each participant, with Spearman correlation analysis to verify the relationship between variables and moments.Results: The outcomes demonstrated that the CK and LDH activity was higher of high-performance parathletes (I and II) and the reported muscle pain was lower. The fight did not influence maximal isometric strength levels in either participant. In addition, regarding delayed effects, the participants reported peak pain, CK, LDH, and decreased perception of recovery within 24 h. However, it was found that, at 72 h, all values had recovered, close to baseline levels.Conclusion: The presented outcomes provide parameters and suggest a safe scenario based on the intensity and volume commonly adopted in this sports parade modality where the level of effort recommended during combat does not seem to cause deleterious damage.

Injury rate and pattern among Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners: A survey study

ObjectiveTo determine the 6-month incidence rate and pattern of Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ)-related injuries and characterize associations between injuries and experience level, demographic factors, and training variables. DesignDescriptive epidemiology study. SettingOnline survey. Participants1287 adult BJJ practitioners. Outcome measures6-month BJJ-related injury incidence, anatomical pattern of injuries, and injury-associated demographic and training variable identification. Results59.2% of practitioners reported at least one injury over 6 months. The knee was the most common site. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated 6-month injury incidence was negatively associated with years of training and body weight, and positively associated with training days per week and instructor status. More experienced athletes were more likely to report low back injury, while less experienced athletes more frequently reported head, upper extremity, and elbow injuries. None of the following variables were predictive of injury risk: gi preference, instruction on break-falling, and participation in a structured beginner's program. ConclusionsThe risk factor analysis is applicable to BJJ instructors interested in reducing student injury risk. The widespread pattern of injuries and the distinction between types of injuries sustained at different levels of experience are notable findings that sports medicine practitioners should keep in mind when working with BJJ athletes.

Modern unexplored martial arts – what can mixed martial arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu do for youth development?

Contemporarily, two martial arts have emerged as highly popular among youth; Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Despite their popularity, we know little of how they affect individuals sociopsychologically. The current study sought to explore how the currently underexplored martial art disciplines may contribute to sociopsychological development among young people. In addition, it was investigated whether individuals who are predisposed to different traits may favour one sport over the other. This study was conducted with a longitudinal design; over the course of 5 months, 113 participants completed training in either condition. The results show that both groups displayed increased self-control and pro-social behaviour; however, MMA practitioners also reported increased aggressiveness, whereas BJJ practitioners experienced a decline in aggression. Accordingly, individuals who trained in MMA displayed substantially higher pre-existing aggression levels than the BJJ practitioners. The current results further corroborate research suggesting that modern martial arts and MMA may not be suitable for at-risk youth to practice, whereas traditional martial arts and sports with a healthy philosophical foundation may be effective in reducing antisocial behaviour while enhancing socially desirable behaviour among young people.

Injury in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Training.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling-based martial art that can lead to injuries both in training and in competition. There is a paucity of data regarding injuries sustained while training in BJJ, in both competitive and noncompetitive jiu-jitsu athletes. We hypothesize that most BJJ practitioners sustain injuries to various body locations while in training and in competition. Our primary objective was to describe injuries sustained while training for BJJ, both in practice and in competition. Our secondary objectives were to classify injury type and to explore participant and injury characteristics associated with wanting to quit jiu-jitsu after injury. Descriptive epidemiology study. We conducted a survey of all BJJ participants at a single club in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. We developed a questionnaire including questions on demographics, injuries in competition and/or training, treatment received, and whether the participant considered discontinuing BJJ after injury. A total of 70 BJJ athletes participated in this study (response rate, 85%). Ninety-one percent of participants were injured in training and 60% of competitive athletes were injured in competitions. Significantly more injuries were sustained overall for each body region in training in comparison with competition (P < 0.001). Two-thirds of injured participants required medical attention, with 15% requiring surgery. Participants requiring surgical treatment were 6.5 times more likely to consider quitting compared with those requiring other treatments, including no treatment (odds ratio [OR], 6.50; 95% CI, 1.53-27.60). Participants required to take more than 4 months off training were 5.5 times more likely to consider quitting compared with those who took less time off (OR, 5.48; 95% CI, 2.25-13.38). The prevalence of injury is very high among BJJ practitioners, with 9 of 10 practitioners sustaining at least 1 injury, commonly during training. Injuries were primarily sprains and strains to fingers, the upper extremity, and neck. Potential participants in BJJ should be informed regarding significant risk of injury and instructed regarding appropriate precautions and safety protocols. Clinicians should be aware of the substantial risk of injury among BJJ practitioners and the epidemiology of the injuries as outlined in this article.

Aerobic interval training improves maximal oxygen uptake and reduces body fat in grapplers.

Despite regularly engaging in high-intensity grappling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) athletes have a moderate maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of high-intensity aerobic interval training as an accessory to BJJ training for improvements in V̇O2max. Twelve active male BJJ practitioners (age: 30.3±4.0 [SD] years; height: 183.0±5.3 cm; body mass: 82.7±8.3 kg; body fat: 11.9±3.8%) with 5.6±5.8 years of experience and a training volume of 9.9±4.6 hours·week-1 were randomly allocated to either a training group (TG) or control group (CG). The TG incorporated two high-intensity aerobic interval training sessions·week-1 comprising four 4-minute intervals at 85-95% of maximal heart rate (HRmax) separated by 3-minute active breaks at 70% of HRmax. After six weeks, the TG increased their V̇O2max by 8±3% (95% CI=3.84, 12.73; P=0.04; ES=0.64), from 52.7 to 56.8 mL·kg-1·min-1. This was accompanied by a 1±1% reduction in absolute body fat (95% CI=-0.13, -2.2; P=0.04; ES=0.64). No changes in V̇O2max (P=0.12) or body composition (P=0.34) were detected in the CG. These findings reveal compelling short-term effects of low-volume high-intensity aerobic interval training on V̇O2max and body composition in active BJJ athletes. There may be a ceiling effect in terms of developing V̇O2max in supine, intermittent grappling sports, making alternative approaches to aerobic conditioning particularly relevant for this athlete population.

Epidemiology of Sports Related Concussion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a rapidly growing grappling sport with a wide spectrum of participants. This cross-sectional study examined the lifetime prevalence of concussion in adult BJJ practitioners in the United States using a 17-item survey. A total of 778 (11.4% female) BJJ practitioners with a median age of 31 years completed the survey. Overall, the lifetime prevalence of the self-reported BJJ-related concussion was 25.2%. However, the prevalence was higher among females than males (43.0% versus 22.9%; X2(1,740) = 15.129; p < 0.001). Factors independently associated with significantly increased odds of having sustained a BJJ-related concussion included a prior history of concussion (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.14–2.74; p = 0.011) and female gender (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.04–3.65; p = 0.037). The median return to sports time was three days, with 30.3% of participants returning on the same day as being concussed. The present study represents the first epidemiological research examining the concussions in BJJ. The results underscore the need for increased education on concussions and return to sports guidelines among BJJ coaches and practitioners.

The epidemiology of sport related concussion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a rapidly growing grappling sport with a wide spectrum of participants. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of concussions among BJJ practitioners while determining potential predictive factors. A 17-question survey was distributed via email to BJJ practitioners in the United States. The survey included questions on practitioners; demographics and the development of a concussion doing BJJ. Among those with a concussion during BJJ, further information was elucidated on symptoms, return to play, and the development of a second concussion. A total of 780 survey responses were analyzed, ranging in age from 18 to 67 with females representing 11.8% of respondents. 25.2% of practitioners reported a concussion doing BJJ. Forty-three percent of females reported a concussion doing BJJ compared to 22.9% of males (X2 [1, n = 740] = 15.129, p = &lt; 0.001). This gender difference did not exist in the prevalence of concussions before starting BJJ (X2 [1, n = 774] = 1.930, p = 0.381). Logistic regression indicated several factors predictive for developing a concussion from participating in BJJ including: having a prior concussion (odds-ratio = 1.691, p = 0.017, 95% CI 1.097, 2.606), the number of competitions in which an athlete participated (odds-ratio = 1.023, p = 0.016, 95% CI 1.004, 1.042), and female gender (odds-ratio = 1.863, p = 0.048, 95% CI 1.006, 3.450). Logistic regression indicated competing more times per year was predictive for developing a second concussion [odds-ratio = 1.038, p = 0.016). After a concussion, the median time to return to BJJ was 3 days. This included 30.8% of participants returning the day of their concussion. The present study represents the first epidemiologic research examining concussions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The results underscore the need for increased education on concussions and return to play guidelines among BJJ coaches and practitioners.

Could current factors be associated with retrospective sports injuries in Brazilian jiu-jitsu? A cross-sectional study

BackgroundBrazilian jiu-jitsu is characterized by musculoskeletal disorders and high occurrence of sports injuries. The present study was aimed to analyze some internal factors, as well as to describe occurrence and characteristics of retrospective musculoskeletal injuries in different age groups of Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners.MethodsOne hundred ninety-three Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners, which were divided into three age groups: Adolescent, Adult, and Master. Besides anthropometric characterization, standard clinical tests were conducted to analyze the global and segmental joint flexibility, lumbar spine range of motion, and handgrip strength. Sports injury occurrence and total physical activity were obtained from an adapted morbidity survey and International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form (IPAQ-SF), respectively.ResultsA total of 247 cases of retrospective injuries was registered (1.27 injury/ participant). Occurrence of rectus femoral muscle retraction in the right leg was increased within Master. Adult and Master have exhibited higher occurrence of sports injuries than Adolescent group (p < 0.05). Joint injuries were the most common sports-related injuries by all Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners. While female gender and exposure time constituted the most predictive variables for sports injury occurrence in Adolescent, graduation level was more associated with sports injuries occurrence in Adult.ConclusionsJoint injuries derived from combat demands were the main sports injury in all age categories of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Master subjects presented a higher occurrence of clinical changes and retrospective musculoskeletal injuries in relation to other age groups. Female gender and exposure time constituted the main predictive factors in adolescent subjects, while graduation category was more directly associated with retrospective injury onset in the Adult group.

Effects of LED therapy and cryotherapy recovery methods on maximal isometric handgrip strength and blood lactate removal in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) practitioners

Summary Introduction The post-fight recovery is a relevant topic that is used for improvement resting in order to keep performance as high as possible jiu-jitsu fighters. This study aimed to analyze the effects of three different recovery methods: (1) local cryotherapy by cold-water immersion; (2) light-emitting diodes (LED) therapy and (3) passive recovery on maximal isometric handgrip strength and lactate concentrations ([LA]) between fights in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) practitioners. Summary of facts and results Ten men BJJ practitioners, in a crossover design, underwent to all the recovery methods proposed (cryotherapy, LED therapy, and passive recovery). The participants performed three visits with interval of seven days between them, in which each recovery method was used in a random manner between two sets of simulated fights. In each visit, practitioners performed a maximal handgrip strength test followed by blood samples collection to determine [LA] before the first fight. Then, they performed two sets of simulated fights with six minutes each set and 15 min resting interval between sets. The recovery method was applied during the resting period. Although there was no statistically significant difference between recovery methods for maximal isometric handgrip strength, there was a moderate ES between cryotherapy and passive recovery (ES = 0.78) and a moderate ES between LED therapy and passive recovery (ES = 0.58) for the percentage variation of handgrip strength before and after the recovery period. Conclusion Results suggest that LED therapy and cryotherapy are associated with greater maximal isometric handgrip strength recovery between fights compared to passive recovery.

Analysis of elbow muscle strength parameters in Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners

ABSTRACTUpper-body dynamic and isometric maximum strength are essential components for success in Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ). This study was aimed at analysing strength parameters in the elbow flexor and extensor muscles of BJJ practitioners. Participants (n = 28) performed maximum isometric contractions of elbow flexors and extensors to determine peak torque (PT), rate of force development (RFD), and the torque–angle (T–A) relationship at elbow angles of 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 105°, and 120°. Additionally, concentric and eccentric PTs were measured at 1.04 rad·s-1. Student t-test and ANOVA were performed using α = 0.05. Elbow flexors were stronger isometrically (P < 0.001, ES = 1.23) but weaker concentrically (P < 0.05, ES = 0.54) than extensor muscles, possibly because of the extensive grip disputes and pushing of opponents in BJJ. The T–A relationship had an inverted “U”-shape. Torque differences across elbow angles were moderate (ES = 0.62) for the extensor and large (ES = 0.92) for the flexor muscles. Isometric torque was greatest for elbow angles of 105° and 75° and smallest for 45° and 120° for extensor and flexor muscles, respectively. Elbow flexors had a greater RFD than extensors, regardless of elbow angle. The present study provides comprehensive results for elbow muscle strength in BJJ practitioners.

A comparative analysis of male judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners based on motor performance and body build

A comparative analysis of male judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners based on motor performance and body build