Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Research Articles

Effect Of Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation On The Jiu-jitsu Anaerobic Performance Test In Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Fighters

Effect Of Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation On The Jiu-jitsu Anaerobic Performance Test In Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Fighters

Evaluation of the BJJFitness test: differences between competitors and non-competitors in Brazilian jiu-jitsu

This study introduces the BJJFitness Test, a novel tool designed to evaluate the physical and technical performance of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) practitioners, distinguishing between competitors and non-competitors. The test demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.992) and strong test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.894). Key variables such as resting heart rate, heart rate during the test, number of takedowns, and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were critical in differentiating the two groups. Competitors exhibited superior cardiovascular fitness, technical proficiency, and lower perceived exertion compared to non-competitors. The BJJFitness Test mimics real-match conditions, providing a practical and comprehensive assessment method that reflects the unique demands of BJJ. These findings underscore the importance of specific conditioning and technical skills for competitive success in BJJ. The study also highlights the potential of the BJJFitness Test as a valuable tool for coaches and athletes to identify strengths and areas for improvement, guiding targeted training interventions. Keywords: physiological assessment; anaerobic capacity; aerobic capacity; martial arts; performance metrics.

Cardiorespiratory and muscle oxygenation responses to voluntary hypoventilation at low lung volume in upper body repeated sprints.

To investigate the impact of voluntary hypoventilation at low lung volumes (VHL) during upper body repeated sprints (RS) on performance, metabolic markers and muscle oxygenation in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) athletes. Eighteen male well-trained athletes performed two randomized RS sessions, one with normal breathing (RSN) and another with VHL (RS-VHL), on an arm cycle ergometer, consisting of two sets of eight all-out 6-s sprints performed every 30s. Peak (PPO), mean power output (MPO), and RS percentage decrement score were calculated. Arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2), heart rate (HR), gas exchange, and muscle oxygenation of the long head of the triceps brachii were continuously recorded. Blood lactate concentration ([La]) was measured at the end of each set. Bench press throw peak power (BPPP) was recorded before and after the RS protocol. Although SpO2 was not different between conditions, PPO and MPO were significantly lower in RS-VHL. E, HR, [La], and RER were lower in RS-VHL, and VO2 was higher in RS-VLH than in RSN. Muscle oxygenation was not different between conditions nor was its pattern of change across the RS protocol influenced by condition. [La] was lower in RS-VHL than in RSN after both sets. Performance was significantly lower in RS-VHL, even though SPO2 was not consistent with hypoxemia. However, the fatigue index was not significantly affected by VHL, nor was the neuromuscular upper body power after the RS-VHL protocol. Additionally, [La] was lower, and oxygen consumption was higher in RS-VHL, suggesting a higher aerobic contribution in this condition.

Cognitive Assessment in Grappling Athletes Following Choke versus Nonchoke Submissions.

Participation in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts has increased over the last three decades. These sports feature submission attacks, including strangles. These strangles, termed "chokes" in this context, primarily limit blood flow to the brain via compression of neck vasculature. There has been discussion in literature of the possibility of measurable cognitive effects following transient choking episodes. The present study used the King-Devick test (KDT) platform, a tablet-based reaction time and accuracy task designed to measure participants' number recognition, cognition, and verbal expression. This task requires functional vision, saccadic eye movements, comprehension, and expression. Volunteer participants were screened for exclusion (prior brain injury) criteria and survey information before testing. Athletes were tested with the KDT immediately before a Brazilian jiu-jitsu training session, again immediately after succumbing to either a choke ("Choke" arm) or nonchoke ("Non-Choke" arm) submission while sparring, and again after a 10-min rest period following the postsubmission test. Analysis was done on test failures, total test times, and individual difference scores between baseline and subsequent testing. Sixty-two (32 Choke, 30 Non-Choke) participants were analyzed. There was no significant difference between Choke and Non-Choke in test failures ( χ2 (1,62) = 1.25, P = 0.263), total times ( t (60) = 0.62, P = 0.540; 95% CI, -3.44 to 6.51), and individual difference scores ( t (60) = 0.29, P = 0.776; 95% CI, -2.41 to 3.21). There were no significant differences between study arms in any of the three analyzed measures. This suggests that cognitive functioning, as measured by the KDT, is not affected by transient choking episodes.

Sleep Behaviors and Nutritional Knowledge in Amateur and Professional Combat Sport Athletes.

Dunican, IC, Galpin, A, Turner, M, and Reale, R. Sleep behaviors and nutritional knowledge in amateur and professional combat sport athletes. J Strength Cond Res 38(9): 1627-1634, 2024-Combat sports is a term applied to various competitive contact sports involving 2 competitors engaging in a bout or contest under a specific ruleset. Little is known about combat sports athletes' sleep and nutritional knowledge. This study aimed to assess (a) sleep behaviors, (b) alcohol and shiftwork disorders, and (c) the nutritional knowledge of combat sports athletes. Subjects completed various demographic questions and estimations of their weight management practices and validated surveys, including the Athlete Sleep Behavior Questionnaire, Shiftwork Disorder (SWD) Screening Questionnaire, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, and the Abridged Nutrition for Sports Knowledge Questionnaire. A total of 844 combat sports athletes completed the survey, 79% male, height of 177 ± 10 (cm), and body mass of 79 ± 15 (kg). Subjects were categorized into their specific combat sport type (e.g., boxing or Brazilian jiu-jitsu [BJJ]) and by their level (professional or amateur). Sleep quality was average for all combat sport types and risk prevalence of shiftwork disorder at 11%. Mann-Whitney U tests revealed that amateurs, compared with professional strikers ( p = 0.046, CLES = 0.80), boxers ( p = 0.01, CLES = 0.78), and BJJ ( p = 0.046, CLES = 0.61) athletes, consumed significantly more alcohol. A Friedman test showed significant ( p < 0.001, W = 0.51) differences in weight between time points, with most combat sports athletes reducing weight for competition. An overall nutritional knowledge average of 55% was reported. This study highlights a critical gap in the knowledge and practices of combat sports athletes in relation to sleep behaviors and disorders, alcohol consumption, and nutritional knowledge, emphasizing the need for targeted educational interventions.

Motivational dynamics and training experiences among female Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners

This study explored achievement goal orientations, perceptions of the motivational climate, and experiences during training among female Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) practitioners. 137 active female practitioners from 26 countries were included. Our findings revealed that female BJJ practitioners shared a similar emphasis on mastery approach goals as their male counterparts. A notable difference was observed for perceptions of the motivational climate, with female practitioners perceiving the climate as more mastery-oriented than males. We also found relationships between motivational dynamics and factors such as rank, training duration and experience, instructor status, and competition participation. Overall, female BJJ practitioners exhibit a strong emphasis on mastery goals and generally perceive the training climate as mastery-orientated, suggesting an inclination towards adaptive behavior in challenging situations. These results reaffirm the compatibility between mastery goals and competitive martial arts practice and provide a novel characterization of the motivational dynamics of active female grapplers.

Comparison of time-motion, heart rate responses, and training load measurement in Brazilian jiu-jitsu heavyweight and lightweight fighters: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT This study compares technical-tactical and physiological parameters between lightweight and heavyweight male Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) fighters. We included 11 adult BJJ fighters (lightweight: age = 28 ± 7 years; body mass = 73 ± 2 kg; height = 1.72 ± 0.7 m; body mass index = 25 ± 2 kg/m2; heavyweight: age = 27 ± 3 years; body mass = 95 ± 6 kg; height = 1.87 ± 0.6 m; body mass index = 27 ± 2 kg/m2). Six participants were considered lightweight (71 to 77 kg) and five heavyweight divisions (88 to 101 kg). Initially, sample characteristics and a graded exercise test determined the physiological parameters. A simulated competition (10 minutes maximum) assessed technical-tactical characteristics, Heart Rate (HR), Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE), TRaining IMPulse based on HR, session-RPE, and time at HR intensity zones (Z1, Z2, and Z3). A comparison test revealed that heavyweight athletes exhibited a higher height, body mass, total time in low-intensity efforts per block, number of standing combat blocks, and less time in high-intensity efforts per block and lower VO2MAX than lightweight (p < 0.05). The HR showed a nonlinear increase throughout each minute of the fights, with the heavyweight division demonstrating predominantly higher HR values. All fighters accumulated more time in training zone 3. The physiological and temporal differences between divisions suggest that BJJ training must be designed specifically for lightweight or heavyweight divisions.

The application of directional preference for chronic non-specific knee pain: A pragmatic, controlled, randomized clinical trial

Functional disability and chronic knee pain are frequent in combats sports participants. The McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) is a system for specific function examination and intervention for spinal and extremity musculoskeletal disorder. This clinical trial aimed to investigate the effectiveness of MDT, through Directional Preference, for specific function disability in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners (BJJPs) experiencing chronic non-specific knee pain. MethodsSixty-five BJJPs with chronic non-specific knee pain were evaluated and classified according to the MDT system. Following classification, 28 BJJPs were randomized pairwise into intervention (IG) and control (CG) groups. The procedures were consistent with the principles of DP and the intervention period was 6 weeks and follow up was included. The primary outcome was specific functional disability evaluated using the Patient Specific Function Scale (PSFS) and the secondary outcomes were pain intensity and fear-avoidance in utilizing the symptomatic limb. Data were analyzed with a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and repeated measures for the outcome factor were performed (p < 0.05). ResultsFor the specific functional disability, ANOVA revealed significant differences between groups based on group interaction and treatment factors (F (2, 52): 162,015; p < 0.001; η2: 0.208). The BJJPs allocated to the IG achieved significant improvements in specific functional disability, a mean difference of −4.36 (−5.01 to −3.72) post-interventional and −4.80 (−6.07 to −3.53) follow-up in the PSFS. Improvements in pain intensity and fear-avoidance were also achieved post-intervention and follow-up. ConclusionIntervention in accordance with DP promoted resulted in favorable outcomes for clinical effects on specific functional disability pain intensity, and symmetry index of the lower limbs. These findings suggest that intervention based on DP may be effective in the management of chronic knee pain in BJJPs.

Exploring Choke Holds in Brazilian Jiujitsu Athletes: A Demographic Study.

Introduction Brazilian jiujitsu is a relatively new sport that has grown exponentially in popularity along with the growth of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). In jiujitsu, there are a variety of submissions with a choke hold being one of the most popular. There is a subset of athletes in jiujitsu who believes chokes are safe. However, there have been case reports of relatively young athletes suffering strokes secondary to internal carotid or vertebral artery dissections after being placed in choke holds. There have been manuscripts describing the injury profile in jiujitsu, but none mention stroke or dissections. This study evaluated how frequently chokes happen in jiujitsu and if athletes have ever experienced symptoms consistent with cervical artery dissection (CAD). Additionally, this study aimed to describe the training frequency and baseline demographics of jiujitsu athletes. Methods A survey was distributed throughout social media platforms which asked both quantitative and qualitative questions regarding athlete training. The survey consisted of 28 questions which collected largely baseline grappling information about the participants such as how long they trained, how often they spar, favorite submission, how frequently they are choked, etc. This data was then analyzed using odds ratio and one sample t-test to evaluate for statistical differences. Results A total of 521 participants were included in the analysis. The participants were mostly male (84.7%), trained for four years, four times per week; 99.8% (520) participated in sparring, with an average age of 37; and 55.7% (290) have experienced symptoms consistent with CAD. Descriptive statistics revealed that individuals who were 37 years of age or younger were more likely to experience symptoms consistent with CAD (odds ratio: 1.5337 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.0827-2.1727). Athletes that were 37 years of age or younger have been training for fewer years (4.7 years vs 8.8 years)but train more days per week (4.03 times per week vs 3.76 time per week), drill for a longer amount of time (46.8 minutes per class vs 38.3 minutes per class), attend longer classes (81.12 minutes vs 72.3 minutes), and train for a longer period of time per week (338.5 minutes vs 274.6 minutes) than athletes over 37 years. All previously mentioned variables were analyzed using a one sample t-test and were significant at the α = 0.05 level. The lone qualitative question regarding the term "train brain" revealed that of those who experienced it, 84.1% (58) described it as a cognitive/physical impairing event. Conclusion Jiujitsu athletes train multiple times per week and are frequently exposed to choke holds. There is no literature to examine the long-term effects of these chokes on the athlete's cervical vasculature. Additional studies should be conducted to evaluate the effects of the repetitive stress placed on these vessels.

Why I . . . practise Brazilian jiujitsu.

Why I . . . practise Brazilian jiujitsu.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and wellbeing: an inductive thematic analysis exploring how BJJ can increase subjective wellbeing

Purpose This study aims to assess the sociopsychological impact that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s (BJJ) can have on the subjective wellbeing of practitioners. Design/methodology/approach Data was collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews (N = 8) and were analysed using thematic analysis by taking an inductive approach. Findings Improvements in the wellbeing of practitioners can be made via focusing on specific known constructs which have previously shown to increase subjective wellbeing. They included the development of mental toughness, progression towards meaningful goals and/or healthy habits and behaviours and the forming and maintaining of positive social relationships. Research limitations/implications The present work demonstrates the psychological benefits of BJJ practice on several psychological wellbeing targets, albeit in a modest sample size. Practical implications The heightened emphasis on mental wellbeing in the general population has added increasing pressure on mental health services (Steptoe et al., 2015; Diener et al., 2018; Johnson et al., 2018; Wicking &amp; Dean 2020). Therefore, it is of theoretical and practical advantage to explore novel ways to help individuals with both their mental health and wellbeing. Originality/value The present study seeks to add to an emerging field of research which proposes that intentional activities such as BJJ can be integrated alongside traditional approaches to therapy in their promise to help those recovering from mental health issues.

Acute hypotensive effect and autonomic response after a Brazilian jiu-jitsu training session in federated athletes

Acute hypotensive effect and autonomic response after a Brazilian jiu-jitsu training session in federated athletes

Influence of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Belt Graduations on the Performance of Elite Female Combat Athletes

Abstract Introduction. In Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (BJJ), match durations are determined by belt rank according to the rules. However, a detailed understanding of the dynamics in female matches across belt levels is lacking. Gaining this insight could refine training, better meeting the needs of female athletes at each progression stage. Therefore, this study aims to conduct a comparative time-motion analysis of combat phases among elite female practitioners across different belt ranks. Material and Methods. The sample was composed of White (n = 60), Blue (n = 150), Purple (n = 108), Brown (n = 56), and Black (n = 48) belts. All combats were analyzed using a BJJ time-motion protocol according to the sequential actions of the combats (i.e., approach, gripping, attack, defense, transition, guard, mount, side control, low-intensity movements, and total time), p ≤ 0.05. Results. The main results indicated longer time in the black belt division vs. white and blue belts in low-intensity movements [170(63;311.6) s vs. 75.1(39.7; 201.9)s, and 93.1 (34.2; 168.7)s], defensive actions [31(10.2;76.6)s vs. 12.2(50.5; 22.4)s, and 22.4(11; 49.4)s], and approach actions [9.1(5.5;23.3)s vs. 5.2(2.5; 9.9)s, and 4.8(1; 12)s], respectively. Conclusions. No effects were observed in combat-determining domain actions such as gripping, transition actions, side control, and mount, even with differences in the rules, suggesting a progressive reduction in intensity accompanying the increase in total combat time as the rank in BJJ increases.

The Relationships Between External and Internal Training Loads in Mixed Martial Arts.

As a multidisciplined combat sport, relationships between external and internal training loads and intensities of mixed martial arts (MMA) have not been described. The aim of this study was to determine the external loads and intensities of MMA training categories and their relationship to internal loads and intensities. Twenty MMA athletes (age = 23.3 [5.3] y, mass = 72.1 [7.2]kg, stature = 171.5 [8.4]cm) were observed for 2 consecutive weeks. Internal load and intensity (session rating of perceived exertion [sRPE]) were calculated using the Foster RPE for the session overall (sRPE-training load [TL]) and segmented RPE (segRPE-TL) for each training category: warm-up, striking drills, wrestling drills, Brazilian jiujitsu (BJJ) drills, striking sparring, wrestling sparring, BJJ sparring, and MMA sparring. External load and intensity were measured via Catapult OptimEye S5 for the full duration of each session using accumulated Playerload (PLdACC) and PLdACC per minute (PLdACC·min-1). Differences in loads between categories and days were assessed via Bayesian analysis of variance (BF10 ≥ 3). Predictive relationships between internal and external variables were calculated using Bayesian regression. Session overall sRPE-TL = 448.6 (191.1)arbitrary units (AU); PLdACC = 310.6 (112)AU. Category segRPE-TL range = 33.8 (22.6)AU (warm-up) to 122.8 (54.6)AU (BJJ drills). Category PLdACC range = 44 (36.3)AU (warm-up) to 125 (58.8)AU (MMA sparring). Neither sRPE-TL nor PLdACC changed between days. PLdACC was different between categories. Evidence for regressions was strong-decisive except for BJJ drills (BF10 = 7, moderate). R2 range = .50 to .77, except for warm-up (R2 = .17), BJJ drills (R2 = .27), BJJ sparring (R2 = .49), and session overall (R2 = .13). While MMA training categories may be differentiated in terms of external load, overall session external load does not change within or between weeks. Resultant regression equations may be used to appropriately plan MMA technical/tactical training loads.

Dietary restraint and emotional eating among elite/international combat sport athletes

ABSTRACT In one-on-one combat sport, weight classifications are enforced to promote fair fights and minimise injury risk. Most combat sport athletes try to fight at weight much lower than their natural weight necessitating use of weight loss strategies including restrained eating prior to competition. Previous research indicates that individuals self-reporting as high in dietary restraint also self-report a higher desire to emotionally eat, which if acted upon would compromise weight management goals. This mixed-methods exploratory study examined associations between dietary restraint and emotional eating among elite/international combat sport athletes. Nineteen elite/international competitors in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts completed the emotional eating scale, a revised restraint scale, and a rapid weight loss questionnaire. A subsample of six participants then completed individual interviews to explore emotional eating, particularly during the lead-up to and post-competition. Quantitative findings via non-parametric tests found high scores in restrained eating associated with a greater urge to emotionally eat. Qualitative findings via content analysis of interview data identified three themes that helped understand this association, “emotions eliciting an urge to eat”, “outcomes of emotional eating”, and “resisting emotional eating”. Participants described a cycle of restrained eating pre-competition followed by an increased tendency toward emotional eating post-competition, with the extent of emotional eating influenced by the degree of restrained eating required and competition outcomes.

Dynamic strength and muscle power in elite and non-elite Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) athletes: a systemat-ic review with meta-analysis

A systematic review with meta-analysis on the dynamic strength and muscle power in elite and non-elite Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) athletes is essential to provide a comprehensive and quantitative evaluation of the physical attributes critical for performance, allowing for a better understanding of the training needs and physical characteristics that distinguish different levels of athletes in this sport. Therefore, this study endeavors to comprehensively synthesize existing literature on muscle strength and power in the context of BJJ, making a comparative analysis between elite and non-elite athletes. The research was conducted up to April 20, 2022, employing the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) protocol to systematically search electronic databases using the keywords: "Brazilian Jiu-jitsu" or "BJJ" or "Jiu-jitsu" and "power" or "muscle power" or "physical fitness" or "muscle strength" or "strength." Following a rigorous selection process, 26 articles were included in the systematic review. Subsequently, the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations) tool was employed for evidence assessment. The primary assessments of dynamic strength encompassed protocols involving the Bench press, squat, and pull-up-gi. In the context of muscle power, the meta-analysis considered parameters such as the countermovement jump (CMJ), standing long jump, and variables derived from jump power assessed on the force platform, including Peak velocity, peak power, mean power, and maximum force. The data showed a substantial effect size for strength [1.012 (p≤0.0001)] and a moderate effect size for power [0.619 (p≤0.0001)], indicating superior performance among elite athletes compared to their non-elite counterparts. Although power is predominant in most BJJ actions, strength emerges as a crucial element distinguishing elite from non-elite athletes in this sport. This realization carries significant implications for training and injury prevention, as both strength and power necessitate specialized training to enhance performance in the sport. Keywords: Physical Fitness, Martial Arts, Sport Physiology, Musculoskeletal and Neural Physiological Phenomena, Judo

Neuromuscular Fatigue During Brazilian Jiujitsu Matches: Analysis of Upper and Lower Limbs.

To determine the effects of repeated Brazilian jiujitsu (BJJ) matches on neuromuscular fatigue in forearm-flexor and knee-extensor muscles. Twelve BJJ athletes (8 men and 4 women) performed a simulated BJJ tournament composed of four 8-minute matches interspersed by 16-minute intervals. Neuromuscular fatigue was assessed via prematch to postmatch(es) reductions in maximal voluntary isometric contraction(MVIC), voluntary activation, and potentiated twitch force (Ptwpot) in the forearm-flexor and knee-extensor muscles. The MVIC of the knee extensors and forearm flexors reduced from prematch 1 to postmatch 2 and remained suppressed until postmatch 4 (P < .034). The voluntary activation of the knee extensors declined only after match 4, whereas the voluntary activation of the forearm flexors did not change throughout the matches (P = .102). Ptwpot of knee extensors decreased from prematch 1 to postmatch 1 (P < .001) and remained reduced until postmatch 4 (P < .001). Ptwpot of the forearm flexors reduced after every match (P < .010), with complete recovery occurring only before the second match (P = .99). The magnitude of the prematch-to-postmatch reduction in Ptwpot was lower in knee extensors than in forearm flexors (P = .044). Repeated BJJ matches induced neuromuscular fatigue, mainly due to impairments in muscle contractile function (ie,peripheral fatigue). The time between BJJ matches seems to be insufficient to allow complete recovery of neuromuscular function, which may influence performance during subsequent matches.

The Dynamics of Victory: Exploring the Movement Patterns of Female Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Athletes in Win-ning and Losing Combats through Time-Motion Analysis

In the quest to understand the dynamics of female Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) combats, this research delves into the world of winning and losing. By comparing time-motion analysis based on different outcomes, our objective was to unveil the movement patterns of victory. Our sample included 209 winning (W) versus 209 losing (L) female international BJJ combats, presenting a comprehensive picture of the combat landscape. Through time-motion analysis, we explored various BJJ combat phases, such as approach, gripping, transition, side control, mounting, attack, defense, low-intensity movement, and total time. The statistical results highlight significant differences between winners and losers in key aspects of the combats. Notably, side control (W= 47.7 [27.8; 96.5]s vs. L= 27.3 [20.3; 41.9]s), mount (W= 40.0 [16.6; 85.9]s vs. L= 15.9 [6.1; 25.6]s), attack (W= 50.1 [28.6; 86.7]s vs. L= 16.6 [7.7; 35.7]s), defense (W= 14.6 [6.6; 38.2]s vs. L= 38.8 [17.7; 77.0]s), and low-intensity movement (W= 55.9 [23.4; 132.2]s vs. L= 111.5 [58.7; 225.6]s) revealed differences between the winners and losers. The implications extend to sports psychology and judo training, providing knowledge for enhancing performance, optimizing training programs, and making strategic decisions during combat. Keywords: sports psychology, technical-tactical analysis, task performance and analysis, judo, martial arts.

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.

No-gi Brazilian jiu-jitsu: A Markovian analysis of elite-level combat dynamics

No-gi Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a grappling-based combat sport performed without the jiu-jitsu uniform. It’s fast-growing popularity has been influenced by the contributions to competitors’ performance in mixed martial arts tournaments. This study aimed to analyze the frequency of actions, the transitions between them, and their reward–risk balance—the probability of submitting minus the probability of being submitted—among top-level competitors. Data encompassed all 93 matches (90 competitors) of the World Submission Fighting Championship-2019. Reliability was assessed by two experts (sports scientists, more than 10 years as no-gi Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitors). Data analyses used Bayesian methods for inference. Posterior distributions of the mean frequencies of actions indicate that the main actions (e.g. takedown, sweep, and back-take) tended to occur less than once per competitor in each match, except by the submission attempt (point estimate of 1.03 per match). The highest estimates for the transition probabilities between match actions were within-competitor—a guard pass action to another guard pass action (0.30); between-competitors—a takedown attempt to a submission attempt (0.15). Most of the actions presented positive reward-risk balance, particularly for the back-take, which showed the highest probability of direct transition to submission (0.45). The dynamic analysis of no-gi Brazilian jiu-jitsu matches evidenced some preferential actions’ transitions associated with winning. Findings should enhance the accuracy of performance prediction and provide evidence-based recommendations for coaches.