Grappling With Trauma: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for First Responders

Conditions

• Avoidance, Anger/Irritability, Somatic Regulation, and Relational Connection
• Occupational Stress and Emotional Regulation
• Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms (Observational Focus Only)
• Trauma-Related Symptoms Among First Responders

Eligibility Criteria

Sex

ALL

Age

18 Years - N/A

Healthy Volunteers

Accepted

Interventions

• Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Program — BEHAVIORAL
  Participants engage in an 8-week Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) program delivered in a community martial arts academy. The intervention consists of beginner-level, instructor-led classes that emphasize controlled movement, breath regulation, positional problem-solving, and partner-based training. All participants attend the same type of classes and may modify activities as needed for safety. The BJJ program is a non-clinical, movement-based activity intended to support somatic regulation, emotional regulation, and relational connection. Participants complete daily behavioral rating scales, weekly PTSD symptom measures (PCL-5), and weekly journal reflections throughout the intervention. The program is preceded by a baseline phase with no BJJ participation and followed by a 4-week post-intervention phase to observe maintenance or change in symptoms. No randomization or masking is used; all participants receive the same intervention.

Study Details

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.

Key Dates

First listed

Aug 24, 2026

Start date

Aug 15, 2026

Status verified

Aug 2026

Primary completion

May 31, 2027

Completion

May 31, 2027

Study Design

Enrollment

8 participants (estimated)

Allocation

NA

Intervention model

SINGLE_GROUP

Primary purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Arms

• 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.

Primary Outcome Measure

Change in Trauma Symptom Severity (PCL-5) [ Time Frame: 15 Weeks: Baseline Phase (3 weeks), Intervention Phase (8 weeks), Follow-Up Phase (4 weeks) ]

Central Contacts

• Lindsey D Taylor
  713-444-8348
  [email protected]
• Chi-Sing Li, Ph.D.
  936-294-1935
  [email protected]

Locations (1)