Grappling With Trauma: Evaluating Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for Trauma Symptom Reduction Among First Responders
| Registry | NCT07783516, acronym CAM-GRIP |
|---|---|
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | Not applicable |
| Study type | Interventional; na, single group, masking: none, supportive care |
| Enrollment | 8 (Estimated) |
| Sponsor | Sam Houston State University (Other) |
| Conditions | Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Trauma and Stress Related Disorders, Occupational Stress, Emotional Regulation Difficulties, Anger Problems, Relational Problems, Irritability |
| Interventions | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Program (Behavioral) |
| Dates | start 2026-08-15 (estimated), primary completion 2027-05-31 (estimated), completion 2027-05-31 (estimated), first posted 2026-08-24, last updated 2026-08-27 |
| Locations | 1 site in United States |
Related Papers Related Patents Related Grants Related Experts
All trials for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) All trials for Trauma and Stress Related Disorders All trials of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Program
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.
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.
| Arm | Type | Interventions | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Program | Experimental | Behavioral: 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. |
Sex: All, ages: 18 Years to any, accepts healthy volunteers
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
| Facility | City | Country | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Site | Conroe, Texas | United States | Recruiting |