Why Police Officers Should Train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

A little over 25 years after Royce Gracie won the first Ultimate Fighting Championship, and 75 years since the art was first developed in Rio De Janeiro, the public safety sector has also jumped on the BJJ bandwagon. The techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are now included in the curriculum of agencies such as the FBI, DEA, and LAPD, as well as elite military groups such as the Rangers, Delta Force and Marines.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s popularity as a sport is well-established, as is its utility as a form of self-defense, but why don’t we hear more about its application to law enforcement training? The most important skills we provide police officers involve defending themselves if they are taken to the ground, with someone on top of them. In this scenario, the officer will learn to reverse the position and get into a controlling position to either be able to cuff the person or call for backup. Tactics such as headlock escapes, bear hug escapes, take down attacks, and take down defense are all extremely helpful when subduing a perpetrator.

Public perception of police officers and their handling of physical conflict has always been a controversial subject. Today, scrutiny as at an all-time high. The result has been an increased interest in the ability to resolve any situation safely, efficiently, and effectively. The reality is that by training at least once a week, officers can improve their chances in hand-to-hand combat situations with 95% of the population.

GUMA has never been prouder to support all first responders. Police officers receive 6 months of completely free training. We have compiled an arsenal of techniques, including any mentioned above, which are taught in a specifically tailored Saturday class at 10am. The offer also extends to any other day of the week during the trial period. In any case, we understand that flexibility is key when it comes to accommodating the hectic schedule of police officers. Our mission is to alleviate their stress, by providing a vigorous workout and ultimately do our part to reduce stigma associated with law enforcement.

It is just as likely that an altercation involving an officer and a suspect will go to the ground so you would think that exposure to BJJ would be beneficial. Above all else, the focus most always be on the prevention of further violence, while for the departments, it is in their best interest to ensure that their officers know how to neutralize threats with minimal force and without firing their weapon.