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.
Current first responders (law enforcement, fire fighters, EMS, dispatch)
Adults (18+)
Experiencing trauma-related stress
Able/willing to attend BJJ classes twice per week
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
Single group
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Program
BehavioralParticipants 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.
Change in Trauma Symptom Severity (PCL-5)
Weekly trauma symptom severity will be measured using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Scores will be collected across three phases: baseline, 8-week Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu intervention, and 4-week follow-up. The measure will be used to observe individual patterns of change in trauma-related symptoms over time. Each participant serves as their own unit of analysis within a single-case research design.
Change in Daily Behavioral Regulation Scores
Daily behavioral functioning will be assessed using four single-item 0-10 rating scales measuring anger/irritability, behavioral avoidance, somatic regulation, and relational connection. Participants complete these ratings each day across all phases: baseline, 8-week Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu intervention, and 4-week follow-up. These scales capture fluctuations in behavioral and emotional regulation that may not be fully represented by weekly trauma-symptom scores. Each participant serves as their own unit of analysis within a single-case research design.
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