Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) training for law enforcement has become a hot topic in recent years, with some police leaders embracing it and others questioning its practicality. However, the benefits of BJJ training for law enforcement are numerous and undeniable.
This is especially obvious if you view a clip that recently went viral on social media. In it, a police officer trained in jiujitsu, confronts a a man that proceeds to ignore his commands while hurling racial slurs at him. Rather than resort to using his weapon, the police officer proceeds to clinch with the perp, excute a collar tie snap down/drag to bring him down, before smoothly following up with a double wrist lock (kimura) to immobilize the downed man in order to quickly get him cuffed up.
BJJ is a highly physical activity that requires strength, flexibility, and endurance. It can help law enforcement officers improve their physical fitness, making them better equipped to handle the physical demands of their job. It can also enable them to de-escalate situations and intervene in a way that doesn’t harm them or the alleged perps.
BJJ’s emphasis on ground control tactics for self-defense is highly beneficial for law enforcement officers. It provides them with practical techniques to subdue suspects without the use of excessive force, reducing the risk of injury to both the officer and the suspect.
Renzo Gracie commented on the video recently, stating:
“We have spoken several times on the podcast about the effectiveness of Jiu jitsu for Police Officers. Here we have a trooper who trains Jiu jitsu. There isn’t too much to see here. The officer is able to safely gain a clinch without being struck, get an under-hook, perform a takedown and then transition into a kimura while maintaining dominant body position into handcuffing. No need for less lethal tools or tasers. The fight never escalated out of control. Well done!”
This video is particularly praise worthy not only because of the crisp grappling sequence flawlessly executed but also because it’s a stark contrast to how much bad press police officers have had with several rotten apples going viral with their overreactions.
BJJ training requires participants to think quickly and make decisions under pressure. This skill is highly valuable for law enforcement officers, who must make critical decisions in high-stress situations.
Overall, BJJ training is a valuable tool for law enforcement officers looking to improve their skills and better serve their communities.
Since 2014, Benny A. King has been fully immersed in the world of combat sports. Starting with a blog about Greco Roman wrestling, Benny’s passion for combat sports has led him to explore various disciplines.