small intervention study direct bjj Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Characterization of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training effects on the physical fitness of men and women

Authors Leandro Lourenço-Lima, Tácito P. Souza-Junior, Alexandre R. Okuyama, Steven R. McAnulty, Alan C. Utter, Thaísa S. Monteiro, Gustavo Barquilha, José R. Bortolon, Tatiana P. Geraldo, and Sandro M. Hirabara

Publication 2020

Evidence Audit Verified 2026-10-08 · Next Review: 2027-10-08

Read Original Journal Article (DOI: 10.7752/jpes.2020.s5406) Evidence Overview

Academic Verification

Study Summary & Academic Scope

Sport & Domain

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Population Covered

previously untrained adults; 16 participants.

What Was Studied (Intervention)

BJJ classes; 6 weeks; 2 times each week; 60 minutes per session.

What It Measured

Body mass, body composition, aerobic and anaerobic power, strength, and flexibility before and after six weeks of training.

What the Source Reports (Key Findings)

Some fitness measures changed; body mass and body composition did not.

Selected detailed results: The report found changes in VO₂max, time to exhaustion, lower-body strength, and several anaerobic measures. Body mass and body composition did not change.

What It Does Not Show (Limits & Boundaries)

BJJ superiority to Pilates, long-term results, or individual fitness outcomes.

Verification Protocol

Verified 2026-10-08 · review again 2027-10-08.

Read the source (DOI: 10.7752/jpes.2020.s5406) Return to the evidence explanation