randomized controlled training study direct bjj Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Comparison of traditional and ecological dynamical training approaches in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: effects on Force Development, reactivity, and distress perception

Authors Giuseppe Giardullo, Rosario Ceruso, Giuseppe Di Lascio, Manuele Taleb, Giovanni Esposito, and Francesca D’Elia

Publication 2026

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

Read Original Journal Article (DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1794709) Evidence Overview

Academic Verification

Study Summary & Academic Scope

Sport & Domain

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Population Covered

amateur and semi-professional BJJ athletes ages 18–40; 60 participants; 2 groups.

What Was Studied (Intervention)

Ecological-dynamical training compared with a traditional approach; 8 weeks; 4 times each week; 90 minutes per session.

What It Measured

Force development, response time to a light stimulus, and self-reported distress after the training period.

What the Source Reports (Key Findings)

The ecological-dynamical group improved more on the measured force, light-response, and distress outcomes in this sample.

What It Does Not Show (Limits & Boundaries)

Live grappling skill, delayed retention, transfer to new situations, children, beginners, or Sensei Sandy BJJ classes. The distress questionnaire was ad hoc and had no external psychometric validation.

Verification Protocol

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

Read the source (DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1794709) Return to the evidence explanation