The Importance of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Law Enforcement: Why Officers Should Train in BJJ as Much as They Do with Firearms
In today’s increasingly complex law enforcement landscape, officers are often called upon to manage unpredictable and potentially volatile situations. The ability to maintain control and composure while simultaneously working to de-escalate a situation is a critical skill. Traditional police training tends to prioritize firearms proficiency, but a growing body of research is highlighting the importance of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) as an equally essential component of law enforcement training. BJJ is centered on techniques that rely on leverage and control rather than brute strength, making it an invaluable tool for officers, especially in close-quarters situations where de-escalation is the goal.
Law enforcement professionals routinely face situations where using excessive force can have serious repercussions—both legally and in terms of community relations. BJJ teaches officers how to safely control resisting subjects without causing unnecessary harm, using techniques designed to subdue individuals without relying on strikes or weapons. Given the potential for escalation in many police encounters, particularly when officers are carrying firearms, batons, or tasers, it becomes clear that BJJ’s focus on control can prevent situations from spiraling into violence.
This martial art provides officers with an additional set of tools for neutralizing threats safely. Instead of instinctively reaching for a weapon, an officer trained in BJJ can approach the situation with greater confidence, knowing they have non-lethal means of control. Furthermore, BJJ allows officers to resolve confrontations in ways that minimize harm to themselves, the suspects, and the general public. This emphasis on restraint aligns with the growing societal demand for more accountability and transparency in law enforcement.
Why BJJ is Critical for Law Enforcement
BJJ emphasizes grappling, submission holds, and positional control. These techniques focus on neutralizing a threat through non-lethal means, making BJJ highly relevant for law enforcement officers. The essence of BJJ lies in controlling an opponent by using body mechanics, positioning, and leverage instead of relying on brute strength or aggressive force. This approach can significantly help officers de-escalate potentially violent situations without needing to resort to strikes, tasers, or firearms.
For law enforcement, controlling combative individuals without escalating violence is not only a tactical necessity but a legal and ethical imperative. Officers are frequently tasked with subduing individuals in high-pressure, unpredictable environments. BJJ's emphasis on control allows officers to manage these encounters safely, reducing the likelihood of injury to both themselves and the person being apprehended.
A compelling example of BJJ's effectiveness in law enforcement is the Marietta, Georgia, Police Department. After implementing a BJJ training program, the department observed a significant 48% reduction in officer injuries and an even more impressive 53% reduction in injuries to suspects during use-of-force incidents. These statistics provide strong evidence of how BJJ can be a game-changer in reducing harm while enabling officers to maintain control in potentially volatile situations. The results achieved by the Marietta Police Department underscore the broader potential for BJJ to enhance officer safety, reduce the use of excessive force, and foster better outcomes in the field.
Balancing Training: BJJ vs. Firearms
Currently, law enforcement training disproportionately prioritizes firearms over other essential skills. On average, police officers spend over 71 hours on firearms training compared to just 21 hours on de-escalation techniques and use-of-force tactics. This imbalance is concerning, given that approximately 99% of police encounters do not involve firearms. Officers often find themselves in situations requiring restraint and physical control rather than lethal force, and without adequate training in these areas, they are unprepared for the majority of confrontations they face.
BJJ bridges this gap by equipping officers with the necessary tools to manage physical altercations safely and effectively. Unlike firearm training, which prepares officers for rare instances of lethal force, BJJ prepares them for the far more common situations where physical control and de-escalation are needed. Mastering BJJ allows officers to neutralize aggressive individuals without resorting to strikes, tasers, pepper spray, or firearms, significantly reducing the likelihood of excessive force.
BJJ practitioners develop not only technical skills but also the confidence and mental clarity needed to handle high-stress situations. This often results in better decision-making under pressure, as officers trained in BJJ are less likely to feel overwhelmed or threatened. As Rener Gracie, a prominent advocate for BJJ in law enforcement, puts it, “An officer who doesn’t feel threatened won’t need to yell, escalate, punch, taser, or pepper spray their way out of an encounter.” This confidence, built on practical skill, helps reduce the likelihood of prematurely drawing a weapon or using chemical agents like pepper spray, which can lead to unnecessary escalation. The balance between control and confidence that BJJ instills makes it a critical part of modern policing.
Improving Officer and Public Safety
Departments that have incorporated BJJ into their training programs have seen a significant reduction in the use of tasers and other more forceful methods. In Marietta, Georgia, for instance, the implementation of BJJ training led to a 23% drop in taser usage after officers began incorporating the techniques into their daily operations. The officers not only relied less on weapons like tasers but also used fewer aggressive tactics such as pepper spray or baton strikes. This reduction highlights how BJJ empowers officers to neutralize threats in a non-violent, controlled manner, which greatly enhances public safety by minimizing physical harm to both officers and suspects.
Beyond the physical benefits, BJJ training fosters a psychological shift in officers. Regular practice instills a sense of calm, mental resilience, and confidence that are invaluable in high-pressure situations. This mental training is just as important as the physical aspect; officers who feel they can control a situation with their hands are less likely to overreact or escalate tensions unnecessarily. Many violent incidents stem from a lack of confidence or fear, leading officers to prematurely reach for weapons. With BJJ, officers are more likely to rely on their training to de-escalate situations before they spiral out of control.
In addition to the reduction in violent confrontations, incorporating BJJ also protects officers from potential legal liabilities. When fewer aggressive methods like tasers or physical strikes are used, there is a significant reduction in the likelihood of excessive force claims, which not only protects the department from lawsuits but also builds trust between law enforcement and the community. The benefits of BJJ extend beyond the immediate physical encounter—it establishes a safer, more professional, and accountable law enforcement approach.
By regularly practicing BJJ, officers become more composed under stress, leading to measured, responsible decision-making. They are better equipped to handle confrontations, understanding that their ability to control a suspect without resorting to force is often more effective and appreciated by the public. This leads to fewer incidents of unnecessary injury and a decrease in the need for weapons, ultimately fostering a safer environment for both officers and civilians alike.
Expanding BJJ Training Nationwide
Law enforcement agencies across the country are increasingly recognizing the critical value that BJJ brings to police training. Departments in cities such as Mesa, Arizona, and New Jersey have already begun integrating BJJ into their defensive tactics programs, creating a ripple effect of interest in this martial art. Programs like the “Adopt a Cop” initiative have also made BJJ more accessible, offering free or discounted classes to officers. These initiatives help officers from financially constrained departments gain access to high-quality training, which is crucial in equipping them with the skills necessary to safely manage physical confrontations.
As more departments explore the benefits of BJJ, it is becoming apparent that a comprehensive, nationwide implementation would not only protect officers but also reduce instances of excessive force and promote safer policing practices. For example, in Colorado Springs, police officers are now allowed to train BJJ during work hours, reflecting a commitment to both officer safety and improved outcomes in use-of-force situations. This model demonstrates a tangible investment in officers' skills, confidence, and ability to de-escalate volatile encounters.
Austin Police Department and the GAGE Program
The Austin Police Department (APD) has integrated BJJ into their self-defense training through the Ground Avoidance Ground Engagement (GAGE) elective program. This specialized course focuses on teaching officers practical grappling techniques for controlling suspects in high-stress situations. By emphasizing the use of leverage and technique, rather than brute force, the GAGE program allows APD officers to subdue suspects without needing to rely on strikes or weapons. APD officers have reported increased confidence in their ability to safely manage confrontations, leading to fewer instances of excessive force. This program is a model for how BJJ can be successfully implemented within law enforcement agencies.
Tim Kennedy and Heroes Jiu-Jitsu:
Tim Kennedy, through his organization Sheepdog Response, offers a free training program called Heroes Jiu-Jitsu. This program provides Jiu-Jitsu training every Friday for veterans, law enforcement, and first responders across the country. Through these classes, Heroes Jiu-Jitsu promotes camaraderie and helps officers build the mental and physical resilience needed for high-pressure encounters.
To fully realize the benefits of BJJ, law enforcement agencies must treat it as a fundamental part of their defensive tactics curriculum, not just an optional addition.
Conclusion: BJJ as Essential Training for Every Officer
BJJ has emerged as an indispensable tool for law enforcement officers, providing them with a proven method for safely controlling suspects while minimizing injury. The benefits of incorporating BJJ into law enforcement training are clear: reduced officer and civilian injuries, fewer instances of excessive force, and more favorable outcomes for everyone involved. Departments that prioritize BJJ training can expect to see not only safer streets but also a higher level of confidence among their officers, fostering stronger relationships with the communities they serve.
As policing evolves to meet the challenges of a complex and ever-changing society, incorporating BJJ into law enforcement training is not merely a progressive step forward—it is a necessary evolution. By equipping officers with the skills they need to protect both themselves and the public, BJJ enables them to effectively de-escalate situations and use force only when absolutely necessary. Officers trained in BJJ are more confident in their ability to control situations without relying on aggressive tactics or prematurely escalating to the use of firearms, tasers, pepper spray, or other non-lethal tools.
In essence, BJJ empowers law enforcement with the skills to resolve confrontations peacefully, thereby promoting a safer and more just form of policing. The path forward for law enforcement agencies is clear: integrating BJJ as part of core training programs is essential to modern policing, officer safety, and community trust.
Personal Note:
On a personal note, as the author of this piece, I trained in traditional martial arts for over a decade before discovering Gracie (Brazilian) Jiu-Jitsu. At the time, I was physically fit, had competed at the national level, and excelled in my fitness tests both in the Navy Reserves and with the U.S. Secret Service. I thought I was fully capable of handling myself in physical altercations. However, after stepping into my first BJJ class, I quickly realized how much I had to learn. One of the things that amazed me most was how higher belts could completely control me, rendering me helpless, yet they never hurt or harmed me in the process. It was this level of control—where I was powerless but unharmed—that truly sold me on this martial art. Despite my prior training and fitness, I found myself overwhelmed in situations that BJJ addressed with precision and mastery. This revelation was both humbling and eye-opening.
Recently, to support the law enforcement and first responder community, my team and I have incorporated a free one-hour BJJ class at one of our locations (Calvert MMA) every other Wednesday, spearheaded by one of our members who currently serves as a Maryland State Police Captain. There are numerous programs across the country, such as Tim Kennedy’s initiatives for first responders and veterans, that offer free or discounted BJJ training. Law enforcement officers should actively seek out these resources to develop their skills. At my school and others, special membership packages or discounts are often offered to encourage law enforcement personnel to train. I cannot stress enough how vital this is—not just for your safety, but so you can come home safely to your family, as well as protect the community you serve.
If you carry a weapon on your person, you have a responsibility to train. The fact that you are armed makes it even more crucial to possess the hand-to-hand skills needed to maintain control in confrontational situations. If you enter a physical altercation without the proper training, you run the risk of having your weapon used against you. BJJ equips you with the knowledge and tools to ensure that doesn’t happen.
In addition to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, other grappling arts such as Judo, Sambo, Wrestling, and Catch Wrestling are invaluable tools for law enforcement personnel. These arts provide the skills to control a subject without resorting to striking, which is not only more humane but often more practical in close-quarter scenarios. The ability to restrain someone safely or escape dangerous situations—whether pinned against a wall, trapped inside a vehicle, or on the ground underneath an assailant—is critical for officers. These arts train you to handle high-pressure scenarios with composure, ensuring you can protect yourself and others without escalating to forceful strikes like punches or kicks.
Whether through BJJ or another grappling art, the ability to neutralize threats without causing unnecessary harm is a responsibility that all law enforcement officers should take seriously. Your training in these arts ensures that when an altercation occurs, you're equipped with the skills to keep control and prevent harm—both to yourself and others.
References
Gracie Survival Tactics Program: Data from the Marietta, Georgia, Police Department shows that after implementing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training, officer injuries were reduced by 48%, and injuries to suspects decreased by 53%.
Mesa, AZ Police Department and Other Case Studies: Research into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training across U.S. law enforcement agencies, including in Mesa, Arizona, demonstrates a marked reduction in the use of tasers and other more violent forms of force following the integration of BJJ into defensive tactics programs.
Austin Police Department (APD): The APD integrates BJJ into their Ground Avoidance Ground Engagement (GAGE) training, a ground-fighting elective teaching officers to control suspects effectively and safely using grappling techniques. Officers who participate report increased confidence and better decision-making in high-stress situations.
Law Enforcement and Defensive Tactics: National Institute of Justice reports and various law enforcement training studies show that BJJ improves officers’ ability to control suspects without the need for escalating to lethal force.
National Movement Toward BJJ in Law Enforcement: Organizations such as “Adopt a Cop” offer free or discounted Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training to law enforcement officers to promote non-lethal de-escalation techniques.
Tim Kennedy’s Heroes Jiu-Jitsu Program: Through his organization Sheepdog Response and in partnership with The Independence Fund, Tim Kennedy offers the "Heroes Jiu-Jitsu" program, providing free Jiu-Jitsu training to first responders, veterans, military personnel, and law enforcement officers to enhance resilience, camaraderie, and skills necessary for high-stress situations.
Expert Perspectives from Law Enforcement and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Practitioners
If this article hasn’t yet convinced you of the importance of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in law enforcement, consider the insights of those who know firsthand. I reached out to trusted colleagues in the law enforcement community—individuals I hold in the highest regard—and asked them to share why they believe BJJ is crucial to their profession. These seasoned officers, deputies, and agents have seen and experienced the transformative power of BJJ in real-world situations. Their insights emphasize not only the critical importance of personal safety and public protection but also the ultimate goal of returning home safely to their families after every shift. Their words offer practical wisdom, motivation, and a powerful case for why every officer should prioritize BJJ training.
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"Gracie Jiu-Jitsu gives you the tools to control situations ethically, ensuring your safety and that of your colleagues. It builds confidence, knowing you can maintain control and prevent someone from taking your weapon."
"Jiu-Jitsu not only teaches you how to defend yourself but also how to retain weapons and safely disarm an aggressor. It's life-saving knowledge, and in my opinion, it should be mandatory training for law enforcement."
— Relson Gracie, 9th Degree Red Belt, Son of Helio Gracie, and My Direct Coach
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“As a retired U.S. Secret Service Deputy Assistant Director in the Office of Training, I spent years researching and developing use of force curriculum. Once my staff and I evaluated various self-defense systems, Jiu-Jitsu stood out as the clear choice for law enforcement. It equips officers to defend themselves and others from both standing and ground positions, offering unmatched versatility.”
— Hector Hernández, U.S. Secret Service (Retired), Deputy Assistant Director, Office of Training, Jiu-Jitsu practitioner & High Level Grappler (Wrestling) for over 50 years.
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“Jiu-Jitsu has immense benefits for law enforcement officer safety, mental health, and community relations. Even with limited training, an officer can reduce the risk of injury to themselves and the people they are attempting to apprehend. Jiu-Jitsu is the greatest form of control tactics, but even more important—it changes the mindset of the officer due to confidence, reduced stress, and other factors.”
— Deputy Assistant Director, U.S. Marshals Service, 22-year Veteran, BJJ practitioner for 25 years
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“Jiu-Jitsu brings a calm to the situation that neither a baton nor a taser can. The confidence an officer feels is projected onto the situation, not only keeping the officer calm but also extending that calmness to everyone involved. Beyond physical control, Jiu-Jitsu offers mental health benefits, providing officers a safe space to decompress and maintain their mental well-being.”
— Scott Devine, Former U.S. Secret Service Uniform Division Sergeant, Retired Defensive Tactics Instructor at Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt for over 20 years, Jiu-Jitsu practitioner for over 37 years
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“Knowing when Jiu-Jitsu shouldn’t be used is more critical than when it should be used. I was introduced to Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in 1985 as a young officer, and even now, as an older officer still working in patrol and training young law enforcement officers, this lesson remains vital in handling confrontations on the road.”
— Samson Mahi, Hawaii, Lifetime Student, Coral Belt, Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Hawaii
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“Grappling training for officers is like swimming for lifeguards. Heaven forbid someone needs saving, and those professionals who were hired are without those skills. Firearms are mere tools, but tools are only as good as the person wielding them. Judo, the father of BJJ, was designed for building better individuals, which in turn builds better societies and ultimately a better world. Our well-trained guardians are essential in that process.”
— T. Lee, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). 30 Years of training, 4th degree Judo, 3rd degree BJJ.
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“No other combative systems are as useful to a police officer to 1) prevent a suspect from taking you to the ground, 2) teach you to effectively get up off the ground, 3) protect yourself if you’re unable to disengage from the ground, and 4) to effectively and safely control and subdue a resisting suspect as the grappling systems. And of those systems, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the only one that is effective when there are significant size and strength disparities between officer and suspect.”
“When a police officer is helping someone in a mental health crisis, no other defensive tactics system provides the officer with the techniques and strategy to effectively and safely control the individual like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.”
— Mike Johnson, Lieutenant (Retired), Howard County Police Department, Use of Force and Defensive Tactics Instructor, Maryland Police & Corrections Training Commission. 3rd Degree Black Belt / Jiu-Jitsu practitioner for over 25 years
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“Training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a law enforcement officer allows you to experience high-stress physical altercations with another combative person. Through this stress inoculation, you learn to keep a calm mind while physically restraining someone. This helps officers make rational decisions when arresting individuals who resist. Learning to control another person without injuring them or yourself benefits both the department and the community.”
— Richard Komar, Retired Undersheriff, Atlantic County, NJ, 4th Degree Black Belt / Jiu-Jitsu practitioner for 30 years
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“We have seen a significant reduction in excessive use of force cases in departments that prioritize Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training for their officers. I began implementing this approach at the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy in 2001, followed by the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy shortly afterward. BJJ-trained officers are more confident, able to quickly control a resistive subject, and are slower to escalate force.”
— Shawn Chitwood, Special Deputy with the Richland County Sheriff’s Office and Senior Master Subject Control Instructor for Ohio. He began his law enforcement career in 1995 and has trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 1993, holding a 5th-degree black belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
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“Because when the fight for your life comes, you won’t rise to the occasion—you will fall to your lowest level of training. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu helps prepare officers for these high-stress situations, providing them with the skills and confidence to safely control combative individuals without unnecessary harm. It’s not just about physical technique; it’s about keeping a calm, clear mind in dangerous scenarios.”
— Detective, Austin Police Department, Jiu-Jitsu practitioner for over 15 years
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"In today’s environment, a police officer who isn’t trained in control tactics is as unprepared as one without a firearm."
— Maryland State Police (Anonymous) 22-Year Veteran, Jiu-Jitsu practitioner for over 10 years
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“Jiu-Jitsu is essential for police officers because it emphasizes control and restraint, allowing officers to subdue suspects without excessive force. Its focus is on technique over strength and reduces the risk of injury for both the officer and the individual, promoting safer encounters during arrests and physical confrontations.”
— Sgt. Justin Livingston, Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Team (training since 2012)
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“As a Control Tactics Instructor, I have observed that recruits in basic training with a background in BJJ not only have a much easier time in the mat room, but they regularly perform at the top of their class in other critical areas such as firearms and physical training. The confidence and skills they develop while training BJJ naturally lead to confidence and high achievement in other aspects of their law enforcement training.”
— B. Owen, 25 years sworn law enforcement
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"If you need to arrest someone, you can’t just rely on force to bring them into handcuffs. You must physically control their body, and there’s no better way to do that than by using Jiu-Jitsu techniques."
— U.S. Secret Service Senior Special Agent / Former Defensive Tactics Instructor, BJJ practitioner for over 19 years
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“Enough cannot be said about the value of BJJ in law enforcement. The art itself is based on control that leads to submission, or in LEO terms, control that leads to detainment and arrest. I would argue that mere competence in the art would serve a law enforcement officer as well as any intermediate force device and better than any other martial art currently practiced. Not to mention, it gives officers confidence and alternative options beyond what they carry on their duty belts.”
— J. Cordova, 20+ years sworn law enforcement
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Dedication
I dedicate this article to my dear friend Leonard Middleton Hyde, known to many of us as Lennie, or by nicknames such as Doc, Rooster, or Badger. Lennie was the glue that kept the U.S. Secret Service grappling club alive for over a decade after our original Black Belt instructor, Scott Devine, transferred to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Glynco, Georgia. Lennie took on the responsibility of keeping the club running, and we met every Wednesday after normal work hours at the Secret Service Training Academy (JJRTC) in Beltsville, Maryland. He continued this tradition until his retirement from the U.S. Secret Service.
He was one of the kindest souls I’ve ever met. His leadership, kindness, and unwavering dedication to our group will never be forgotten. Lennie was a true friend to all who knew him, always making those around him feel seen, supported, and valued. His warm heart, practical jokes, and genuine care for others made him an irreplaceable part of our lives. Lennie passed away on January 12, 2024, after a year-long battle with liver cancer, but his legacy continues to inspire those of us who had the honor of calling him a friend. This article is for you, Lennie.
