By Lieutenant Alex Bello
In 2003, I was a recruit attending the Rio Hondo Police Academy in Whittier, California. It was during this time that I was introduced to Jiu-Jitsu for the first time, at the conclusion of an arrest and control instructional period.
However, it was not the instructional staff that initiated my introduction to Jiu-Jitsu — it was another recruit who was approximately 5 inches shorter and 30 pounds lighter than I was. During a quick “head and water” break, we continued practicing the handcuffing technique of the day, but as sometimes happens with recruits, this practice developed into both of us playing the role of a resistive suspect. Seconds later, we were on the mat grappling, and I had no plan except to pin my partner down.
While we were in this exchange, I was shocked at how calm and comfortable my training partner was. I noticed he was two to three steps ahead of me the whole time, setting traps along the way. I remember feeling controlled to the point where I had to quit from exhaustion — while he seemed to be in cruise control.
Later that day, I asked him what he had been doing because the technique he applied was obvious. “It’s called Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu,” he said, and told me he had been studying it for a year. From that point on, Jiu-Jitsu was on my radar, because — as most people who train will tell you — once you have “rolled” with someone who is proficient and have felt the technique, there is no way to dismiss the experience. It is that impactful.
The benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training in the field
For a police chief leading a law enforcement agency, the benefits of having personnel trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are substantial.
One of the most significant advantages is that it gives officers a structured approach to handling use-of-force scenarios — whether resistive, assaultive, or deadly. Jiu-Jitsu techniques follow a sequential process, with each movement building on the last, ultimately aiming to control the opponent through position or submission.
This structured approach gives officers a clear understanding of what to do next, which is invaluable in tense, uncertain, and rapidly evolving situations. Unlike many force options, Jiu-Jitsu is adaptable whether standing or on the ground, in both dominant and vulnerable positions — such as when an officer is pinned or mounted. While other martial arts also teach strategy and control, Jiu-Jitsu has repeatedly proven to be especially effective for smaller or less physically dominant individuals facing high-risk encounters.
An officer with, for example, 200 hours of Jiu-Jitsu training is more likely to remain calm, patient, and effective during field contacts — including those requiring verbal de-escalation. This increased confidence stems from knowing they have the skills to stay safe and avoid injury if a situation turns physical.
Consider the solo officer detaining a verbally resistive subject who’s larger and more aggressive. The natural fear of escalation — “What’s going to happen next?”— can lead to premature or excessive use of force tools. Officers trained in Jiu-Jitsu, however, are better prepared to manage these encounters. They have shown an ability to apply time and distance more effectively and maintain composure under pressure.
This is largely due to the nature of Jiu-Jitsu training, which places practitioners in frequent high-stress scenarios that simulate real-world duress — safely and repeatedly. Over time, this builds the ability to remain calm and deliberate, waiting for the right opportunity to act. It’s a skill set that translates directly to field work and offers immediate, visible benefits.
What was once considered anecdotal is now backed by compelling data. The Marietta (Georgia) Police Department’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Data Summary, which tracks use-of-force incidents since implementing Jiu-Jitsu training for all new hires, showed significant reductions in officer injuries, suspect injuries, and TASER applications.
Officer wellness
For a law enforcement executive, the potential for reduction in risk management incidents is certainly noteworthy, particularly in environments where officers frequently interact with unique populations — including persons experiencing mental health crises, juveniles and college students. However, we have seen the advantages of Jiu-Jitsu training go beyond risk management and use of force.
Officers who train Jiu-Jitsu also experience the incredible cardiovascular benefits of training. Most Jiu-Jitsu practitioners can admit to their uniform or gi being drenched with sweat after a class. Routine Jiu-Jitsu training can be transformational from a wellness perspective, as it promotes weight loss, cardiovascular health, flexibility, muscular development and mental health. A 2017 National Institutes of Health report discusses the data behind such findings.
Team building and morale
The level of morale and fellowship among personnel varies from agency to agency. A variety of factors contribute to these levels, including organizational leadership, pay, equipment, working conditions and relationship to the community, just to name a few.
For a law enforcement executive, it is imperative to constantly examine the level of morale and fellowship within your department. Agencies promoting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training often see a cross-section of personnel willingly and eagerly participating. Jiu-Jitsu draws participants across racial, ethnic, gender and political lines. The Jiu-Jitsu mat is a place where elements that could create division among personnel are mitigated. Students become immersed in the technique and teachings of the class.
Additionally, the training helps foster a familial and team-oriented fellowship among the officers participating. The fact that this connection is grounded in physical fitness and development makes it even more impactful.
The Bellevue (Washington) Police Department features a Jiu-Jitsu curriculum for its officers, and a cross-section of officers from different backgrounds participate in the program. They have been featured on the department’s social media platforms discussing the benefits of jiu-jitsu training, including team building and morale.
The why
The data — both anecdotal and statistical — is becoming increasingly clear. The “why” behind law enforcement executives implementing or supporting a Jiu-Jitsu curriculum for their personnel is abundantly evident.
Today, more and more agencies have officers with some level of experience and expertise in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, as more officers are training independently outside of the department. When I started training Jiu-Jitsu 17 years ago, I was one of two blue belts (beginner level) at my department of over 375 sworn officers. Today, we have a few blue belts, as well as several officers beginning their Jiu-Jitsu training through the department-sponsored program.
The hope is that more law enforcement executives will recognize the full spectrum of benefits Jiu-Jitsu training offers and take action to implement these programs. As this approach becomes the norm rather than the exception, both officers and the communities they serve will be safer.
About the author
Lieutenant Alex Bello is a Lieutenant for a Southern California Police Department. He is a California POST Certified Defensive Tactics Instructor, a Force Science Institute Certified Force Science Analyst and a first-degree Black Belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu under Ryron and Rener Gracie.
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