Rank-based Psychological Characteristics Of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Athletes

Brazilian jiu-jitsu training has been found to improve self-control and mental health in adults. When exploring skill levels, psychological variabilities have been previously found among belt ranks in Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes. PURPOSE: This study explored the differences in resilience, grit, self-efficacy, self-control, aggression, life satisfaction, and mental health between Brazilian jiu-jitsu white and black belts. METHODS: A sample of 178 Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes (79.8% male), including 121 white and 57 black belts between 18 and 60 years of age, completed the Brief Resilience Scale (α = .82), Grit Scale (α = .86), General Self-Efficacy Scale (α = .86), Brief Self-Control Scale (α = .84), Brief Aggression Questionnaire (α = .75), Satisfaction with Life Scale (α = .85), and Mental Health Disorders Screening Instrument for Athletes (α = .81). RESULTS: Results showed that Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belts presented significantly higher resilience, t(176) = -1.916, p = .028, Cohen’s d = -.308; grit, t(176) = -3.269, p < .001, Cohen’s d = -.525; self-efficacy, t(176) = -2.182, p = .015, Cohen’s d = -.351; self-control, t(176) = -2.887, p = .002, Cohen’s d = -.464; life satisfaction, t(176) = -2.718, p = .004, Cohen’s d = -.437; and lower mental health disorders, t(176) = 1.774, p = .039, Cohen’s d = .285 than white belts. No significant difference was found between white and black belts in aggression, t(176) = -.292, p = .771, Cohen’s d = -.047. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belts generally presented higher resilience, grit, self-efficacy, self-control, life satisfaction, and better mental health than white belts, with no differences in aggression. Future studies are encouraged to explore whether these characteristics are prerequisites for continued Brazilian jiu-jitsu training or whether a causal relationship exists.