Comparing Mental Health Outcomes of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and CrossFit Training among Trauma-Exposed Professionals: Findings of a Mixed-Methods Study

In this paper we compare the mental health outcomes of Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) and CrossFit training among military veterans and emergency services personnel participating in 60-day programmes in either modality, using standardised questionnaires (n=60/n=40) and semi-structured interviews (n=20). We measured changes in anxiety, depression, PTSD, sleep quality, and general wellbeing between baseline, mid-point, and endpoint of the 60-day training periods, with interviews addressing participants’ experiences in depth. Survey results demonstrated significant, clinically relevant improvements across all measured domains, but revealed no significant differences between modalities. Interviews suggested the value of actively growing through constructive hardship experienced within a supportive community – common to both modalities – may explain the survey outcomes. This study contributes further evidence of how physical activity can support mental health among communities exposed to traumatic experiences and/or ongoing stressors. It also enables critical reflection on claims regarding the unique value of martial arts in this respect.