The Relationship Between the Jiu Jitsu Anaerobic Performance Test and Physiological Markers in Trained Jiu Jitsu Practitioners

Abstract

Jiu Jitsu relies on aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. A relationship has been demonstrated between the Jiu Jitsu Anaerobic Performance Test (JJAPT) and anaerobic performance. The relationship between the JJAPT and aerobic performance has yet to be quantitatively defined. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between the JJAPT and maximum oxygen uptake and ventilatory threshold (VT). Twenty-five Jiu Jitsu subjects participated in two test sessions a minimum of 48 hours apart. During one test session, descriptive statistics were collected, a self-guided treadmill warm-up was completed, followed by the Bruce graded exercise protocol. Ventilatory threshold was determined by computer plotting VO_2peak and ventilation onto a line chart and confirmed by two researchers. Ventilatory threshold percentage was calculated by hand. The second test session included a JJAPT familiarization warm up and the JJAPT. Pearson correlation was used to determine the relationship between the JJAPT and VO_2peak and between the JJAPT and VT. The main findings revealed a significant moderate positive correlation between VO_2peak and the JJAPT, (r = 0.40, p = 0.025). Research has shown that Jiu Jitsu has dispersed lower intensity aerobic periods with more reliance on the anaerobic system. The moderate correlation with VO_2peak is consistent with the energy system requirements for Jiu Jitsu. This study, in combination with previous studies, indicates the JJAPT provides reliable measures of Jiu Jitsu competition performance. It’s been concluded that the JJAPT could be used to evaluate BJJ athletes and track performance improvements.