Jiu-Jitsu: Limiting Damage Done to Both Police and Potential Subjects

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By Luke Paolillo April 9th, 2026

Around the country, police departments are implementing Jiu-Jitsu training to help make arrests safer and reduce injury to both officers and the people being detained. Jiu-jitsu as a martial art focuses on leverage, control, and balance, which is showing to be a better alternative to other more aggressive tactics seen in typical use of force training.

Police recruits in Texas began learning a Jiu-Jitsu style based technique called SafeWrap. This move allows officers to safely apprehend a subject without the use of a taser or striking. This program was started in order to limit the amount of injury done during violent encounters, helping ensure that officers can make a decision to put hands on while maintaining as much safety as possible for both parties.

CBS News reported that many police departments began using this technique after original displays showed a clear limitation to the amount of injury possible. Research and other starter programs across the nation are showing similar outcomes. Cops who train in Jiu-Jitsu, specifically Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), typically have fewer complaints of unnecessary force and they also show higher confidence when dealing with resistant subjects. According to The Marshall Project departments in different cities in the Nation like Marietta, Georgia, have also been seeing decreases in use-of-force complaints and injuries for officers after they implemented mandatory Jiu-Jitsu training. The data shows that overall cops who train in grappling and the Jiu-Jitsu style arts rely less on their weapons or striking and ultimately have safer interactions altogether.

Besides just the physical safety aspects of training in Jiu-Jitsu, it also provides mental health improvements. Consistent training relieves stress, builds resilience, and also builds discipline. These are all great qualities when it comes to making decisions, especially when under the stress of being in a physical altercation. Some departments even classify Jiu-Jitsu as a fitness rutine as well as de-escalation tool. U.S. News and World Report highlighted that consistent practice keeps officers physically ready and also helps them keep their composure and patience, which is very important in highstress law enforcement situations.

Police use of force is always something talked about across the nation. Jiu-Jitsu could be a safe and sustainable path that focuses on safety rather than brute force. Police departments that invest in this style of training further their commitment to protecting and serving their community.