Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners and enthusiasts have long debated the potential cognitive effects of choke submissions, a cornerstone technique in the sport. A new study published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise offers compelling evidence that these concerns may be unfounded.
The research, led by Samuel J. Stellpflug and colleagues, investigated the cognitive impact of choke submissions in BJJ athletes. Using the King-Devick test (KDT), a tablet-based assessment tool designed to measure reaction time, accuracy, and cognitive function, the study compared the performance of athletes who experienced choke submissions to those who tapped out to non-choke submissions.
The study involved 62 participants, evenly split between those who experienced chokes and those who did not. Researchers administered the KDT before training, immediately after a submission occurred during sparring, and again after a 10-minute rest period.
Key findings from the study include:
- No significant difference in test failures between the choke and non-choke groups.
- Total test times were comparable between both groups.
- Individual difference scores showed no meaningful variation between those who experienced chokes and those who did not.
These results suggest that transient choking episodes, as experienced in BJJ training and competition, do not have a measurable impact on cognitive functioning, at least as assessed by the King-Devick test.
This study provides valuable data to address concerns about the safety of choke submissions in grappling sports. While further research may be warranted to explore long-term effects or other cognitive measures, these findings offer reassurance to practitioners and governing bodies about the immediate cognitive safety of properly applied choke techniques in BJJ.
It’s important to note that this study focused on trained athletes in controlled environments. As with any combat sport, proper training, supervision, and adherence to safety protocols remain crucial for minimizing risks associated with grappling and submission techniques.
As BJJ and mixed martial arts continue to grow in popularity, studies like this contribute to a better understanding of the sports’ safety profile and help inform evidence-based practices for athletes, coaches, and medical professionals involved in grappling sports.
