Evaluating the Effect of the Combat Style Congruency on Performance and Fatigability in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: A Pilot Study

Purpose: Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a martial art emphasizing ground combat with multiple ramifications to self-defense and military training. Some Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes prefer fighting on their back (Guardadors), while others preferentially adopt a standing or kneeling position (Passadors). Whether the combat scenario leading to adopt a preferential or nonpreferential combat style influences the combat outcomes remains unexplored. Methods: In a counterbalanced design, 13 athletes performed simulated combats from either a congruent or incongruent scenario with regard to their preferred combat style. We collected combat scores from the official ranking system and measured upper- and lower-limb explosive performance before and after the combats, as well as the rating of perceived exertion and blood lactate concentrations to index fatigability. Results: Passadors had greater grip strength than Guardadors ( = .23, P = .03), whereas Guardadors showed higher lower-limb performance ( = .16, P = .05). When forced to combat as Passadors, Guardadors exhibited greater grip-strength impairment and a greater increase in perceived exertion ( = .12, P = .04; = .15, P = .05, respectively). They also had higher blood lactate concentrations ( = .19, P = .02). Conclusion: Guardadors exhibited greater fatigability after fighting from an incongruent combat situation compared to Passadors, presumably due to greater difficulties to adjust to the loss of initiative when restricted to a primarily defensive role. Future studies should examine how combat style congruency might affect performance and influence recovery strategies during high-level competitive events.