Abstract
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling-based martial art that emphasizes ground fighting and submission techniques. The uniforms worn in BJJ, commonly known as the gi and no-gi, play a crucial role in both training and competition. The gi uniform is similar to a jacket and pants, and make of heavy cotton while the no-gi is similar to lightweight shirt and shorts worn in a number of sporting endeavors. The differences in uniform also result in differences in energy output as the techniques utilized to gain an advantage between the uniform types differs. For instance, gi grappling utilizes the actual uniform to perform submissions and is considered more technical as compared to no-gi competitions which are characterized as fast paced and athletic. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine potential differences in physiological responses between the two uniform (gi vs. no-gi) types. By understanding the potential physiological differences practitioners and coaches may have a better understanding of training methodologies that may be most beneficial. METHODS: A repeated measures design was utilized to determine potential differences in BJJ uniform type. Participants completed two trials in random order with a minimum of 48 hours between, one in the gi and one in the no-gi uniform. Following the signing of informed consent and medical screening participants were measured for height (cm), weight (kg), and body composition (%BF) using the Seca mBCA 554 (Seca, Hamburg, Germany). Participants were then fit for devices to measure heart rate (HR; b/min), core body temperature (CBT; °C), and sweat rate (SR; oz/hour). Resting values were taken for HR, CBT, and blood lactate (BL; mmol/L with participants seated in a chair. Following a 5-min warm-up on a stationary bike, participants completed 10 minutes of running on a Wahoo KICKR RUN treadmill (Wahoo Fitness, Atlanta, GA) in either the gi or no-gi uniform. Uniform type was randomized, and the running speed and grade was kept constant for both trials. Participants were asked to increase running speed and or grade until approximately 80% of age predicted max heart rate was achieved in minute 8. Values for HR and CBT were recorded each minute, with SR and BL taken immediately upon completion. RESULTS: Nine participants (male, n = 3; female, n = 6) completed both the gi and no-gi conditions. No significant differences were observed between the two trials for changes in HR (p = 0.69), CBT (p = 0.52), BL (p = 0.53), SR (p = 0.16) and RPE (p = 0.11). CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the study it does not appear that there are differences in physiological responses based on the uniform type alone in BJJ. These findings suggest that training and nutritional interventions between the two uniform types would likely be interchangeable. Potential differences between the two uniform types may be due to differing technical strategies that players incorporate rather than the uniform itself.
Recommended Citation
Coronado, Esther and Crossland, Brett Dr
(2025)
"Thermoregulatory Differences Between Uniform Types in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu,"
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2:
Iss.
17, Article 183.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss17/183
