Brazilian jiu-jitsu specific training model highly emulates simulated match demands

Background. - To compare acute neuromuscular, metabolic, and perceptual responses to a Brazilian jiu-jitsu specific training model (BJJ-STM) in relation to a simulated match (SM). Method. - Ten male adults and experienced BJJ athletes (aged: 22.6 +/- 3.1 years, body mass: 81.6 +/- 11.0 kg), were randomized to STM or SM, with an interval of five to seven days between sessions. The STM protocol was composed of 5 s of loaded (40% of their body mass) counter-movement jumps (LCMJ) interspersed by movements following the BJJ temporal structure (25 s of low-intensity: 5 s of high-intensity). Both conditions (BJJ-STM and SM) lasted 10-min. Before and after each protocol, muscular strength, power, and endurance tests were applied, and physiological (blood lactate and heart rate-HR) and perceptive (rating of perceived exertion-RPE) measures were collected. Results. - Blood lactate raised significantly (P < 0.001), while CMJ (P = 0.01), sit-ups, and push-ups in 1 minute (both P < 0.001) decreased after both BJJ-STM and SM. For between-conditions, isometric handgrip strength (minimum and maximum) showed significantly lower responses after SM (P = 0.01 and P = 0.02, respectively). HR-related variables (P = 0.50), and medicine ball throw (P = 0.47) did not differ between protocols. Perceived recovery (TQR) was identical between conditions and RPE was higher after the STM (P = 0.008). Conclusion. - The specific training proposed here seems to closely mimic the effects of a BJJ SM. However, the choice of exercises is essential to modulate training responses. (c) 2022 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.