Physiological Characteristics of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Judo as Compared To Muay Thai

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the physical characteristics, such as strength, flexibility, agility and balance of participants who competed in Muay Thai and how they may differ from those who compete in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Judo. Fourteen healthy male participants participated in this study: age’s 24.3±3.28 yrs, height 174±3.8 cm and weight 80.51±4.8 kg. Participants were tested on a variety of measures that included three balance tests, one of which was administered with eyes closed; flexibility measurements of flexion, extension, hip internal and external rotation, strength tests included grip strength for dominant and non-dominant hands as well as a timed wall squat test with each leg raised at a time and finally, two agility tests that included the T-test and hexagonal test. There was a significant different between agility and strength measurements between the two martial art combinations of Muay Thai in comparison to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Judo. Strength measures indicated that the right grip strength for those competing in Jiu Jitsu/Judo (56.3±11.3) was significantly greater compared to those who competed in Muay Thai (44.5±7.3; p=0.43), while differences for the left hand grip approached significance (p=0.056). Differences in agility were also found with those competing in Muay Thai being significantly faster (4.8±1.39 sec) in the T-test than the Jiu Jitsu/Judo group (7.71±0.54 sec; p=0.001). None of the other measurements were significantly different between the two groups. These findings support the literature where studies have shown that those training for Muay Thai rely more on quickness and speed while those training for Jiu Jitsu/Judo rely more on strength.