For many veterans, returning to civilian life can be a very difficult. It is very common for veterans to return with varying degrees of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, which can make this transition every more extraordinarily difficult. There is not a one-size-fits all approach to coping with Veteran PTSD, but there is growing evidence to suggest that involvement in martial arts such as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Kickboxing can be particularly beneficial to this process.
The transition from combat to civilian life involves many different forms of treatment. After being away, relationships must be revived which can be difficult and take time. By forming new relationships with others who have common interests such as Jiu Jitsu will help you feel more at home. Even if you just want to get back in shape, martial arts is a great way to start. Think of it as joining a new club or starting a new sport. Jiu Jitsu will help you focus your energy while remaining relaxed and still engaging in some form of combat.
“A Tool for Veteran Reassimilation”
In a 2018 dissertation by Gino Collura[1], he uses a “neuroanthropological lens, ethnographic inquiry, surveys, semi-structured interviews, and focus groups” to explore how BJJ can function to ease and facilitate veteran transition to civilian life.
The dissertation itself is 218 pages long and explores many topics in extreme detail, but one of the most salient findings that he made was that participation in Jiu Jitsu is one of the few contexts in which civilians are applauded for their “warrior ethos” and “combat prowess” the way they are in military life. This allows veterans to form a social bond with others and find community which many find difficult after returning to civilian life. In turn, these relationships can form a social support structure that help vets cope with PTSD. His research also suggests that the hierarchical ranking structure of Jiu Jitsu may offer a sense of familiarity, understanding, structure, and belonging that many vets struggle to find when returning to civilian life.
Further, Collura finds that Jiu Jitsu provides an outlet for restless and anxious energy that may otherwise manifest itself in more maladaptive coping mechanisms. During deployment, soldiers are subjected to an extremely high state of arousal and stress that can form patterns of thinking and behavior that remain long after they have returned home. Jiu Jitsu allows vets to use that energy productively and safely, along with the numerous other physical and psychological benefits that comes from consistent physical activity. Veterans are used to high intensity activities with high risk and high rewards. Jiu Jitsu can simulate this in a safe environment when rolling live.
We’re here to help
High Altitude Martial Arts has been vetted and approved as a partner gym of the WeDefy organization, who specialize in helping vets suffering with disabilities like PTSD find access to BJJ training providing scholarships to support and help heal the PTSD. With our extremely knowledgeable training staff, veteran integration, and ability to train and teach someone with disabilities, we strive to provide a safe environment for vets to best train and heal. We are also partners with the Ronin Foundation who provides scholarships for active duty military members. You will find many members of all branches both active and veterans at HAMA ready and willing to support you in your Jiu Jitsu and life journey.
[1] Collura, Gino. 2018. “Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: A Tool For Veteran Reassimilation.” USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations, July. https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/etd/7277.
