A study into the balance of risks to mental and physical ...

Brief report

Author: Richard Martin, UKBJJA Chairman. 6th January 2021.

A study into the balance of risks to mental and physical health from the 2020 lockdown and cessation of training for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) players in the UK versus the risks to physical health from Covid-19.

Abstract

The cessation of Martial Arts training during 2020 lockdown has meant hundreds of thousands of

people are unable to practice their sport (1), with detrimental results for mental and physical

health. (See survey results, appendix 1.)

We have analysed the effect on mental and physical health with a self-administered questionnaire

released via UKBJJA email lists and social media sites relating to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. We have also

analysed the prevalence of Covid-19 in the Martial Arts community using data gathered by the

UKBJJA for elite athletes during lockdown, measuring athlete temperature and wellness for every

training session.

We found a negative effect on mental and physical health, with the majority of BJJ players gaining

weight and losing fitness. Higher levels of alcohol and recreational drug use were also recorded.

These negative effects could reduce life expectancy for the BJJ community.

Introduction

On 23rd March 2020, the UK Government ordered most businesses in the UK to close in order to

mitigate the spread of Coronavirus.

Despite the proven benefits to physical (2) and mental (3) health from exercise all gyms were forced

to shut their doors as lockdown was imposed on the UK.

The implementation of social distancing measures and the closure of sports facilities meant that full

contact martial arts effectively became illegal with anyone outside your household.

Martial Arts provide the main form of exercise for over 225,000 people in the UK (1), with proven

benefits for mental and physical health (4)

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a full contact grappling martial art, governed in the UK by the United Kingdom

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Association (UKBJJA).

On 1st June 2020, the UK government allowed a return to sport for elite athletes in the UK (5) and

the UKBJJA allowed academies that had shown they met guidelines on Covid-19 measures (6) for

their facilities to open for athletes who “derived a living from their sport”.

The UKBJJA kept meticulous records for 186 athletes and 90 coaches from the period 1st June to 31st

October 2020, recording athletes’ temperature and wellness for every training session (Appendix 2).

The UKBJJA elite athlete programme followed government guidelines to mitigate the risk of

spreading the virus. Measures include temperature and wellness data for each session, track and

trace and isolating from anyone in an at-risk group outside the training environment. Athletes were

also pooled into small “pods” of 3-5 people who they could have contact with in the training

environment. (See appendix 3 for UKBJJA elite athlete programme details).

1

www.ukbjja.org

Contact training has effectively been halted for 9 months, with the vast majority of BJJ players

unable to practice their sport and only professional athletes being allowed to train with mitigating

measures.

To assess the impact of this the UKBJJA initiated a survey on 3rd November 2020 (Results, appendix

1). that was released to BJJ players in the UK to explore the mental and physical effects of lockdown

and enforced cessation of training. The questionnaire also included other potential factors related to

health and wellbeing such as alcohol consumption and income loss.

This study analyses the data from the UKBJJA survey to assess the impact on lockdown on mental

and physical health in the BJJ community and assesses the current levels of Coronavirus symptoms in

those who are permitted to train, so that we can compare the relative risks to this community.

Methods

Data on the incidence of coronavirus in the martial arts community is derived from UKBJJA Elite

athlete data collected from 1st June 2020 to 31st October 2020. This data was gathered from 29

different locations across the UK and a sample of 186 athletes and 90 coaches grouped into 66

“pods” to limit any potential spread of the Coronavirus. Temperature and wellness data were

collected for every training session, totalling 4064 individual measurements and 24,384 data points.

Temperature readings over 37.7˚C resulted in self isolation and testing for members of the relevant

pod to mitigate any spread of the virus. UKBJJA return to sport documentation (appendix 3) ensured

Covid-19 secure facilities and procedures in line with government guidelines (5),(6).

Data on mental and physical health in the BJJ community was collected from a self-administered

online questionnaire that was made available online through the email and social medial channels of

the UKBJJA as well as online public forums dedicated to the discussion of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The

survey was accessible for 7 days, from 3rd to 11thth November and received 2142 responses

(Appendix 1 full survey and results).

Items obtained from the survey included demographic information, experience level in BJJ, activity

and perceived fitness levels pre and during lockdown, adverse health behaviour changes (alcohol

consumption and recreational drug use) and mental and mental and physical health indicators

(weight change, mental health change, weight gain/loss).

Results

The UKBJJA elite athlete programme monitored every training session for 186 professional athletes

and 90 coaches (Fig. 1A) from BJJ clubs across England and Wales (Fig. 1B). There were 2727

individual athlete training sessions (Fig. 1C) and coaches recorded 1337 sessions (Fig. 1D).

Two positive temperature results (Fig 1C) result from 4064 individual measurements and the UKBJJA

followed up both cases. In the first case the athlete showed no other symptoms and showed normal

temperature readings for the following ten days and after a negative antibody test returned to

training. She had not come into contact with any other athletes as it was prior to her first training

session. No other athletes from her pod self-isolated as there had been no contact.

The second positive temperature test was followed up by the UKBJJA and it was found that the

athlete had no other symptoms and had run to the training facility. He submitted a normal

temperature reading after resting for ten minutes and his prior reading was treated as a false

positive. He showed no further positive temperature readings and no symptoms of Covid-19 and

continued to train.

2

Figure 1: Overview of the data collected from the UKBJJA elite athlete training programme: (A) Total number of academies, pods, individual athletes and coaches. (B) Distribution of participating academies in England and Wales. (C) Total number of measurements and failed cases (>37.7 ˚C) in athletes. (D) Total number of measurements and failed cases (>37.7 ˚C) in coaches.

The UKBJJA elite athlete data shows that the system in place for measuring symptoms and track and

trace is effective but cannot account for asymptomatic cases of Covid-19. Including antigen and

antibody testing would enhance the efficacy of this system.

The risks to the BJJ community from Covid-19 can be established with data from Imperial College (7)

and we can compare these with the consequences of reduced mental and physical health during

lockdown. The UKBJJA initiated a survey through social media and email channels to assess the

mental and physical health of respondents and started with some demographic questions.

Overall, 88% of respondents to our survey were male and 11.7% were female. Recent UKBJJA data

shows a membership base of 87.48% male and 12.24% female therefore response levels were

representative (fig 2A).

Most respondents trained BJJ 3-5 times per week before lockdown (63.18%) (fig 2B). As well as a

source of exercise, clubs also provide a sociable and enjoyable environment for members to spend

3

their time. Losing these social connections and positive routines compound the negative effects of

reduced exercise.

Age range was predominantly in the 25-34 (39.47%) and 35-44 (36.38%) age groups. (fig 2C). The

lack of older participants could be explained by the fact that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was only introduced to

the UK around the year 2000.

Experience levels were broadly in line with UKBJJA membership numbers with over 39.28% white

belt, 31.85% blue belt, 14.06% purple belt, 7.66% brown belt and 7.15% black belt (fig 2D).

Figure 2. Overview of demographic information from our survey responses. (A) Respondent gender. (B) Frequency of BJJ

training before training ceased. (C) Respondent age. (D) Respondent BJJ rank.

We then investigated changes in mental and physical health caused by lockdown.

Respondents showed an overwhelming negative response in mental health, with 42.34% reporting

their mental health “a little worse” and 37.94% reporting mental health “a lot worse.” (Fig. 3A). Such

a negative response suggests that training in BJJ is good for participants’ mental health.

Respondents showed a decrease in fitness, with 32.63% of respondents saying they were “a little

less fit” and 51.29% “much less fit.” (Fig. 3B). This shows that reduced BJJ training has a negative

effect on fitness.

Alcohol consumption overall was increased. 26.05% drank “a little more alcohol” and 23.16% drank

“much more alcohol.” (Fig. 3C). Those who reported using recreational drugs reported even higher

consumption levels than alcohol users. As well as losing the health benefits of exercise, around half

A

C

4

of respondents have used drugs and alcohol to replace the positive one of regular training. This

effectively creates a doubly negative effect as people “fill the void”.

Weight gain was seen in 68.43% of respondents (Fig. 3D) and 26.15% of respondents reported their

weight had “increased a lot.” Similar to alcohol and recreational drug use, we have lost the positive

health benefits of vigorous exercise and replaced them with negative habits that might provide

satisfaction in other ways.

Figure 3. Mental and physical health indicators of survey respondents. (A) Mental health. (B) Change in fitness levels. (C)

Changes in alcohol consumption. (D) Bodyweight change.

Survey results allow us to assess the effects of lockdown on the BJJ community, with psychological

stress (8), financial hardship (9) as well as obesity through reduced exercise (10) mental illness and

depression (11) all having a negative effect on health.

Those who reported being “much less” or a “little less” fit were much more likely to have reduced

mental health. Over 90% of those who reported being much less fit also reported decreased mental

health (Fig. 4A). However, mental health levels deteriorated across the board when compared to

relative fitness, with a majority of those who reported being a “little more” or “a lot more fit” still

suffering from decreased mental health.

The amount of exercise taken has an impact on mental health. Those who exercised less than 0-2

times per week reported “much worse” mental health in 51.31% of cases. Those who exercised once

5

a day or more reported “much worse” mental health in 32.84% of cases (Fig. 4B).Therefore exercise

mitigates negative effects on mental health.

Mental health deterioration during lockdown in surveyed BJJ players is quite uniform when broken

down by belt level. This suggests that the mental health benefits of BJJ are felt regardless of

experience level and the amount of BJJ that people are practicing (Fig. 4C).

Deterioration in mental health (Fig. 4D) is positively correlated to deterioration in financial situation,

with 59.11% of those “much worse off” financially reporting that their mental health is “much

worse”.

Figure 4. Effects of different factors on survey respondent’s mental health. (A) Mental health and changes in fitness. (B)

Mental health and amount of exercise. (C) Mental health and belt level in BJJ. (D) Mental health and financial situation.

Discussion

The majority of people surveyed by the UKBJJA fall into the 18-49 age bracket and statistics from the

Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that the most common cause of death amongst males in

this group is suicide. It is also the most common cause of death for females in the 20-34 age group.

(12)

The reduction in mental health seen in our survey will increase suicide risk (13), as will increased

alcohol consumption (14) and financial hardship (15).

Recent surveys into the effect of lockdown on the general population have shown increased suicidal

ideation, especially amongst young adults (16). This suggests that suicide rates will be higher than

6

those indicated in ONS figures from 2019 (12). However, there are studies into the effect of the

pandemic on athletes which suggest depression levels on par with normal values (17). As this study

was performed in April 2020 it is possible that mental health has deteriorated over time with our

survey taken over 6 months later, although another survey taken in the UK in April 2020 showed an

overall increase in mental distress in adults (18).

When considering the relative risks to health and mortality we should look at the data on deaths

from Covid-19. Imperial College data suggests that if infected the risk of fatality from Covid-19 for

the majority of BJJ players in the UK ranges from 0.03% to 0.6% (Fig. 5).

If we examine the 20-29 age range we see an infection fatality ratio of 0.03. This equates to 30

fatalities per 100,000 infections. We can compare this in relation to the most common cause of

death in 20-29-year-old males in the UK, suicide (19) with 17.1 deaths per 100,000 population. With

infection rates estimated at 1 in 130 people between 10-16 October 2020 (20) we can deduce that

this age range is approximately 228 times more likely to die of suicide than Covid-19.

Figure 5-Imperial College London. Infection fatality ratio estimates. (14)

The potential for obesity in the subjects of our survey has increased, with 26.15% of participants

weight increasing a lot during lockdown (fig. 3A). In subjects over 100kg this figure increases to

48.22%. Obesity results in impaired quality of life and can have a major bearing on life expectancy

(21).

The lack of exercise in the BJJ community during lockdown has increased their vulnerability to

several chronic diseases and is associated with an increase in the risk of premature death (2).

The risk of depression for BJJ players has increased. Even when excluding deaths by suicide,

depression means dying on average ten years earlier than those who are not depressed (11).

The UKBJJA made an approach to the UK Department for Health on 1st June (appendix 4) offering to

collaborate with health services in order to test athletes for Covid-19 throughout the Elite athlete

programme in order to gather more useful data but this was refused (appendix 5). Further study

with testing available would be beneficial for the analysis of the prevalence of the Covid-19 virus in

7

the martial arts community. The UKBJJA data did not show a single case of an athlete displaying

symptoms and a raised temperature in 4064 training sessions.

Without testing capacity for Covid-19 and antibodies tests we are reliant on temperature and

wellness data provided by athletes to give an indication of the presence of Covid-19 or other

illnesses. To explain the lack of positive temperature readings it is possible that athletes could be

asymptomatic, or it is possible that there is a very low incidence of Covid-19 in healthy and active

people who are largely in the 18-45 age range. Data from the Office for National Statistics estimated

approximately 0.5% of the population aged 24 + have Covid-19 as of 16th October 2020 (20). It is

also possible that anyone displaying symptoms has stayed away from training. Another possibility is

that Covid-19 passed through the BJJ community in late 2019 and early 2020. Anecdotal evidence of

“bronchitis” amongst athletes around this time has been discussed in the community. If a large

percentage of the BJJ community were proven to have antibodies then this would support the

“Canary in the coalmine” strategy mentioned in the proposal to department for health. (appendix 4).

This strategy may prove useful in the prediction and anticipation of future viruses.

Summary

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training promotes weight loss, improves fitness, improves mental health, and

reduces dependence on alcohol and recreational drugs.

For the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu community there are risks to mental and physical health and therefore

morbidity and mortality from the cessation of contact training that outweigh the danger to the

community from Covid-19 infection.

Measures that mitigate the transfer of the virus in BJJ training are successful in stopping the spread

of the virus.

Further study on the presence of antibodies in the BJJ community could lead to a useful strategy for

predicting and containing viruses in the future.

Bibliography

1 https://www.statista.com/statistics/934935/martial-arts-participation-uk/

2 Warburton D. Health benefits of physical activity: the evidence. Canadian Medical Association Journal 2006;174:801-809.

doi:10.1503/cmaj.051351

3 Taylor C. Taylor, CB, Sallis, JF and Needle, R. “The relation of physical activity and exercise to mental health”. Public Health

Rep, 100, 195-202, 1985. Sciepub.com. 2020.http://www.sciepub.com/reference/3806 (accessed 30 Dec 2020).

4 Origua Rios S, Marks J, Estevan I et al. Health benefits of hard martial arts in adults: a systematic review. 2020.

5 Elite sport Stage Two - return to training. GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-

guidance-on-phased-return-of-sport-and-recreation/elite-sport-return-to-training-guidance-stage-two

6 Elite sport Stage One - return to training. GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-

guidance-on-phased-return-of-sport-and-recreation/elite-sport-return-to-training-guidance-step-one--2

7 Ferguson N. Imperial.ac.uk. 2020.https://www.imperial.ac.uk/media/imperial-college/medicine/mrc-gida/2020-03-16-

COVID19-Report-9.pdf

8 H Y, Y P, H S et al. The impact of stress on body function: A review. PubMed.

2020.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28900385/

9 Murray S. Cmaj.ca. 2020.https://www.cmaj.ca/content/cmaj/174/7/923.full.pdf

10 Abdelaal M, le Roux C, Docherty N. Morbidity and mortality associated with obesity. 2020.

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11 Belvederi Murri M, Ekkekakis P, Magagnoli M et al. Physical Exercise in Major Depression: Reducing the Mortality Gap

While Improving Clinical Outcomes. 2020.

12 Suicides in England and Wales - Office for National Statistics. Ons.gov.uk.

https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/bulletins/suicidesintheunitedkingdom

/2019registrations

13 Bertolote, J., 2020. Suicide And Psychiatric Diagnosis: A Worldwide Perspective - Centre For Suicide Prevention. [online]

Centre for Suicide Prevention. Available at: <https://www.suicideinfo.ca/resource/siecno-20051338/>

14 Flensborg-Madsen, T., Knop, J., Mortensen, E., Becker, U., Sher, L. and Grønbæk, M., 2020. Alcohol Use Disorders

Increase The Risk Of Completed Suicide — Irrespective Of Other Psychiatric Disorders. A Longitudinal Cohort Study.

15 Taylor & Francis. 2020. Impact Of Economic Hardship And Financial Threat On Suicide Ideation And Confusion. [online]

Available at: <https://doi.org/10.1080/00223980.2017.1335686>

16 O'Connor R, Wetherall K, Cleare S et al. Mental health and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic: longitudinal analyses

of adults in the UK COVID-19 Mental Health & Wellbeing study. 2020.

17 Graupensperger, S., Benson, A., Kilmer, J. and Evans, M., 2020. Social (Un)Distancing: Teammate Interactions, Athletic

Identity, And Mental Health Of Student-Athletes During The COVID-19 Pandemic.

18 Pierce, M., Hope, H., Ford, T., Hatch, S., Hotopf, M., John, A., Kontopantelis, E., Webb, R., Wessely, S., McManus, S. and

Abel, K., 2020. Mental Health Before And During The COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Probability Sample Survey Of The

UK Population.

19 Leading Causes of Death infographic - ONS. Webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk.

https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20160105221748/http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/vsob1/mortality-statistics--deaths-

registered-in-england-and-wales--series-dr-/2012/info-causes-of-death.html

20 Ons.gov.uk. 2020. Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey, UK - Office For National Statistics. [online] Available at:

<https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/healthandsocialcare/conditionsanddiseases/bulletins/coronaviruscovi

d19infectionsurveypilot/23october2020#age-analysis-of-the-number-of-people-in-england-who-had-covid-19>

21 The medical risks of obesity. Reference.medscape.com. 2020.https://reference.medscape.com/medline/abstract/19940414

Appendices

Appendix 1 Survey Questions and results.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/results/SM-9V6WNJF67/

Appendix 2 Elite athlete data.

Appendix 3: UKBJJA return to sport for Elite athlete’s document.

Appendix 4: UKBJJA letter to Department for Health.

Appendix 5: Department for Health response letter.

9

https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/bulletins/suicidesintheunitedkingdom/2019registrations

https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/bulletins/suicidesintheunitedkingdom/2019registrations

1 / 14

11.94% 255

39.47% 843

36.38% 777

10.63% 227

1.50% 32

0.09% 2

0.00% 0

Q1 What is your age?Answered: 2,136 Skipped: 6

TOTAL 2,136

18 to 24 25 to 34 35 to 44 45 to 54 55 to 64 65 to 74 75 orolder

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

18 to 24

25 to 34

35 to 44

45 to 54

55 to 64

65 to 74

75 or older

A study on the mental and physical health of BJJ players during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic and enforced cessation of training.

APPENDIX 1 – Survey Questions and Results

2 / 14

17.38% 372

63.18% 1,352

14.72% 315

4.72% 101

Q2 How many times a week did you train BJJ before lockdown?

Answered: 2,140 Skipped: 2

TOTAL 2,140

0-2 3-5 6-8 9+0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%


0-2

3-5

6-8

9+



3 / 14

39.28% 841

31.85% 682

14.06% 301

7.66% 164

7.15% 153

Q3 What BJJ rank do you hold?


TOTAL 2,141

White Blue Purple Brown Black0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%


White

Blue

Purple

Brown

Black



4 / 14

12.24% 262

87.48% 1,873

0.28% 6

Q4 What is your gender?


TOTAL 2,141

FemaleFemaleFemaleFemaleFemale

MaleMaleMaleMaleMale

OtherOtherOtherOtherOther


Female

Male

Other



5 / 14

0.51% 11

5.09% 109

15.59% 334

27.68% 593

26.61% 570

15.31% 328

9.20% 197

Q5 How much do you weigh?


TOTAL 2,142

<50 kg 51-60 kg 61-70 kg 71-80 kg 81-90 kg 91-100 kg >100 kg0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%


<50 kg

51-60 kg

61-70 kg

71-80 kg

81-90 kg

91-100 kg

>100 kg



6 / 14

Q6 How has lockdown affected your weight?Answered: 2,138 Skipped: 4

4.96%106

8.61%184

18.01%385

42.28%904

26.15%559 2,138 3.76

Decreased a lot Decreased a little No change Increased a little

Increased a lot

(no label)

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

DECREASED ALOT

DECREASED ALITTLE

NOCHANGE

INCREASED ALITTLE

INCREASED ALOT

TOTAL WEIGHTEDAVERAGE

(nolabel)



7 / 14

Q7 What effect has lockdown had on your fitness?


51.29%1,097

32.63%698

6.92%148

6.08%130

3.09%66 2,139 1.77

Much less fit A little less fit No change A little fitter

Much fitter

(no label)0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

MUCH LESSFIT

A LITTLE LESSFIT

NOCHANGE

A LITTLEFITTER

MUCH FITTER TOTAL WEIGHTEDAVERAGE

(nolabel)



8 / 14

6.31% 135

21.54% 461

32.62% 698

21.68% 464

17.85% 382

Q8 How often did you exercise during lockdown?


TOTAL 2,140

More thanonce a day

Once per day 2-4 timesper week

0-2 timesper week

Less often0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%


More than once a day

Once per day

2-4 times per week

0-2 times per week

Less often



9 / 14

3.69% 79

3.55% 76

12.48% 267

42.34% 906

37.94% 812

Q9 How would you rate your mental health since lockdown?


TOTAL 2,140

Much better A littlebetter

About thesame

A littleworse

Much worse0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%


Much better

A little better

About the same

A little worse

Much worse



10 / 14

4.67% 100

15.79% 338

60.30% 1,291

19.24% 412

Q10 Have you had Covid-19?


TOTAL 2,141

Yes (positivetest orantibodies test)

I think so I don't think so No (negativeantibodies test)

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%


Yes (positive test or antibodies test)

I think so

I don't think so

No (negative antibodies test)



11 / 14

Q11 How has lockdown affected your alcohol consumption?


3.17%68

2.94%63

18.86%404

26.05%558

23.16%496

25.82%553 2,142 3.85

I drink much less alcohol I drink a little less alcohol About the same

I drink a little more alcohol I drink much more alcohol

N/A - I do not drink alcohol

(no label)0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

I DRINKMUCH LESSALCOHOL

I DRINK ALITTLE LESSALCOHOL

ABOUTTHESAME

I DRINK ALITTLE MOREALCOHOL

I DRINKMUCH MOREALCOHOL

N/A - I DONOT DRINKALCOHOL


(nolabel)



12 / 14

Q12 Do you use recreational drugs and how has lockdown affected consumption?


1.22%26

1.08%23

6.31%135

8.79%188

7.29%156

75.32%1,611 2,139 3.80

I use much less I use a little less About the same I use a little more

I use much more N/A - I do not use recreational drugs

(no label)0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

I USEMUCHLESS

I USE ALITTLELESS

ABOUTTHESAME

I USE ALITTLEMORE

I USEMUCHMORE

N/A - I DO NOT USERECREATIONAL DRUGS


(nolabel)



13 / 14

Q13 How has lockdown affected you financially?


23.08%494

24.95%534

35.09%751

14.25%305

2.62%56 2,140 2.48

Much worse off A little worse off About the same A little better off

Much better off

(no label)0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

MUCHWORSE OFF

A LITTLEWORSE OFF

ABOUT THESAME

A LITTLEBETTER OFF

MUCHBETTER OFF


(nolabel)




14 / 14

13.39% 285

14.14% 301

13.76% 293

29.03% 618

29.69% 632

Q14 How has the coronavirus pandemic affected your work?


TOTAL 2,129

Maderedundant orbusiness

l d

Furloughed Reduced hours Working fulltime fromhome

Working fulltime at workpremises

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%


Made redundant or business closed

Furloughed

Reduced hours

Working full time from home

Working full time at work premises



Overall data:

Total=29

82.76% 24 England17.24% 5 Wales

Academ

iesPods

Athletes

Coaches

0

50

100

150

200

Total numbers

29

66

186

90

Measu

remen

ts

Failed

Cases

02

400600800

1000120014001600180020002200240026002800

Athletes2727

2

Measu

remen

ts

Failed

Cases

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

Coaches1337

0

A study on the mental and physical health of BJJ players during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic and enforced cessation of training.APPENDIX 2 – Elite Athlete Data

Data: England

Pods

Athletes

Coaches

0

50

100

150

200

Total numbers: England

56

158

73

Measu

remen

ts

Failed

Cases

02

400600800

100012001400160018002000220024002600

Athletes: England2436

2

Measu

remen

ts

Failed

Cases

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

Coaches: England1290

0


Data: Wales

Pods

Athletes

Coaches

0

10

20

30

Total numbers: Wales

10

28

17

Measu

remen

ts

Failed

Cases

0

100

200

300

400

Athletes: Wales

291

0

Measu

remen

ts

Failed

Cases

0

50

100

150

200

Coaches: Wales

186

0


Example pod data:

09/0611

/0614

/0615

/0617

/0618

/0622

/0624

/0625

/0628

/0629

/0601

/0702

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UKBJJA Guidance Document

Re-opening of training facilities post-COVID-19 lockdown Robert Jackson MIIRSM and Richard Martin (Chairman) Document release date: June 2020

A study on the mental and physical health of BJJ players during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic and enforced cessation of training. APPENDIX 3 – UKBJJA return to sport for Elite athlete’s document

Doc ref: UKBJJA-001 v6

Doc release date: June 2020

2

Table of Contents

Foreword 2

The impact COVID-19 3

Pathway to reopening Martial Arts Facilities 3

Elite Athlete Definition: 3

Stage One: To demonstrate compliance with government guidelines academies must complete the

following forms 4

Stage Two: 4

GDPR and Data Privacy 4

Appendix 1 – Academy Details (Academy return to UKBJJA before first session) 5

Ensure the academy details are maintained in order to where applicable provide information

to the authorities. 5

Appendix 2 - Stage One Risk Assessment (Academy-return to UKBJJA before first session) 6

Appendix 3 – Register of Attendees (Academy-daily record keeping is essential; upload athlete and

coach data to UKBJJA) 7

Register of Coaches: Input data to spreadsheet and upload to UKBJJA daily! Self-isolate and

test if above 37.7 degrees 7

Register of Visitors: Academy records-do not upload to spreadsheet. 7

Register of Athletes: Input data to spreadsheet and upload to UKBJJA daily! Self-isolate

and test if >37.7 degrees 8

Equipment used: (Daily academy records) 9

Appendix 4 – Pre-training Covid-19 Health Questionnaire (All athletes and coaches-return to

UKBJJA) 10

Appendix 5 – Individual Athlete Training Plans (Coach and athlete discuss the return to training

plan and keep for academy records) 12

Training plan 12

Foreword

This guidance does not constitute legal advice or replace any government or PHE advice; nor does it

provide any commentary or advice on specific health-related issues for teams or individual athletes and is

subject to further review following any regulatory change as indicated by the UK government, or the

regulatory powers in the devolved nations.


http://ukbjja.org/



3

The impact COVID-19

The impact of COVID-19 (C-19) on our martial arts infrastructure has been profound, with many gyms being

forced to close and many of our community suffering physical and mental distress through isolation and

lack of activity, we are aware that many of our community are scared, frustrated and apprehensive about

the future of our sport both in the UK and throughout the world, we therefore feel it imperative to provide

a form of guidance, such as provided within this document to assist gym owners in getting back to our “new

normal”.

To avoid COVID as far as possible, full social distancing, and hence no indoor training, is the key. However,

we recognise that this is impractical for our athletes and therefore they themselves must engage in an

assessment of the risks and benefits of full-contact indoor training. Furthermore, this form of training is a

privilege that many non-elite sports people yearn for and therefore we expect the athlete to a) adhere to

strict social distancing at every stage where possible and b) take a “safety first” stance if any emergent

symptoms develop. This means social distancing within the club changing rooms, travelling to and from the

club and any activity not directly related to the training program.

Not doing so risks the health and safety of their training partners, and families of all involved, and could

well result in bringing the academy and wider sport into disrepute. Ultimately it could lead to the training

opportunities being lost.

Pathway to reopening Martial Arts Facilities

The DCMS have provided guidance on the reopening of elite facilities in the UK, and the UKBJJA has

responded with a register of “Elite Academies” for gym owners to utilize the strong relationship the UKBJJA

has with Sport England to facilitate our sport, and your facilities reopening. The DCMS have done this in

stages, with at present a; Stage One and Stage Two, as new guidance is released this document will be

updated.

All academies must comply with Government guidance on stage one before being all to start stage 2, which

allows small groups “social clustering” within the training environment.

More details can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-

guidance-on-phased-return-of-sport-and-recreation/elite-sport-return-to-training-guidance-step-one--2

Elite Athlete Definition:

For the purposes of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, the most likely relevant definition of Elite Athlete is “an individual

who derives a living from competing in a sport”

This is likely to include athletes who compete in professional grappling invitational tournaments (e.g.

Polaris); compete for prize money at domestic or international BJJ competitions (e.g. UKBJJA International

Open); or compete professionally in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and who require BJJ training as part of their

MMA training programme.


http://ukbjja.org/

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-phased-return-of-sport-and-recreation/elite-sport-return-to-training-guidance-step-one--2

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-phased-return-of-sport-and-recreation/elite-sport-return-to-training-guidance-step-one--2



4

Stage One: To demonstrate compliance with government guidelines academies must complete the

following forms

Stage one is the primary return to sport for elite athletes and coaches; where required complete each

section as it applies to your facility. Below is a list of documentation that must be completed prior to the

commencement of activities within the training environment:

● Club/Academy Contact details

● Stage One risk assessment

● Pre-Training Health Questionnaire

● Individual Athlete training plans

Stage Two:

Athlete registration spreadsheet to be completed and returned to UKBJJA before athletes commence

training.

It is possible to update this form; you need not name all athletes at the start of the program.

The academy must upload the training log to UKBJJA on every day that training has taken place.

If the academy does not make the daily upload to UKBJJA then elite academy status will be withdrawn.

This is essential to follow Government regulations for stage 2.

If any athlete in a “pod” of 2-4 athletes should display symptoms of covid-19 then that pod should self-

isolate in accordance with government guidelines withdraw from training and notify the UKBJJA.

Once stage 1 is complete and training resumes within the government guidelines for maximizing social

distancing outside of limited training the Covid-19 officer must also ensure that records of all attendees at

the academy are kept, using appendix 3 of this document.

The Academy must ensure that all the cleaning and screening protocols are maintained in line with stage

1 of Government guidelines in order to remain in stage 2.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-phased-return-of-

sport-and-recreation/elite-sport-return-to-training-guidance-stage-two

GDPR and Data Privacy

Our Data Protection and Privacy Policy, and your rights under GDPR regulations can be viewed

here: www.ukbjja.org/coviddatapolicy


http://ukbjja.org/

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-phased-return-of-sport-and-recreation/elite-sport-return-to-training-guidance-stage-two

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-phased-return-of-sport-and-recreation/elite-sport-return-to-training-guidance-stage-two

http://www.ukbjja.org/coviddatapolicy



5

Appendix 1 – Academy Details (Academy return to UKBJJA before first session)

Ensure the academy details are maintained in order to where applicable provide information to the authorities.

Academy Name: UKBJJA Club Membership Number:

Academy Address:

Head Instructor/Owner Name & Contact Details:

COVID-19 Officer Name & Contact Details (If different from the above)

Nearest Hospital details:

Local Authority/NHS Trust COVID-19 response contact information:

Insurance Details (Public/Employers):


http://ukbjja.org/



6

Appendix 2 - Stage One Risk Assessment (Academy-return to UKBJJA before first

session)

Name of person carrying out the assessment:

Date of Assessment: Academy Name:

Hazard Who might be harmed and how?

Controls Required Controls in place?

Spread of Covid-19 Coronavirus

● Visitors to the

Facility

● Athletes

● Coaches

Academy Details up to date? Covid-19 Officer in place?

Y / N

Pre-return health screening? Y / N

Attendees to the facility are logged and records kept ensuring “track and trace” services can be informed in the event of a positive test from an attendee to the facility

Y / N

Thorough disinfection of equipment takes place between sessions.

Y / N

Please provide any additional relevant information:


http://ukbjja.org/



7

Appendix 3 – Register of Attendees (Academy-daily record keeping is essential; upload athlete and coach data to UKBJJA)

To ensure that we are acting responsibly during this time and mitigating the spread of the virus we ask that all attendees complete a daily register of the clubs/academies they have attended. This record is to be kept private, unless a

requirement to provide this information to the relevant authorities “Track and Trace” services. In addition, the club requires all attendees sign the daily register below to ensure in the event of a positive test with one of our

athletes/coaching staff/visitors we can effectively provide tracing information to the relevant bodies.

To minimize risk there are suggested maximum numbers of Athletes, Coaching staff and visitors, who, where reasonably practicable shall maintain “social distancing” guidelines as set out by your relevant government authority.

Date: Session time (AM/PM):

Register of Coaches: Input data to spreadsheet and upload to UKBJJA daily! Self-isolate and test if above 37.7 degrees Name: Signature: Risk Opt In*

(Y/N) Self Reporting questionnaire completed (Y/N)

Degree of wellness (1-10)**

Time In Time Out Temp °C

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Register of Visitors: Academy records-do not upload to spreadsheet. Name: Signature: Time In Time Out Temp °C

1.

2.

3.




8

Register of Athletes: Input data to spreadsheet and upload to UKBJJA daily! Self-isolate and test if >37.7 degrees

Name: Signature: Training Pod No

Risk Opt In* (Y/N)

Self Reporting questionnaire completed (Y/N)

Degree of wellness (1-10)** Time In Time Out Temp °C

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.




9

Equipment used: (Daily academy records)

To facilitate the return to the training setting, and to ensure that effective control measures are utilized, it is required that all athletes, coaching

staff and visitors ensure the cleaning of equipment and the area used. This can be done by the Athlete, Coach, Visitor or a specialist cleaning

company, provided that the relevant cleaning materials and PPE are provided by the facility.

EQUIPMENT USED CLEANED BY

Signature: Name: Date:

Coach:

Athlete:

Visitor:


http://ukbjja.org/



10

Appendix 4 – Pre-training Covid-19 Health Questionnaire (All athletes

and coaches-return to UKBJJA)

The safety of our employees, athletes and visitors are our overriding priority through this time, therefore, to facilitate a safe return to training we ask that all athletes complete this Health Questionnaire prior to commencing training.

All athletes have the right to opt out of the training program at any time and will opt in to each training session after considering the risks to themselves and their household. Athletes must maintain social distance at all times when not directly engaged in training.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the potential risk of exposure to our Athletes and visitors, we are conducting a simple screening questionnaire. Your participation is important to help us take precautionary measures to protect you and everyone in the academy. This assessment must be reviewed regularly and amended if circumstances change. If you answer Y to any of these questions please discuss with your club’s Covid-19 officer and use the space below to provide more detail.

It is essential that you avoid contact with at risk groups if you enter the elite program. If you live with anyone in an at-risk group you should not participate in this program. If you display symptoms of Covid-19 you should inform your covid-19 officer immediately and withdraw from the program You must supply temperature data to the UKBJJA for every training session through your covid-19 officer

Name Contact email Academy Name

Self-Declaration

1. Have you had close contact with or cared for someone diagnosed with COVID-19 within the last 14 days?

Y / N

2. Have you experienced and cold or flu like symptoms in the last 14 days (to include; fever, cough, sore throat, respiratory illness or difficulty breathing)?

Y / N

3. Have you received a letter from your Doctor instructing you to follow the self-shielding guidelines?

Y / N

3.a Are you living with someone who has been instructed to self-shield? Y / N

4. Have you an underlying condition as listed within the governments “Clinically extremely vulnerable” or “Clinically vulnerable”

Y / N


http://ukbjja.org/



11

5. Have you received a test carried out by Public Health England (or your local NHS trust)? Y / N

5a. Was this test positive for COVID-19 or COVID-19 Antibodies? Y / N

If the answer to any of the above is “Y” then please contact your COVID-19 Club Officer for an individual assessment prior to commencing training.

Athlete Signature: Name (PRINT): Date:

I hereby agree with the UKBJJA using my data for the purposes of this program. I have read and understood the data protection policy here: www.ukbjja.org/coviddatapolicy/


I understand that I can opt out of this program at any time and confirm that nobody in my household is from an at-risk group.


Individual Assessment Record – this section is to be used to review any “Y” answers above where the athlete and club

are putting in place additional control measures to further protect the Athlete(s) and other users of the facility:

Signature COVID-19 Officer: Name (PRINT): Date:


http://ukbjja.org/

http://www.ukbjja.org/coviddatapolicy/



12

Appendix 5 – Individual Athlete Training Plans (Coach and athlete discuss the

return to training plan and keep for academy records)

To facilitate a safe return to training, both in terms of the COVID-19 lockdown and risks associated with the guidance, along with the risk to Athletes from over exertion it is suggested by the DCMS that as part of the “Stage One” return to training an individual athlete plan is generated to ensure a safe return to sport. This is to allow the use of the training facility in (as required within stage One) a “socially distanced” setting, this is to ensure athletes, coaches and the facilities are aware of the risks and the requirements in place to ensure training is safe and effective.

Please use this training plan to ensure you stage your return to full sparring, there is increased chance of injury when restarting combat training after a break.

Date: Athlete

Training plan

Name:

Coach:

Athlete:

Amount and type of training

All data should be uploaded to UKBJJA here https://www.ukbjja.org/covid-elitesport-dataupload/


http://ukbjja.org/

https://www.ukbjja.org/covid-elitesport-dataupload/

3rd July 2020

Dear Secretary of State for Health and Social Care,

I am writing to you with a simple proposal that will not only allow us to gain accurate data on the spread of

Coronavirus but may also act as an early warning system for future viruses.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu {BJJ) is a grappling martial art and as such involves the closest possible contact between participants, with heart rate and respiration often at maximum during a match. As well as this there is a culture of travelling and competing both nationally and internationally and visitors between countries and

academies are encouraged and welcomed. It is common for illness to spread quickly in this environment and anecdotal evidence suggests that Coronavirus was present in our sport in early December 2019.

BJJ, Judo, Boxing and Wrestling are the main full contact Martial Arts in the UK and I believe that our

proposal for a detailed study will provide your department with useful data on the spread of Coronavirus in all contact sports as well as gyms and leisure centres.

BJJ is already being practised across Europe as lockdown restrictions ease, but in the UK it is only elite

athletes who are currently training {registration process is enclosed and is fully in line with government guidelines). Our athletes train in small pods of 2-4, take temperature and wellness data daily, complete track and trace data, opt into the process for every session and ensure that those participating in the program do

not have contact with anyone in an at risk group. In the event of any positive temperature result we have a procedure in place to minimise the risk of any virus spreading and follow up testing for every athlete affected.

We have kept meticulous records for each athlete and I enclose the report from Dr Yorrick van Ohlen, our Head of Data and Analytics, on the data gathered in this study for June. We have strict protocols in place for academies to follow in order to meet phase 1 and 2 return to sport guidelines and public health has been our priority during this process.

I propose that we open up the study in July with a limited opening of some dojos across the UK for up to 1,000 participants with a geographical spread. In order for us to provide the best possible data we would

require some support with testing for the virus and antibodies but even without that we can still complete a detailed study.

For future virus anticipation and prediction we would need a simple system of viral testing available to our member clubs. With this centralised testing system we would be able to provide your department with early

data on the spread of viruses in a vulnerable group, along the same lines as a canary in a coalmine.

t{aL;t vi-.t.:Richard Martin

Chairman

Tt1.;- B�a, on Bus111e.:-,, Centre We:::.l9ate Road Ui::wcastle Upun Tyni:: NE4 9PQ

C,)mpanv No. 8887006

tet: �44 !0}774 862 0235 = ail. 1nfora1ukti.Jla .Qrfl website: ukbjja.org

A study on the mental and physical health of BJJ players during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic and enforced cessation of training. APPENDIX 4 – UKBJJA letter to Department for Health

From Jo Churchill Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Prevention,

Public Health and Primary Care

39 Victoria Street London

SW1H 0EU

020 7210 4850

PO-1240517

The Rt Hon the Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park By email to: [email protected]

30 July 2020

Dear Zac,

Thank you for your recent correspondence. Owing to the unprecedented situation in which we find ourselves, I am currently unable to respond to every individual letter personally.

This is not what I would wish; however, in order to prevent delay to you, I have asked an official to reply on my behalf and this is enclosed.

I hope the enclosed reply is helpful.

JO CHURCHILL

A study on the mental and physical health of BJJ players during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic and enforced cessation of training. APPENDIX 5 – Department for Health response letter

From Marie Turner Head of Ministerial Correspondence and Public Enquiries

39 Victoria Street London

SW1H 0EU

020 7210 4850

MARIE TURNER

PO-1240517

The Rt Hon the Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park By email to: [email protected]

30 July 2020

Dear Lord Goldsmith,

Thank you for your correspondence of 25 June on behalf of Mr Richard Martin, Chairman of the UK Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Association, about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). I have been asked to reply.

The Government has launched a COVID-19 ‘hub’, which can be found at www.gov.uk/coronavirus and is regularly updated. The hub offers all the Government’s latest advice and guidance, a link to the NHS website, a portal for those offering assistance, a tracking service displaying the latest information on cases in the UK, and an email alert service so people can stay up to date with all the latest measures.

From the beginning of the outbreak, the Government’s policies have been guided by the advice of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, which is led by the Chief Scientific Adviser and Chief Medical Officer for England, and the response is kept under constant review.

Public safety is the Government’s priority and there are teams of public health experts and scientists working round the clock to make sure the NHS, the care sector and the country as a whole are fully prepared.

Ministers understand that these are difficult times and that the measures people are being asked to take are very disruptive to normal life. However, it is vital those who are most vulnerable are protected, and people are therefore being asked to act in the interests of everyone in society.

With regard to studies of COVID-19, Mr Martin may wish to contact Public Health England, as it is responsible for this area of policy. The contact email address is [email protected].

With regard to sports, Mr Martin may wish to raise his ideas with the Department for Digital, Media, Culture and Sport, which is responsible for this area of policy. The contact email address is [email protected].

I hope this reply is helpful.

Kind regards,

A study on the mental and physical health of BJJ players during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic and enforced cessation of training. APPENDIX 5 – Department for Health response letter

http://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

mailto:[email protected]

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