Why Cops Are not training - an Invictus LEO Study
Why Aren’t More Police Officers Training in Jiu Jitsu?
Police officers face high-stakes situations daily, yet a recent study by Invictus Leo Jiu Jitsu Collective reveals a troubling reality—most officers don’t train in Jiu Jitsu or any combatives beyond their department’s minimal requirements. Given the effectiveness of Jiu Jitsu in controlling suspects safely, this is a serious issue that affects both officer and public safety.
The Training Gap: What’s Holding Officers Back?
After surveying 1,550 officers, the study found several key barriers:
Time – 71% said they’re too busy with work and family.
Cost – 45% found training too expensive, and 38% believed departments should cover it.
Fear of Injury – 48% worried about off-duty injuries that wouldn’t be covered.
Lack of Awareness – 86% of non-training officers didn’t understand Jiu Jitsu’s benefits.
Overconfidence – Some (18%) felt their strength or weapons made training unnecessary.
Perhaps most concerning is "Normalcy Bias"—the false belief that because an officer hasn’t needed Jiu Jitsu before, they never will.
Why This Matters to Everyone
The study found that officers without Jiu Jitsu training had nearly 300% higher injury rates for both themselves and suspects. This isn’t just about law enforcement—it’s about public safety. Well-trained officers de-escalate situations more effectively, reducing unnecessary force and injuries.
The Path Forward
Movements like #BJJMAKEITMANDATORY are pushing for change, but progress is slow. With only 3% of officers actively training, more awareness is needed. Departments should support training, and the public should advocate for better-prepared officers.
This study is a wake-up call—Jiu Jitsu saves lives. More officers need it, and more people need to understand why.
