Cops Are Turning to Jiujitsu to Curb Harmful Force, Boost Mental and Physical Health

A Georgia police department made the martial art a training requirement

 and says the technique is paying off. When Police Sgt. Josh Liedke places on his gi

the two-piece uniform worn in martial arts, for an hour of Brazilian jiujitsu sparring, 

 he practices a form of mindfulness, or being present inside the moment.

“When you return here, you attention on not anything but the mat and your approach,

 the 21-year regulation enforcement veteran says, catching his breath

 after several rounds of severe rolling, arm bars, again takes and leg locks.

During that hour, Liedke doesn’t consider his excessive-pressure job in a unit

 that combats drug and gang crime. He doesn’t consider the sounds, smells and sights