Restoring embodied safety through martial arts: Japanese ju-jitsu [JJJ] for embodied reappraisal & psychosocial function in a woman with trauma

Background: Martial Arts halls are important community-mental health hubs. Japanese Ju Jitsu (JJJ) delivered with clear consent rules, breath/voice work, & positional-control may cultivate Interoceptive Awareness (IA), embodied reappraisal, & thus emotion regulation in trauma & survivors of violence. Case: A 51-year-old woman with mental-health trauma from adolescent-sexual violence completed a brief JJJ-informed program. Outcomes included the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA) and a hermeneutic-phenomenological interview. Intervention: Six 60 - 75-minute sessions over six weeks emphasizing diaphragmatic-pressure-control, boundary-setting voice cues, kata-based drills, & self-regulated positional scenarios, integrated with therapist-guided self-awareness & embodied reappraisal. Outcomes: MAIA showed notable gains in Emotional Awareness, Body Listening, & Self-Regulation; qualitative data indicated resolution of nightmares, improved sleep, & greater agency. Discussion: The current case study provides a framework to guide Martial Arts instructors in supporting students with trauma histories. Mind-Body & Nervous-system clinicians (e.g., Exercise Physiologists & Physiotherapists) are important for participant support.