Entre o tatame e a mente : os aspectos psicológicos de atletas amadores de Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Abstract

Competitive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), even at amateur level, poses psychological challenges that require in-depth investigation. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between competitive BJJ practice and psychological aspects of amateur athletes, identifing the main psychological effects, and analyzing contributions from psychology in this context. The research used a mixed approach, applying the Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2 – Smith et al., 2006) together with open-ended qualitative questions. Data collection occurred through social media and, after acceptance, completion of an online form. The final sample consisted of 87 amateur athletes, distributed across eight states in Brazil, divided into age groups ranging from 18 to 54 years old. The results indicated higher levels of anxiety among younger participants, while athletes aged 40 and over demonstrated greater resilience in relation to competition, despite the pressure. It is suggested that Sports Psychology (SP) is a crucial tool to assist in managing anxiety, restructuring the perception of failure, and building self-confidence in a competitive environment. Thus, SP proves to be not only a support, but an indispensable strategic pillar for optimizing performance and ensuring mental health, transforming stress into excellence on the mat.