NYPD officers learning Brazilian jiu-jitsu techniques to make arrests safer

NEW YORK (PIX11) – The NYPD is getting some new training with techniques from Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

NYPD officers are learning a new way to safely get resisting suspects into handcuffs. It does not include punching, kicking or chokeholds. Instead, it’s all about holding and submission.

Police-involved deaths, such as Eric Garner on Staten Island and George Floyd in Minnesota, have law enforcement across the country looking for safer techniques.

The NYPD is learning from a true master. Rener Gracie is from the legendary Gracie family who helped invent and popularize Brazilian jiu-jitsu around the world. He teaches officers to act as a team of at least two.

The idea is to use safe holds on resisting suspects and de-escalation before there is a need for stun guns or bullets.

The training is meant to help make it safer for both police and suspects.