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.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.