Amputee Ukrainian War Veterans Find Rehabilitation in Jiu-Jitsu, Compete in National Championship

TMS Hub in Kyiv Provides Free Jiu-Jitsu Training and Psychological Support to War Veterans, One of Whom Won a Silver Medal in Paralympic Jiu-Jitsu at the National Championship.

• Over 20,000 people in Ukraine, many of whom are soldiers, have lost limbs due to injuries sustained during Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Some have turned to Brazilian jiu-jitsu for both physical and psychological rehabilitation.
• The TMS Hub in Kyiv provides a safe space for war veterans, including those who have undergone amputations. It offers free Jiu-Jitsu training and psychological support. Five of the six participants in the 'para jiu-jitsu' category at a recent national competition trained at TMS Hub.
• The sport of jiu-jitsu is particularly adaptable for people with amputations, as it does not require the use of prosthetics. Practitioners use an opponent's force against them through various moves and holds.
• One of the jiu-jitsu practitioners, Vasyl Oksyntiuk, who lost both his legs in the conflict, won a silver medal in the 'para jiu-jitsu' category during his first national championship.
• TMS Hub is looking to expand its program to include more gyms across the country. However, these plans are contingent on funding as the program relies entirely on donations.

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