In a conversation with Combat Sports Today, Tye Ruotolo shared insights into how jiu-jitsu is gaining mainstream appeal through its accessibility and technical depth, setting it apart from the more visually intense world of MMA.
Ruotolo, who at just 22 years old has already established himself as one of the world’s premier grapplers, is preparing to defend his title against Dante Leon at ONE FC card on May 2nd. His journey in jiu-jitsu began before he could even form memories.
“Kade and I were put into jiu-jitsu before we had a choice or even a chance. Before we were potty trained, we were scrapping on the mats,” Ruotolo explained, referring to himself and his twin brother. “That’s what my dad wanted for us. He just always wanted us to be little scrappers.”
This early introduction to martial arts, combined with the constant training partner in his twin brother, created the perfect environment for excellence.
“Having a twin brother to scrap with the whole way through just made us get so much better, so much tougher, and just gave you a partner,” he reflected.
What makes jiu-jitsu particularly special, according to Ruotolo, is its approachability compared to other combat sports. While acknowledging MMA’s entertainment value with its “knockouts and blood and gore,” Ruotolo highlighted jiu-jitsu’s more inclusive nature.
“What jiu-jitsu does is super personable and relatable. Anybody can train jiu-jitsu,” Ruotolo said. “Not everyone can go do a pro MMA class, go get smoked in the face and they don’t like it. But you go to a jiu-jitsu class, you find out there’s thousands of techniques.”
This technical depth attracts a diverse audience, including high-profile practitioners like Mark Zuckerberg.
“I see so many smart guys, so many different high-level individuals that go into jiu-jitsu just because of how many techniques there are,” Ruotolo noted. “Getting your ass kicked every day and not having to get punched… it’s really personable to a lot of people.”
While Ruotolo doesn’t believe jiu-jitsu will reach UFC-level viewership anytime soon, he sees significant growth potential:
“We’re definitely going to see a lot more gyms and a lot more platforms and opportunity in jiu-jitsu for sure.”
Beyond the sport’s accessibility, Ruotolo also emphasized jiu-jitsu’s effectiveness.
“There’s always like a lucky puncher’s chance in striking,” he explained. “But you start to grapple someone, once you grab someone and you’re better than them at grappling, the chances of something bad happening to you are so slim.”
As for his upcoming title defense, Ruotolo respects his opponent’s credentials but remains confident.
“Once you get to the highest levels, everyone is tough, and Dante is no different. He’s strong, he’s flexible, he’s well-rounded. On paper, he’s got everything right,” Ruotolo acknowledged. “But my brother and I, we’ve been doing this since we were three years old. I know there’s no one mentally stronger than us.”
Ruotolo promises an exciting, efficient performance:
“I come in pretty hot and try to get the sub. That’s my goal every time. I never like to be on the mats longer than I need to.”
While firmly focused on his jiu-jitsu career and upcoming title defense, Ruotolo hasn’t ruled out exploring other combat sports in the future.
“I love jiu-jitsu with all my heart, but I do feel like there’s something else out there. I feel like there’s some potential of mine that needs to be uncovered in some other departments.”
For now, though, Ruotolo remains dedicated to showcasing the art of jiu-jitsu on one of combat sports’ biggest stages, helping to bring this personable, technical martial art to an ever-widening audience.
