In a conversation on the Jits and Giggles podcast, black belt competitor and gym owner Devhonte “Bones” Johnson shared his perspective on PEDs in jiu-jitsu, drawing an illuminating parallel to his training philosophy.
When discussing his approach to improvement in jiu-jitsu, Johnson made a compelling comparison between natural progression and artificial enhancement:
“It’s like using ster*ids versus being natural,” Johnson explained. “Some people use ster*ids and maybe something they were going to get anyway in 10 years they get it in three years, and maybe they’re able to compound more in a shorter time, but at some point the body’s going to give.”
Johnson emphasized that the costs extend beyond just physical health:
“Maybe you don’t give from a competitive standpoint, but you’re going to give from a life standpoint. Maybe if you would have not done the ster*ids to get that extra ADCC title, maybe you would have spent more time with your grandkids or your kids.”
This perspective reflects Johnson’s broader life philosophy, which values sustainability over shortcuts. He noted that his approach to training has always been centered around longevity:
“Everything about me since I was a kid… when it became my choice, it was more about like I want to live as long as I can for as healthy as I can.”
This is especially interesting considering Gordon Ryan‘s comments. A while ago Ryan explained to Joe Rogan he’s so immobile and stiff he couldn’t even scrub the back of his neck. Not to mention his well documented history of ailments leading to retiring several times before the ripe old age of 30.
Ryan also had a contrasting perspective in his official coming out as a PED user video saying:
“I would rather die with a legacy at 50 years old than just be a normal guy dying at 70 or 80 years old.”
“When people look back in 10 years, they’re not going to remember that argument that you made that you were on ster*ids and you were natural. They’re going to remember this guy won and this guy lost,” Ryan stated.
Johnson, who began training jiu-jitsu at 17 and now runs his own academy while competing at the highest levels, advocates for a measured approach to improvement. He believes in consistent, sustainable progress rather than seeking rapid advancement at the expense of long-term health and life quality.
“If it takes me five years, 10 years to get where I want to be, if I can continue to do this daily and I make positive growth towards this goal, I feel like at some point I’m gonna get it,” Johnson said. “And I’m gonna get it in a way that’s sustainable.”
