The debate over PEDs in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has become increasingly prominent, with multiple-time grappling champion Kade Ruotolo emerging as a vocal advocate for clean competition. While PED use isn’t technically illegal in many jiu-jitsu competitions, Ruotolo argues that “it’s deeper than just the act of it,” raising serious concerns about ethics, fairness, and the future of the sport.
One of Ruotolo‘s primary concerns is the troubling influence PED use has on younger generations. Having witnessed teenagers as young as 14 and 15 turning to ster*ids, he emphasizes the dangerous precedent being set.
“A lot of people don’t understand the generations that the influence they’re setting for the younger generations and then that’s only became worse and worse and worse,”
Ruotolo explains in an interview. This early exposure to PEDs not only poses significant health risks but also threatens to normalize chemical enhancement in a sport traditionally built on technique and skill.
Training Advantages and Competitive Implications
The competitive advantages gained through PED use extend beyond just physical strength. Ruotolo points out that
“the biggest advantage for them is just how much they can train… these guys are training like three sessions a day which is crazy.”
This increased recovery capacity creates an unfair advantage in both training and competition, as natural athletes struggle to match such intensive schedules without chemical assistance.
This disparity has forced Ruotolo and his brother to adapt their fighting style. What observers might see as a “scrambly” approach is actually a tactical necessity.
“People don’t really realize every act that we’re doing is fighting around strength because we can’t go head-to-head with these guys for strength,”
Ruotolo reveals. When facing technical practitioners who use PEDs, the playing field becomes significantly uneven, forcing clean athletes to develop alternative strategies.
Health Consequences and Longevity
The long-term health implications of PED use are another significant concern. Ruotolo has observed how some high-profile athletes, despite being in their twenties, can only compete sporadically due to health issues. This limited ability to train and compete regularly demonstrates the unsustainable nature of PED use and its potential to cut promising careers short.
Leading by Example
Despite facing some backlash for his stance, Ruotolo remains committed to competing naturally.
“I was almost feeling like I was getting backlash for talking against it,”
he admits. Nevertheless, he takes particular pride in knowing his achievements are earned without chemical enhancement, ensuring he can enjoy his success
“with zero sense of” doubt or questioning.”
Recently, he and his brother have chosen to focus more on leading by example rather than engaging in public debates about PED use, demonstrating that elite success in jiu-jitsu is possible through natural means, hard work, and technical excellence.
The Frustration of Clean Athletes
The reality of competing against enhanced opponents creates unique challenges for clean athletes. Ruotolo describes the frustration in stark terms:
“It’s just frustrating when I’m out there slapping hands with my opponent, and I know I’m doing everything that I can possibly do naturally, and I look at this guy and… he’s got three traps on each trap and two lats.”
This physical disparity highlights the fundamental unfairness that clean athletes face in competition.
The Future of the Sport
The discussion reflects the ongoing debate in the jiu-jitsu community, with prominent figures like Mikey Musumeci calling for a cleaner sport, while others like Gordon Ryan maintain different positions on the matter. While some athletes justify PED use by pointing to the lack of testing in certain competitions, Ruotolo maintains his commitment to competing naturally, taking pride in knowing his achievements are earned without chemical enhancement.
