Accusations of steroid use in BJJ are rampant. But what are these accusations based on? Let’s dive into the matter and see who’s really doing steroids in jiu jitsu.
Do BJJ guys use steroids?
It’s possible that some Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners may use steroids, just like in any other sport or physical activity. But nobody knows if this is actually happening, and if so, to what extent. Not many athletes have ever been caught for using steroids.
Why do people think BJJ guys use steroids?
There’s a widesprad perception that ‘everybody’ in BJJ uses steroids.
There’s multiple reasons for this, including:
- Suspicious physiques: many jiu jitsu and grappling athletes look suspiciously strong. However, it’s not as easy to find athletes who have suspicious transformations, most of the time, they get stronger at a pace that could be natural.
- Suspicious behavior: when the USADA drug testing commite enters the building, many BJJ athletes run. This happened again at the IBJJF No Gi World Championships in 2023, where multiple finalists fled the building before the final, after USADA showed up to test the winners.
- Insufficient testing: at most BJJ tournaments, there’s no testing for PEDs or steroids. Sometimes there are tests, but only for a small section of the competitors.
Do steroids help in BJJ?
Steroids can help increase muscle mass and strength, which can in turn improve performance in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. And steroids can also help with recovery, which enables athletes to train more jiu jitsu than their fair competitors.
However, BJJ is a sport that relies heavily on technique, strategy, and intelligence, and the use of steroids can only enhance physical attributes, not the ability to execute techniques. Furthermore, the use of PEDs is against the spirit of the sport which values fair play, respect and self-improvement.
Also read: The 12 Best Supplements for BJJ 💊
Do they test for steroids in BJJ competitions?
Testing for performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), including steroids, is becoming more common in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions. The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) is the governing body for many major BJJ competitions, and it does conduct testing for PEDs. The IBJJF has a list of banned substances, and competitors who test positive for any of these substances can face disqualification and suspension.
However, testing is not mandatory in all competition and it’s also not a common practice in local or regional level competitions. And testing isn’t always foolproof and some athletes may still be able to use PEDs without getting caught.
Which steroids are BJJ guys using?
It’s difficult to say exactly which steroids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners may use, because not many athletes have ever got caught. However, some of the most commonly used steroids among athletes and bodybuilders include:
- Anadrol
- Anavar
- Dianabol
- Winstrol
- Deca-Durabolin
- Trenbolone
It’s important to note that these substances are illegal and their use can have serious health consequences. Additionally, even if the athlete is able to obtain and use these substances, it does not guarantee them a win or an improvement in their performance.
Does Gordon Ryan use steroids?
I couldn’t find any credible information or evidence that suggests that Gordon Ryan, a professional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor, uses steroids or any other performance-enhancing drugs.
It’s important to note that accusing someone of using performance-enhancing drugs without any proof or evidence is unfair and could be considered defamatory.
Gordon Ryan has always been vocal about his training methods and the importance of hard work and dedication in BJJ, he is well-known for his intense training routine and discipline, and attributes his success to his dedication to the sport.
Also, as I mentioned before, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organizations have strict rules against the use of PEDs and competitors who test positive for any banned substances can face disqualification and suspension.
It’s always best to give people the benefit of the doubt and not engage in speculation or making unfounded accusations.
Does Nicky Rod use steroids?
The same thing I said about Gordon Ryan applies equally to Nicky Rod. I couldn’t find any credible evidence that Nicky Rod uses steroids, and it’s unfair to accuse anyone of using illegal PEDs in the absence of evidence.
