Steroids in Jiu Jitsu
Recently, several high level black belts in the jiu jitsu world have been popped for and subsequently suspended for steroid use. Among these names are Cyborg Abreu, Jonatas Gracie, and 19 year old phenom Mica Galvao. Galvao was, before his positive test and stripping of his world title, the youngest black belt world champion in the history of our sport. An honor which now belongs to Tye Ruotolo. This is nothing new to jiu jitsu with PEDs being more and more normalized on the competition scene. Steroid use is not unique to jiu-jitsu; it is a problem that plagues many combat sports, including MMA, boxing, and wrestling. Athletes may use steroids to enhance their performance by increasing muscle mass, strength, and endurance. Certain PEDs can also aid in recovery from injuries and help athletes train harder and longer.
The use of steroids in most sports is illegal and has long been considered unethical. Steroids can cause a range of negative side effects, including acne, hair loss, liver damage, and mood swings. They can also lead to long-term health problems such as heart disease, kidney damage, and infertility. Unfortunately, the use of steroids in some sports is difficult to detect and deter. Athletes may use masking agents or designer steroids that are not detectable by standard drug tests. Moreover, some athletes may be willing to risk their health and reputation for the sake of winning.
