Rodrigo “Comprido” Medeiros Open Letter against Steroids in BJJ
The use of steroids have long been a controversial topic in professional sports. Often times real change to advance a particular sport to the next level comes only from pioneers who strive to change what they feel is holding back the thing they love from greatness and wide acceptance. Wether you follow Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu religiously, teach, or simply train for fun and some friendly competition, there is no doubt that the wide use of steroids in BJJ is a topic you cannot ignore. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has become the pride of an entire nation and a sport that is founded on Honor, Integrity and Fair Competition.
Two time World Absolute BJJ Champion Rodrigo “Comprido” Medeiros recently sent this open letter to all to shed light on his views of steroids in BJJ:
I am proud to say that I conquered the most important title in BJJ, the Absolute in the Mundial twice and to own the record of fastest submission in a Black Belt final. I conquered all those titles without steroids.
In the 2000 Mundial, minutes before I was to fight one of the most difficult matches of my life, I had to assist in removing an athlete from the competition area. Unfortunately that athlete died inside the stadium due to an overdose of steroids.
I am reaching out because there seems to be a pact of silence between the Federation, the competitors, and especially the press who ultimately has the obligation to denounce these irregularities. “It is well known the use of steroids by athletes of various teams. And in many cases by Champions of our sport, I am not going to name names because I’ve not personally witnessed anyone taking them, however it is pretty noticeable the extremely rapid gain of muscle mass and abnormal reduction of fat percentage by some athletes.”
An athlete using steroids gains more than just physical benefits, they also have technical gains, because they can train 4 times a day and still feel well, while an athlete that is clean trains twice a day and needs to rest to recover naturally. The majority of athletes also have other duties such as being instructors and as such we have to preserve the values like: “Loyalty, Honesty and the Spirit of Sports Fairness”.
We know there is no sport steroids are tolerated and in many Countries it is even a crime to use them except for strict health issues. Of course this is not the first generation to use this type of drug, but it is time we face this issue with seriousness it deserves and we need to set the example for others to come.
I want to make it very clear that in my opinion ANYONE THAT USES ANABOLIC STEROIDS TO BETTER THEIR PERFORMANCE IS CHEATING AND DO NOT GAIN ANY GLORY WITH THEIR CONQUESTS.
Thanks for your time
SincerelyRodrigo Comprido Medeiros