In a revealing episode of the Mayn Idea Podcast, Viktor Doria, a BJJ black belt world champion and manager of renowned athlete Roberto Cyborg Abreu, engaged in a profound discussion about steroid use in Jiu-Jitsu. Addressing the contentious topic of Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs), testosterone, and their place in competitive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Doria offers a nuanced view that merges professional responsibility with personal health.
- Steroids as a Tool for Professional Athletes:
- Doria emphasizes that professional athletes must do everything they can to perform at their best, including the responsible use of steroids under medical supervision:
- “You’re a professional athlete; you have to do everything you can to perform the best way possible.”
- He stresses the importance of abiding by competition rules, citing instances of athletes getting caught for using prohibited substances.
- The Realities of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT):
- TRT is not just a medical treatment but a reality for aging athletes. Doria admits openly to using testosterone since 2020, under a doctor’s guidance, to maintain balance in his hormonal levels.
- “I don’t sugarcoat it, saying ‘Oh, I do TRT.’ It’s like I’m under a treatment, and no, I was under a treatment… now, all I take is testosterone.”
- He criticizes the hypocrisy surrounding TRT and advocates for transparency and medical oversight in its usage.
- Steroids in Professional Jiu-Jitsu Events:
- Doria notes that many professional Jiu-Jitsu events, like ADCC, do not regulate steroid use, leading to widespread use among athletes.
- He recounts the ‘Pride’ era, where steroid use was not just accepted but encouraged, highlighting the evolution of attitudes towards PEDs in combat sports.
- Personal Experience with Steroids:
- Viktor Doria shares his personal journey, starting steroids at 44 when his health was declining. He highlights the transformation in his physical and mental health post-steroid use.
- “For one year, I didn’t feel any difference. My numbers were getting better, but my body wasn’t recognizing those levels.”
- He emphasizes regular blood work and adjustments to his regimen under medical guidance to ensure optimal health and performance.
- Steroid Use and Aging Athletes:
- Doria addresses the reality that as athletes age, their bodies change, necessitating different approaches to maintain performance levels.
- He advocates for individualized medical advice and responsible decision-making based on one’s health and fitness goals.
Viktor Doria’s perspective on steroids in Jiu-Jitsu brings to light the complex relationship between performance enhancement and athlete well-being. While he advocates for strict adherence to competition rules, he also highlights the need for a realistic approach towards aging athletes and the role of medical supervision in steroid use. The dialogue mirrors the broader discussion in sports regarding the balance between competitiveness and health, pushing for a more informed and less stigmatized understanding of steroid use in sports.
