BJJ champion and renowned coach Robert Drysdale has stirred up controversy with his thought-provoking perspective on PEDs in combat sports.
He argues that the current regulatory framework is flawed and requires reform led by medical professionals rather than the administrators, attorneys, and journalists who often dominate the discourse.
When you talk to doctors, they’re not radical against it because they understand these things.
He pointed out that medical professionals, particularly endocrinologists, often take a more measured view of PED use compared to the rigid, zero-tolerance policies enforced by athletic commissions.
Drysdale further drew a parallel between PED regulation and the use of weight classes in combat sports:
For reasons of fairness, we should consider PEDs for professional sports for the same reason we have weight classes.
Drysdale expressed frustration with the current conversation around PEDs, which he believes is often dominated by unqualified voices:
Stop asking journalists, stop asking attorneys and fans…
Bring the professionals in and let them talk.
For Drysdale, meaningful reform hinges on shifting the discussion away from legal and administrative concerns – and toward a deeper, more informed understanding of human physiology and athletic performance.
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: you can be slow and unathletic and still kick butt in Jiu-Jitsu.
