Twin brothers Kade and Tye Ruotolo have won a lot in the world of submission grappling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) – sharing a unique bond strengthened by a lifetime of training and competing at the highest levels of the sport.

Despite their many similarities, however, the Ruotolos have some differences that set them apart – and that may come as a surprise to you.

One of the primary differences between the brothers lies in their approach to injury management.
Kade explained more about it in an interview for ONE Championship:

The first is the awareness of our bodies, and taking care of our bodies, and being aware of rehab and stuff like that.

Tye loves it. If Tye didn’t do Jiu-Jitsu, I could see him being a personal trainer or a chiropractor or something.
He enjoys understanding the body and fixing himself and unwinding himself.

I’m like my dad. I’m old school.
If I’m hurt, I’m just like: “I’m not hurt, I’m fine.”

I just try to keep a “you know, I’m fine. It hurts, but it doesn’t hurt” mentality.
Because, I know in the match, adrenaline usually takes the pain away.

I’m always kinda neglecting my injuries, and Tye is always taking care of his, so that’s probably one of the main differences.

In terms of personality, Tye describes himself as more of a homebody compared to his outgoing brother:

I probably hermit out more than Kade does.

Kade enjoys making a lot of connections, sponsorship type of things.
I like to hermit out a little bit. I’m outgoing, but when I’m at home, I’m happy.

I think that’s the biggest difference.

But what about in competition?
Kade explains that there’s a significant difference in how they approach their matches:

Tye is like an avalanche, where he starts and just…
The avalanche is coming, and coming, and coming.

And it just keeps growing and becoming stronger until you just are overwhelmed, and you can’t take it, and you break, and he finishes you – for the most part.
Unless he just snipes through your game and subs you there.

Me, for the most part, I try to be more spontaneous and less of a pace, more of just a window, more opportunity-based.
I need more of his pace for sure.

 

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