Professional Grappler Josh Saunders Explains Why He Takes PEDs for BJJ

In a revealing and controversial discussion, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and professional grappler Josh Saunders from Australia opened up about his use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) in the sport. In a video interview, Saunders provided an unfiltered look into the pressures of high-level competition, his personal motivations for using PEDs, and his views on the culture surrounding PED use in BJJ. Saunders was a world-class grappler who took fourth at that year’s ADCC.

Breaking the Silence on PED Use in BJJ

Saunders began the conversation by addressing the elephant in the room: PEDs were often seen as a taboo subject in sports, especially in disciplines like BJJ where performance is highly dependent on strength, endurance, and recovery. Saunders stated early in the interview, “I’m not going to lie about it. Yes, I took PEDs. I think there are a lot of people out there who do, but they won’t admit it.” His straightforward approach was refreshing, as many athletes were reluctant to be open about their PED usage due to the fear of backlash or tarnishing their reputation.

Why PEDs? Staying Competitive at the Top

For Saunders, the decision to take PEDs was not made lightly. He explained that BJJ, especially at the professional level, was grueling on the body. The constant training, sparring, and competition schedule left little room for error in terms of recovery. “You’ve got to understand, when you’re training twice a day, six days a week, your body takes a beating. PEDs helped me recover faster, train harder, and just stay in the game.”

Saunders emphasized that PEDs gave him an edge in a sport where the physical toll was immense and the competition was stiff. “At the highest levels of BJJ, everyone is looking for that extra advantage. PEDs were just part of the equation for some of us who wanted to stay competitive for longer.”

Enhancing Recovery and Reducing Injuries

One of the main benefits Saunders saw in using PEDs was the ability to recover quickly from the rigors of training and competition. He openly admitted that without PEDs, his body would have struggled to keep up with the demands placed on it. “I was 35 years old, and I had been competing for over a decade. Without PEDs, I’d have been feeling it a lot more. I’d probably have had to take more time off due to injuries.”

The use of PEDs, according to Saunders, had allowed him to avoid injuries and extend his career. He viewed PEDs not as a way to cheat, but as a means of injury prevention and performance maintenance. “I could push myself harder and still come back the next day without worrying about getting hurt,” he explained.

The Stigma of PEDs in BJJ

Despite his transparency, Saunders acknowledged the stigma surrounding PED use, especially in a sport like BJJ, which often prided itself on the philosophy of skill and technique over sheer physical power. “I get it, people don’t want to admit they’re taking PEDs because it’s seen as cheating. But the reality is, PEDs are everywhere in sports. It’s just that people don’t talk about it.”

He also touched on the fact that PED use in BJJ was more widespread than many might have thought. “There are a lot of guys in the sport who were using, but they kept it quiet. I’m not saying everyone did it, but it was more common than most people realized.” For Saunders, being upfront about his usage was a way to break down the barriers and encourage a more open conversation about PEDs in the grappling community.

Weighing the Risks and Rewards

While Saunders was clear about the benefits he experienced from using PEDs, he was also honest about the potential risks. “Look, I know there are risks involved. PEDs aren’t magic, and they can have long-term effects on your health. But for me, the benefits outweighed the risks at that time. I was in my prime, and I wanted to make the most of it.”

He didn’t sugarcoat the potential downsides but believed that as long as athletes were well-informed and responsible, PEDs could be a valuable tool in extending their careers and staying competitive. “It’s not something I would recommend for everyone. It was a personal choice, and you have to weigh the pros and cons for yourself.”

The Future of PEDs in BJJ

Saunders hoped that by speaking out about his own PED use, he could help change the narrative surrounding the topic. “I think we need to be more honest about PEDs in BJJ. It’s not just about pointing fingers and calling people cheaters. There’s a lot more to the story. Let’s have an open conversation and educate people about the realities of performance-enhancing drugs.”

In conclusion, Josh Saunders’ decision to come forward with his use of PEDs shed light on a complex issue in the world of BJJ. While the debate over PED use in sports continued, Saunders’ candid approach provided a unique perspective on the pressures athletes faced and the lengths some were willing to go to maintain their performance at the highest level.

Whether one agreed with his choices or not, Saunders’ honesty opened the door for further discussions about the role of PEDs in professional sports, particularly in disciplines like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu where the lines between technique, endurance, and strength were constantly being tested.