Over the last few years, the IBJJF has implemented PED drug testing at its major events. While some have praised the drug tests, some critics feel that the tests don’t go far enough.
There have been calls to drug test at every single event and every belt level for adults. Going this far with testing would further clean up the sport; however, it would be an almost impossible task to implement PED testing to that extent.
Here are the three major reasons why the IBJJF cannot extend its drug testing.
The Financial Cost of Testing at All IBJJF Events
First, the financial cost of comprehensive drug testing is prohibitive. Steroid testing, especially for anabolic steroids, requires sophisticated methods like gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, which are expensive and time-consuming.
Each test can cost hundreds of dollars, and with IBJJF tournaments often hosting hundreds or thousands of competitors across multiple divisions, testing every athlete would be a massive financial burden.
The IBJJF operates as a for-profit organization, and its revenue comes primarily from registration fees, memberships, and sponsorships.
Allocating funds to test every competitor at every event would likely require increasing entry fees, which are already criticized as high, or diverting resources from other areas like event organization or prize pools.
Logistic Issues
Logistically, implementing drug testing at every event is a complex undertaking. Testing requires certified personnel, secure sample collection, and accredited laboratories to process results.
The IBJJF hosts well over 100 events annually across multiple continents, from local opens to major championships.
Coordinating testing at this scale would demand a robust infrastructure, including trained staff at every venue and a chain of custody for samples to prevent tampering. Additionally, processing times for steroid tests can take weeks, meaning results may not be available during the event, complicating enforcement.
Hypothetically, an athlete who tests positive at one event could compete in multiple events after the failed test. This would create administrative headaches, where the rankings would have to constantly be changed.
Accessibility
Another factor is the IBJJF’s prioritization of accessibility and growth. The organization aims to make BJJ accessible to a wide range of competitors, from hobbyists to professionals. Mandating drug testing at every event could deter casual participants, who might see it as an unnecessary intrusion, while adding costs that make tournaments less affordable.
The majority of those who compete at the events are amateurs who pay their own way to compete in the events and do not receive financial incentives.
If amateur athletes are forced to take drug tests on top of the high cost to compete in events where they don’t receive financial incentives, they will likely stop competing in the organization.
The IBJJF instead focuses on testing in high-stakes events, balancing fairness at the elite level with inclusivity for the broader community.
The Wrap Up
The IBJJF’s decision not to implement steroid/PED testing at every event reflects a combination of financial constraints, logistical complexities, cultural attitudes within BJJ, and the organization’s focus on accessibility.
Bobby is martial artist for almost 20 years with a BJJ black belt under Professor Sergio Miranda. He is also a karate black and former combat sports athlete, who loves all things grappling.