Performance Enhancement and Grappling: A Real Talk with Vinnie Mancuso
A Lifelong Grappler’s Take on Strength and Performance
In this episode of the Shintaro Higashi Show, Shintaro sits down with Vinnie Mancuso—national champion in sambo, judo black belt, and world silver medalist in grappling—to tackle the controversial and often misunderstood world of performance enhancement in combat sports. With decades of combined experience in Judo, wrestling, and fitness, they peel back the layers on what PEDs and hormone replacement therapies actually do—and don’t do—for grapplers.
“It’s not going to make you an Olympic champion just because you’re on juice,” Vinnie says. “You still have to be good at your sport.”
Watch the full video here ↓
TRT, Steroids, and the Health Tradeoffs
The episode doesn’t shy away from the technicalities. Vinnie breaks down the difference between testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), anabolic steroids, and why “feeling great” can quickly become a slippery slope. From hematocrit and blood pressure to cholesterol and thyroid function, this isn’t bro science—it’s real-world discussion from guys who train and compete.
“With testosterone, there’s a risk of hemoglobin increasing, blood pressure increasing… but the bigger risk is feeling so good that you go, ‘Let me just add a little more,’” Shintaro adds.
They also emphasize that while medically supervised hormone therapy can help with fat loss, energy levels, and recovery—especially as you age—there are still risks, and most people don’t monitor themselves closely enough.
PEDs in the Grappling World: Who’s Really On?
The conversation takes a critical look at how prevalent PEDs really are in the world of grappling. Judo, wrestling, sambo, and BJJ all have different standards of testing, with jiu-jitsu being the most lax.
“He looks soft… you’ve been randomly selected.” Shintaro jokes about how subjective and flawed testing protocols can be.
They talk candidly about the imbalance between countries with rigorous anti-doping enforcement (like the U.S.) and countries with more “relaxed” systems, sometimes even having institutional knowledge about how to cycle PEDs effectively. “When you see a 30-year-old guy put on 40 lbs of muscle after ‘retiring,’ you have to ask questions,” Shintaro notes.
Recovery, Skill Development, and Long-Term Impact
Performance enhancement isn’t just about brute strength. Vinnie explains that one of the biggest advantages is faster recovery—which allows more training volume over time. More training equals more mat hours, which leads to greater technical development. Even if an athlete stops using, that time spent refining technique sticks.
Still, both agree: PEDs aren’t a shortcut. The technical skills in grappling require years of mat time, regardless of how strong or lean you are.
“You don’t just get jacked and dominate. You still have to develop the timing, the feel, and the understanding of the game,” Vinnie says.
Final Thoughts: Ethics, Access, and Doing It Right
Is it cheating? Is it ever justified? What does it take to do it safely and legally?
The answer is… complicated.
They discuss the need for better education, ethical nuance, and more transparency. Ultimately, they urge anyone considering enhancement to prioritize health, commit to consistent training and diet first, and consult doctors who understand the full hormonal picture—including thyroid, liver conversion, and metabolic impact.
“It’s not as easy as people think. If you’re going to do it, you better know your blood work inside and out,” Vinnie warns.
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