Tye Ruotolo

Born in January 2003, Tye Ruotolo relocated to Huntington Beach, California, during infancy. Recognizing the vibrant jiu-jitsu culture in California, his parents enrolled Tye and his twin brother, Kade Ruotolo, at Cleber Luciano's academy. Starting their training at three years old, the Ruotolo twins quickly emerged as grappling prodigies, actively competing from an early age and securing sponsorship from lifestyle brand RVCA by age 10.

In 2017, Ruotolo transitioned to the prestigious Atos Academy headquarters in San Diego, California. Under the mentorship of legendary competitor and coach André Galvão, Tye refined his technical skills and competitive strategy, progressing steadily from green belt to black belt. Galvão awarded Ruotolo his black belt on December 14, 2021, marking a pivotal milestone in his jiu-jitsu career.

In November 2023, Ruotolo became the inaugural ONE Championship Welterweight Submission Grappling World Champion, extending his undefeated ONE Championship record to 5–0. Although his title victory came via decision rather than submission, Ruotolo acknowledged that opponents had grown increasingly cautious due to his reputation as a relentless submission specialist.

Aggressive Submission-Oriented Approach

Tye Ruotolo is renowned for his aggressive, submission-focused grappling style. He consistently pursues finishes, embodying the dynamic and respectful spirit of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Ruotolo emphasizes the technical depth and complexity of jiu-jitsu, contrasting its thousands of techniques with the comparatively limited combinations found in striking arts like boxing.

Continuous Technical Evolution

Ruotolo strongly advocates continuous learning, regularly incorporating new techniques and strategies into his grappling repertoire. His analytical approach and adaptability have made him a versatile competitor, capable of adjusting his tactics to overcome diverse opponents.

Together with his brother Kade, Tye Ruotolo established a dedicated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training compound in Costa Rica. The facility features training mats, a pool, and proximity to the beach, creating an optimal environment for combining intensive BJJ training with surfing and outdoor activities. Ruotolo selected Costa Rica partly due to its "blue zone" status, known for promoting health and longevity through nutritious food, favorable climate, and a relaxed pace of life. An avid surfer and spearfisher, Ruotolo values quality of life and personal fulfillment, describing the location as having minimal distractions—"no gas station, barely a grocery store… complete freedom"—allowing him to fully immerse himself in training and his passions.

Having experienced early recognition as a grappling prodigy, Tye Ruotolo takes pride in inspiring and mentoring the next generation of jiu-jitsu practitioners. He frequently conducts seminars and workshops for young athletes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a passion for learning, demonstrating respect, and preserving the enjoyment that initially attracted them to the sport. Ruotolo's blend of youthful enthusiasm and mature insight uniquely positions him as a positive ambassador for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, influencing aspiring grapplers worldwide.