Kade Ruotolo

Name: Kade Ruotolo

Current Rank: Black Belt under André Galvão

Notable Achievements:

• 1st Place ADCC (2022)

• 1st Place WNO Championship (2021)

• GrappleFest 70KG Belt Holder (2020)

• One FC 170 lb Grappling Title Holder (2022)

• 1st Place IBJJF World Championship (2019, 2021 brown)

• 1st Place IBJJF Pan Championship (2019)

• 1st Place IBJJF European Open (2019*)

• 1st Place IBJJF Pan Kids Championship (2010, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018)

Lineage: Carlos Gracie --> Reyson Gracie --> Osvaldo Alves --> Luis Dagmar --> André Galvão --> Kade Ruotolo

Kade Ruotolo is a name that has been echoing through the jiu-jitsu community for years, even before he reached adulthood. A black belt under André Galvão and a representative of Atos Academy, Kade has been a grappling sensation since his childhood. With titles like the ADCC 2022 Champion and WNO Championship 2021 under his belt, Kade is a force to be reckoned with in the sport.

Early Life

Born in January 2003 in Maui, Hawaii, Kade Ruotolo is of Italian and Puerto Rican heritage. However, he grew up in Huntington Beach, California, where he and his twin brother Tye were introduced to jiu-jitsu at the tender age of 3. Under the guidance of their father and Cleber Luciano, the Ruotolo twins quickly became jiu-jitsu's first child-stars.

Formative Years in Jiu-Jitsu

Kade's early years were marked by a series of transitions between renowned academies and instructors. Initially training under Cleber Luciano, he later moved to the Art of Jiu-Jitsu academy, where he was mentored by Guilherme and Rafael Mendes. In 2017, Kade and his brother shifted their training to Atos Headquarters Academy in San Diego, where they were taken under the wing of André Galvão.

Ascension to Prominence

Kade's rise to the top was nothing short of meteoric. He received his black belt on December 14, 2021, at the age of 18, but even before that, he was already competing—and winning—against top-ranked athletes in the pro-grappling circuit. His unique style, often described as "Scramble-Jitsu," combined with his mastery of techniques like the Leg-Pin Guard-Pass and Darce Choke, has made him a standout competitor.

Achievements and Titles

• 1st Place ADCC (2022)

• 1st Place WNO Championship (2021)

• GrappleFest 70KG Belt Holder (2020)

• One FC 170 lb Grappling Title Holder (2022)

• 1st Place EBI Combat Jiu-Jitsu Championship (2020)

Legacy and Impact

Kade Ruotolo is not just another name in the jiu-jitsu world; he is a prodigy who has been making waves since his childhood. His journey from a 3-year-old beginner to a black belt champion serves as an inspiration to aspiring grapplers worldwide. With a career that's still in its infancy, the sky is the limit for this young phenom.