Jesse Leng

Co-Founder and CEO of RUDIS, stands as a driving force in contemporary wrestling, blending his roots as a collegiate athlete with entrepreneurial vision to elevate the sport's gear and culture.

Born and raised in Ohio, Leng's journey from the mats of Ohio State University to leading one of wrestling's premier brands embodies the "A Way of Life" philosophy that defines RUDIS—relentless grind, authenticity, and innovation for athletes at every level.

Early Life and Wrestling Roots

Leng competed as a wrestler at The Ohio State University from 1999 to 2004, honing his skills under legendary coaches and developing a deep appreciation for the sport's demands. Balancing rigorous training with responsibilities (including service in the United States Marine Corps Reserve starting in 1999), he built the discipline, resilience, and mat intelligence that would later fuel his business endeavors. His experiences as a Buckeye wrestler instilled a passion for performance-driven equipment that addresses real athlete needs.

Co-Founding RUDIS

From Vision to Industry Leader (2013–Present)In 2013, Leng co-founded RUDIS in Marysville, Ohio, alongside Jeff Jordan and Tommy Rowlands—all former Ohio State wrestlers. The brand was born from a shared frustration with existing gear options and a desire to create authentic, high-quality products tailored specifically for wrestlers. As CEO, Leng has steered RUDIS from a startup focused on apparel and footwear to a leading name in amateur wrestling, specializing in lifestyle apparel, performance gear, custom team uniforms, and innovative protective equipment.Under his leadership,

RUDIS has secured major partnerships, including title sponsorships with the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) state wrestling championships and collaborations with elite athletes like Jordan Burroughs, Kyle Snyder, Sarah Hildebrandt, and others. Leng's strategic vision has expanded the brand's reach, emphasizing accessibility, Olympic-level inspiration, and cultural impact—making wrestling gear a symbol of pride and performance.

Pioneering Innovation in Wrestling Gear

As CEO and chief visionary, Jesse Leng spearheaded the development of one of RUDIS' most groundbreaking products: the Elite Airflow Headgear. This next-generation design addresses longstanding wrestler pain points—overheating, muffled coaching instructions, and discomfort during extended sessions—through revolutionary ventilation and engineering.

Key Timeline & Milestones

• Early 2025: Concept and development phase begins under Leng's direction. Drawing from athlete feedback and RUDIS' in-house engineering team, the focus shifts to creating a low-profile headgear that prioritizes airflow without sacrificing elite protection.

• Mid-2025: Prototyping and testing refine the core innovations: over 35 interior ventilation holes for internal cooling, more than 50 exterior holes for breathability and acoustic clarity (allowing clearer mat communication), a Gen3 EPP liner for advanced impact absorption, and the SPRfit™ micro-adjustable ratchet system for precise, personalized fit.

• November 2025: Official launch of the Elite Airflow Headgear. Promoted as a "next-generation" evolution of RUDIS' Elite lineup, it quickly gains traction for enabling wrestlers to "stay cool, hear clearly, and grind harder" in high-intensity training and competition.

• 2026–Present: Rapid adoption across high school, collegiate, and international levels. The Airflow solidifies RUDIS' reputation for reliability and forward-thinking design, with Leng frequently citing it as proof that true innovation comes from listening to the athletes who live the sport.

This headgear represents Leng's commitment to blending tradition with modern performance—much like pioneers before him, he engineered a solution that enhances safety and endurance without adding bulk. The Airflow isn't just gear; it's a testament to RUDIS' "A Way of Life" ethos: relentless, authentic, and always evolving.Honors, Impact, and Ongoing LegacyLeng's contributions have helped RUDIS become synonymous with excellence in wrestling, outfitting athletes across high school, collegiate, and international levels. His public voice—through interviews, partnerships, and social media—champions the sport's growth, accessibility, and the "grind" mentality that resonates with competitor.

As CEO, Leng continues to drive RUDIS forward, partnering with top talents and expanding into new markets while staying rooted in Ohio's wrestling heritage. His work ensures wrestlers have gear that matches their intensity, inspiring the next generation to compete fearlessly.Jesse Leng's story is one of transition—from competitor to creator—proving that true innovation comes from those who've lived the fight. In the spirit of pioneers like Cliff Keen, Leng is modernizing wrestling's protective landscape, one breakthrough at a time.