Best BJJ Practitioner On The Planet | Gordon Ryan | Fight Back Ep.15
Oct 10, 2024
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Gordon Ryan, renowned submission wrestler and three-time IBJJF No-Gi World champion, shares his insights on becoming the first multi-millionaire in Jiu-Jitsu. He discusses his unique training experiences in Austin and New York, revealing the impact of mentorship on his success. Gordon candidly addresses online hate and rivalry dynamics in the grappling community. He also highlights up-and-coming talents in the sport and hints at plans for opening a new Jiu-Jitsu school, fostering community and resilience in practitioners.
Gordon Ryan's journey from childhood fascination with UFC to becoming a multi-millionaire and elite grappler illustrates the power of passion and dedication.
His training environments have significantly influenced his development, emphasizing competitive dynamics and rigorous mentorship from renowned figures like John Danaher.
Despite battling serious health issues, Ryan demonstrates resilience and mental fortitude, illustrating that success in sport often comes through adversity.
Deep dives
Gordon Ryan's Grappling Dominance
Gordon Ryan is widely regarded as one of the greatest grapplers in history, boasting an impressive fight record with an extraordinary submission rate of around 80-82% at the black belt level. With numerous victories against top-tier opponents, he has established a reputation for his submission hunting style, which has contributed to his popularity within the sport. Ryan's dedication to grappling, starting from a young age, has allowed him to develop a unique approach to training and competition. His success is underscored by a relentless pursuit of excellence, consistently seeking to refine his technique and performance.
Early Training and Influences
Gordon's journey into jiu-jitsu began at a daycare when a friend introduced him to submission holds inspired by UFC fights, which ignited his passion for martial arts. After witnessing the early UFC events, he became obsessed with jiu-jitsu and started formal training at the age of 15 under instructors who played pivotal roles in his development. His training under renowned figures like Gary Tonon and John Danaher greatly shaped his grappling style, emphasizing a blend of technique and aggression. The foundation laid during his formative years has been instrumental in his rise to prominence in the grappling community.
Training Environment and Evolution
Ryan describes his training environment as increasingly competitive, with notable figures like Gary Tonon and numerous other skilled practitioners pushing each other during intense sessions. Initially training in New Jersey, he later moved to New York to train at a more elite level, surrounded by some of the best grapplers in the world. This transition allowed him to sharpen his skills, as competitive dynamics in the gym require even seasoned athletes to adapt and innovate. The environment created by John Danaher and his team is characterized by rigorous analysis and constant evolution, fostering growth among each athlete involved.
Overcoming Health Challenges
Throughout his illustrious career, Ryan has faced significant health challenges, particularly related to his stomach, which began after a series of antibiotic treatments for staph infections. Despite battling these ongoing health issues, he has continued to compete at a high level, proving resilience and determination. His experience with chronic illness has not only tested his physical limits but also shaped his mental fortitude, allowing him to push through discomfort and still achieve remarkable results. The struggles have underscored his commitment to the sport, demonstrating that success often comes in the face of adversity.
Legacy and Future Aspirations
As Ryan looks towards the future, he expresses a desire to continue competing and achieving greatness in jiu-jitsu, aiming to leave a legacy within the sport. With plans to open his own academy, he seeks to inspire the next generation of grapplers while further solidifying his impact on the martial arts community. He acknowledges that his ability to compete hinges on his health, particularly his ongoing battles with stomach issues, but remains optimistic about long-term success. By focusing on growth and sharing knowledge with others, Ryan hopes to elevate jiu-jitsu while securing his place as one of the sport's all-time greats.
