Gordon Ryan

Early Life and Introduction to Jiu-Jitsu

Gordon Ryan was born on July 8, 1995, in Monroe, New Jersey, USA. At age 15, he began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey under Miguel Benitez, quickly progressing under the mentorship of Tom deBlass and Garry Tonon. Ryan notably became Tonon's first student to achieve the rank of black belt, marking the start of his exceptional grappling career.

Co-Founding New Wave Jiu-Jitsu

Following the highly publicized 2021 split of the Danaher Death Squad, Gordon Ryan co-founded New Wave Jiu-Jitsu in Austin, Texas, alongside his mentor John Danaher and longtime teammate Garry Tonon. This new academy symbolizes Ryan's evolution from student to leader, where he continues to innovate technically—particularly in no-gi grappling—and mentors a new generation of elite athletes.

Technical Innovations and Grappling Style

Gordon Ryan is widely recognized for his groundbreaking refinements in leg lock entries and pressure passing systems. His analytical mindset and exceptional problem-solving skills have earned praise from mentor John Danaher, who emphasizes Ryan's photographic memory and technical precision. Ryan's grappling style prioritizes strategic thinking, intelligent positioning, and systematic control, significantly contributing to his competitive dominance.

Notable Matches and Rivalries

Ryan's competitive career features several historic encounters. At ADCC 2022, he secured a landmark submission victory over legendary grappler André Galvão. Additionally, he notably defeated Marcus Almeida at ADCC 2019. Ryan maintains a public rivalry with fellow grappler Craig Jones, with both athletes humorously agreeing to confront each other "on sight." He also accepted a million-dollar challenge match from Nicky Rodriguez, outlining specific conditions for the proposed encounter.

Chronic Health Struggles and Impact on Career

Since 2018, Gordon Ryan has openly battled severe gastrointestinal conditions, including gastroparesis and persistent Candida infections. His condition significantly worsened in early 2023, causing substantial weight loss, weakness, and nearly a month of bed rest. Ryan has pursued experimental treatments, including potent antifungal medications and specialized gastrointestinal care. Due to these ongoing health challenges, he drastically reduced his competitive schedule, competing minimally in 2023 and announcing plans to participate exclusively in the ADCC 2024 World Championship.

Autobiography and Insights into Mindset

In mid-2022, Ryan published his autobiography, "Top Game: Domination in the Jiu-Jitsu World," offering rare insights into his training methodologies, mental strategies, and personal experiences. The book also provides valuable guidance for aspiring competitors on career-building and achieving financial success within Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Influence and Legacy in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Despite limited competition due to health issues, Gordon Ryan remains widely regarded as the consensus number one no-gi grappler. Undefeated in grappling competitions since 2018, he continues to dominate despite significant physical setbacks. Ryan has openly expressed his goal of retiring as the greatest grappler ever. He actively mentors and trains elite athletes, including UFC champion Jon Jones and World's Strongest Man competitors Martins Licis and Brian Shaw.

Controversies and Public Statements

Ryan has been an outspoken critic of performance-enhancing drug use in sports, publicly addressing WWE stars John Cena and Dwayne Johnson. He has engaged in public debates regarding PED use with fellow grapplers Kron Gracie and Mikey Musumeci. His candid discussions on controversial topics reflect ongoing debates within the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community.

Recent Injuries and Competition Setbacks

In September 2023, Ryan sustained a significant knee injury at the Kasai Super Series, suffering a complete tear of the Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) and a strained Femoral Biceps tendon. This injury forced him to withdraw from the Eddie Bravo Invitational's Combat EBI event scheduled for February 22, 2024, in Mexico. MRI results indicated that surgery and extensive rehabilitation would likely be necessary, marking a notable setback in his competitive career.