Nicky Ryan

Early Life and Introduction to Jiu-Jitsu

Nicky Ryan was born on June 27, 2001, in the United States. Inspired by his older brother, renowned grappler Gordon Ryan, Nicky began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at a local academy at the age of eight. Although his initial training was sporadic, he fully committed to the sport in early 2015. His education was unconventional, as he was homeschooled under the supervision of his coach, John Danaher.

Rapid Belt Progression Under John Danaher

Under the meticulous guidance of John Danaher, Nicky Ryan rapidly advanced through the ranks. He earned his purple belt on June 21, 2017, followed by his brown belt on October 9, 2019. Demonstrating exceptional technical proficiency and maturity, Nicky received his black belt at just 18 years old on November 3, 2020, solidifying his reputation as one of the sport's most technically gifted prodigies.

ADCC Championship Journey

Youngest Competitor in ADCC History

Nicky Ryan made history as the youngest athlete ever to compete at the prestigious 2017 ADCC World Championship, at only 16 years old. He continued his ADCC journey with notable achievements, including winning the 2019 ADCC US West Coast Trials.

Overcoming Injury at ADCC 2022

Despite suffering a severe ACL injury, Nicky showcased remarkable resilience by competing at ADCC 2022. Adapting his grappling style to accommodate his injury, he maintained an elite level of performance, demonstrating his tactical adaptability and mental toughness.

Departure from Danaher Death Squad and Formation of B-Team

In 2021, at age 19, Nicky Ryan made a significant career decision by leaving the Danaher Death Squad due to a family dispute involving his brother, Gordon Ryan. Alongside Craig Jones and other former DDS members, Nicky co-founded B-Team in Austin, Texas. This move allowed him to step out from his brother's shadow and embrace a more open, collaborative training environment. At B-Team, Nicky quickly established himself as a leader among a new generation of grapplers, distinct from the intense atmosphere of his previous team.

Technical Innovations and Coaching Role at B-Team

Innovative Leg Lock Entries and "The Nickotine"

At B-Team, Nicky Ryan significantly contributed to the team's technical evolution. He developed innovative leg lock entries, earning recognition from teammate Craig Jones. Additionally, Nicky introduced a new submission technique named "The Nickotine," further showcasing his creativity and technical ingenuity.

Transition to Coaching

While sidelined by injury, Nicky naturally transitioned into a coaching role, leading specialized sparring sessions and providing precise, detailed feedback to teammates. His mentorship notably benefited younger athletes such as Jozef Chen, underscoring his influential role in the team's competitive success.

Battling Severe Knee Injuries and Comeback Efforts

Initial ACL Injury and Continued Competition

Nicky Ryan's competitive momentum was significantly impacted by severe knee injuries. In early 2021, he suffered an initial ACL tear during training, initially opting for rehabilitation without surgery. Unfortunately, he reinjured his knee at the "Road to ADCC" event, completely tearing the ACL. Remarkably, Nicky continued competing for nearly three years without a functioning ACL, strategically adapting his grappling style to accommodate the injury.

Surgical Intervention and Planned Return

Despite these limitations, he competed at ADCC 2022 and secured a victory at a Who's Number One superfight in 2023. Ultimately, Nicky decided to undergo reconstructive ACL surgery in early 2025, aiming for a full competitive return upon complete recovery.

Personality and Influence in the Grappling Community

Known for his soft-spoken demeanor and reserved personality, Nicky Ryan contrasts sharply with the outspoken personas often found in competitive grappling. Behind the scenes, however, teammates humorously describe him as a "silent killer" with a dry wit, often delivering sharp one-liners off-camera. In B-Team's content, Nicky frequently plays the "straight man" to Craig Jones' comedic antics, occasionally participating in team pranks. Fiercely loyal to his teammates and family, Nicky avoids engaging in trash talk, preferring instead to let his jiu-jitsu skills speak for themselves.