Gordon Ryan is an American Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and is widely regarded as the greatest no-gi grappler in the history of the sport. A multiple-time ADCC World Champion and former EBI champion, Ryan has dominated elite submission grappling since the late 2010s with an unprecedented combination of technical innovation, positional control, and submission finishing ability.
Known for his systematic approach to grappling and outspoken personality, Ryan has become one of the most recognizable figures in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and has played a major role in the sport’s global growth.
Early Life
Gordon Ryan was born on July 8, 1995, in Monroe Township, New Jersey, United States. He began training Brazilian jiu-jitsu as a teenager under Miguel Benitez before joining Renzo Gracie Academy in New York, where he started working with renowned coach John Danaher.
Training alongside teammates including Garry Tonon, Nicky Ryan and later Craig Jones, Ryan developed into one of the standout members of the famous Danaher Death Squad. His rapid improvement and success against experienced black belts quickly established him as one of the sport’s brightest prospects.
Competition Career
Ryan first gained widespread recognition after winning the Eddie Bravo Invitational (EBI), where his leg-lock game and submission-heavy style attracted significant attention.
His breakthrough on the world stage came at the ADCC World Championships, widely regarded as the most prestigious tournament in submission grappling. After winning his first ADCC title in 2017, Ryan continued to dominate the event, eventually becoming the most successful competitor in ADCC history.
In addition to ADCC success, Ryan has defeated many of the sport’s biggest names in superfights across promotions including Who’s Number One (WNO), Fight Pass Invitational, UFC Fight Pass Invitational and the Craig Jones Invitational.
ADCC Career
Ryan made his ADCC debut in 2017, winning gold in the under 99kg division before later capturing titles in multiple weight classes.
At ADCC 2022, he won both the over 99kg division and the absolute division without conceding a single point, cementing his status as the world’s best no-gi competitor.
Across his ADCC career, Ryan has recorded victories over numerous former world champions and has finished many of his opponents by submission, becoming the most decorated athlete in the tournament’s history.
Fighting Style
Ryan is best known for his methodical, position-first approach to submission grappling. While initially becoming famous for his leg-lock system under John Danaher, his game has evolved into one of the most complete in the sport.
His strongest positions include:
- Back control
- Mount
- Half guard passing
- Body lock passing
- Leg entanglements
Ryan has popularized many modern no-gi grappling concepts through instructional series and seminars, influencing competitors around the world.
Team History
Ryan spent the majority of his career under John Danaher as part of the Danaher Death Squad before the team’s split in 2021.
Following the split, Ryan moved to Austin, Texas, where he became one of the leading competitors representing New Wave Jiu-Jitsu under Danaher.
Throughout his career he has trained alongside athletes including:
- John Danaher
- Garry Tonon
- Nicky Ryan
- Nicholas Meregali
- Giancarlo Bodoni
- Luke Griffith
Championships and Accomplishments
- Multiple-time ADCC World Champion
- ADCC Absolute Champion
- Eddie Bravo Invitational Champion
- Multiple-time Who’s Number One winner
- One of the highest earning competitors in professional submission grappling history
Rivalries
Ryan has developed several high-profile rivalries throughout his career, most notably with Craig Jones, Felipe Pena and André Galvão. His matches and public exchanges with fellow elite competitors have helped generate significant interest in professional grappling.
Outside Competition
Away from competition, Ryan has become one of the sport’s most successful instructors, releasing numerous best-selling instructional series covering leg locks, guard passing, pinning systems and submissions.
He has also played a major role in the commercialization of professional grappling, helping increase athlete purses and mainstream attention through high-profile superfights and promotional events.