Gordon Ryan

Gordon Ryan is an American retired submission grappler and Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt from Monroe, New Jersey.

Gordon Ryan is an American retired submission grappler and Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt from Monroe, New Jersey. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest no-gi grapplers in the sport’s history, with multiple major world titles in ADCC, IBJJF No-Gi, and Eddie Bravo Invitational competition.

Early life and training

Ryan was born in Monroe, New Jersey, in 1995 and began training Brazilian jiu-jitsu as a teenager. He later trained under coaches associated with the Renzo Gracie Academy and the Danaher Death Squad system.

Competitive career

Ryan built his reputation in high-level no-gi competition, especially in ADCC, IBJJF No-Gi, and Eddie Bravo Invitational events. He won seven ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship titles, three IBJJF No-Gi World Championship titles, and four Eddie Bravo Invitational titles, making him one of the most decorated submission grapplers of his era.

Style and reputation

Ryan is known for a systematic, position-based approach to grappling and for a high submission rate in competition. He is frequently described by commentators and publications as an all-time great in no-gi grappling.

Teams and associations

Ryan has been linked with Danaher Death Squad and New Wave Jiu-Jitsu, both central to the modern no-gi grappling scene. These affiliations helped shape his competitive style and public profile.