Gordon Ryan was born on July 8, 1995, in Monroe, New Jersey, United States. He began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey at age 15, training initially under Miguel Benitez. Ryan’s foundational years were shaped by subsequent instruction from Tom deBlass and, most significantly, by Garry Tonon, who became a pivotal mentor and technical influence.

Black Belt Promotion and Early Impact

Ryan’s competitive trajectory accelerated when he became the first black belt promoted by Garry Tonon. He rapidly distinguished himself in no-gi and submission-only formats, earning recognition for his technical precision and relentless competitive drive.

ADCC Achievements and Undefeated Streak

His performances at the 2019 ADCC World Championship and 2022 ADCC World Championship were historic. Ryan captured double gold at both events, and in 2022, he submitted André Galvão in the open weight superfight—a defining moment in modern grappling. Since 2018, Ryan has maintained an undefeated streak in major competitions, securing victories over elite opponents such as Marcus Almeida and Kaynan Duarte. These achievements have solidified his status as one of the most accomplished no-gi grapplers of his generation.

Leg Lock Systems and Pressure Passing

Gordon Ryan is renowned for his technical innovations, particularly in advancing leg lock entries and refining pressure passing systems. He has systematically broken down leg entanglements, making positions like the saddle and cross ashi-garami central to his submission arsenal. His pressure passing style emphasizes control, incremental advancement, and the systematic dismantling of defensive frames.

Training Methodology and Strategic Approach

Ryan’s training philosophy centers on marathon drilling sessions and an unwavering work ethic, often training daily without rest alongside teammates under John Danaher. He prioritizes situational training over ego-driven rolling, exposing athletes to neglected or uncomfortable positions to accelerate skill acquisition. Ryan frequently emphasizes the importance of strategic thinking and problem-solving, advocating for a cerebral approach to jiu-jitsu. He has provided targeted technical advice, such as encouraging female grapplers to focus on lower body submission systems—including the 50-50 Guard and cross ashi-garami—to neutralize size and strength disparities.

Following the 2021 split of the Danaher Death Squad, Ryan co-founded New Wave Jiu-Jitsu in Austin, Texas, alongside John Danaher and Garry Tonon. This transition marked his evolution from elite competitor to team leader and mentor. Ryan assumed a central role in shaping the technical direction and culture of New Wave Jiu-Jitsu, fostering an environment focused on innovation and the development of emerging talent. In 2025, he expanded his influence by opening the Kingsway Jiu-Jitsu headquarters in Austin, further demonstrating his commitment to team building and athlete mentorship.

Since 2018, Gordon Ryan has battled chronic health issues, including gastroparesis and persistent Candida infections. These conditions have necessitated experimental treatments and, at times, severely limited his ability to train and compete. In early 2023, Ryan faced a major setback, spending nearly a month bedridden and experiencing significant weight loss. Consequently, his competition schedule was drastically reduced, with only one match in 2023 and a focus on preparing for the 2024 ADCC World Championship. Despite these challenges, Ryan has maintained his position as the consensus #1 no-gi grappler, underscoring his resilience and enduring legacy.

Gordon Ryan is known for his outspoken views on performance-enhancing drugs and his willingness to engage in public disputes with figures such as Mikey Musumeci and Kron Gracie. His rivalries with Craig Jones and Nicky Rodriguez have featured public challenges and high-stakes bet matches, generating significant attention within the grappling community. Ryan’s impact on the sport is often compared to that of Conor McGregor in MMA, as he has played a central role in elevating no-gi jiu-jitsu to a spectator sport with increased sponsorship and pay-per-view interest. His brash persona and readiness to address controversial topics have made him both a polarizing and influential figure in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

In mid-2022, Gordon Ryan released his autobiography, "Top Game: Domination in the Jiu-Jitsu World," offering an in-depth exploration of his mindset, training philosophy, and competitive journey. He maintains an active presence across various media platforms, sharing technical instruction, career advice, and insights into the evolving landscape of no-gi jiu-jitsu. Ryan’s influence extends beyond competition, as he has helped shape modern jiu-jitsu culture and demonstrated that elite grapplers can build lucrative, sustainable careers within the sport.