Nicky Ryan was born in the United States on June 27, 2001, as the youngest member of the influential Ryan family in the grappling world. Motivated by the achievements of his older brother, Gordon Ryan, Nicky began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at age 8 at a local club. While his early training was intermittent, he made a decisive commitment to the sport in early 2015. After leaving traditional school, Nicky transitioned to homeschooling, with his education supervised by his coach, John Danaher, enabling him to dedicate himself fully to his development as a grappler.

Early Competition and Technical Growth

Nicky Ryan's ascent in the competitive scene was swift. Entering adult divisions at just 13, he quickly gained recognition for his advanced technical skills and composure under pressure. Guided by John Danaher, Nicky progressed through the ranks, earning his purple belt on June 21, 2017, brown belt on October 9, 2019, and black belt on November 3, 2020.

ADCC Breakthrough and Professional Impact

In 2017, at only 16 years old, Nicky became the youngest athlete to compete at the 2017 ADCC World Championships, a landmark achievement that underscored his tactical maturity. His early success on the professional circuit allowed him to achieve financial independence, reflecting both his determination and the significant impact of his performances.

DDS Tenure and Team Dynamics

Nicky Ryan established himself as a core member of the Renzo Gracie Academy and the renowned Danaher Death Squad (DDS), training alongside elite athletes under John Danaher. His technical contributions and competitive results solidified his reputation within the team.

Founding B-Team and Leadership Role

In 2021, following a family dispute and the dissolution of DDS, Nicky made the pivotal decision to depart. Alongside Craig Jones and other teammates, he co-founded B-Team in Austin, Texas. This move allowed Nicky to step beyond the shadow of his brother and the DDS legacy, embracing a collaborative and innovative training environment. As a co-founder and resident leg lock specialist, Nicky helped shape B-Team’s culture and technical direction, positioning himself as a leader for the next generation of grapplers.

Injury Setbacks and Adaptation

Nicky Ryan’s competitive trajectory has been marked by significant injuries. In early 2021, he suffered a torn ACL during training, forcing him to withdraw from major events, including the ADCC Trials. Despite pursuing non-surgical rehabilitation and returning to competition later that year, he reinjured his knee at the "Road to ADCC" event, resulting in a complete ACL tear.

Competing Through Adversity and Surgical Recovery

For nearly three years, Nicky adapted his game to train and compete with essentially no ACL in his right knee, often relying on one leg to maintain his competitive edge. Despite these physical limitations, he competed in the -77kg division at the 2022 ADCC World Championships and secured a victory in a Who’s Number One superfight in 2023. In early 2025, Nicky underwent reconstructive ACL surgery, aiming for a full return to competition. He has stated that further knee injuries may prompt a transition to coaching, underscoring his pragmatic approach to longevity in the sport.

Leg Lock Systems and Submission Development

Recognized as a technical prodigy, Nicky Ryan is renowned for his expertise in leg lock systems and back control. Even as a teenager at DDS, he contributed to advanced classes, sharing insights on high-level techniques. Nicky is credited with inventing or popularizing the 'Nickotine' submission and introducing innovative leg lock entries to the B-Team arsenal, with teammates such as Jozef Chen benefiting from his technical input.

Coaching Philosophy and Mentorship

During his injury recovery, Nicky transitioned into a coaching and mentorship role at B-Team. He frequently leads specific sparring sessions and provides precise, analytical feedback to teammates. His instructional style blends the methodical approach of John Danaher with B-Team’s open, collaborative culture, making him a valued coach and mentor for emerging grapplers.

Demeanor and Team Dynamics

Nicky Ryan is recognized in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community for his soft-spoken, detail-oriented, and media-shy personality, providing a contrast to the more outspoken figures around him. Those close to him describe a wry sense of humor and a fiercely loyal, protective nature toward his team and family.

Community Presence and Professional Integrity

In B-Team content, Nicky often plays the "straight man" to Craig Jones's antics, participating in pranks and fostering team camaraderie. He consistently avoids trash talk, preferring to let his jiu-jitsu speak for itself, and earns respect for his integrity, technical depth, and unwavering commitment to the sport.