Gordon Ryan

Date: 2021-05-01 | Duration: 2h 48m

Episode Overview

Gordon Ryan, widely regarded as the best pound-for-pound Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner, dives deep into the nuances of high-level grappling in this episode. He discusses the critical importance of details in finishing elite opponents and contrasts the mindset required for competition with typical training approaches. Gordon shares insights into his rigorous training regimen alongside coach John Danaher, highlighting their relentless work ethic, strategic positional sparring, and the evolution of their game to stay ahead of competitors. He also touches on the challenges of maintaining peak physical condition, including recovering from injuries and managing digestive issues that affect his performance. The conversation explores Gordon’s ambitions beyond jiu-jitsu, including his interest in transitioning to MMA and the difficulties in securing fights at that level. He candidly addresses the politics and controversies within the grappling community, including rivalries and the business side of the sport. Additionally, Gordon reflects on the growth and future of grappling as a professional sport, emphasizing the need for innovation and dedication to elevate its status. Throughout, his sharp wit and straightforward attitude provide a compelling look at what it takes to dominate in one of the world’s toughest martial arts.

About Gordon Ryan

Gordon Ryan is a world-renowned submission grappler and mixed martial artist currently signed to ONE Championship, where he showcases his exceptional skills in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and no-gi grappling. Widely regarded as one of the greatest grapplers of all time, Ryan has secured multiple titles at prestigious events like the ADCC World Championships and the IBJJF World Championships, earning him a reputation for his technical prowess and innovative techniques. Known for his charismatic personality and deep knowledge of grappling, Ryan captivates audiences not only with his competitive achievements but also through his insightful commentary on the sport, making him a standout figure in the world of martial arts.

Key Moments

– Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
– Mixed Martial Arts
– Grappling Techniques
– Competition Mindset
– Training Regimens
– Injury Recovery
– ADCC
– MMA Strategy
– Nutrition and Diet
– Sports Psychology
– Performance Enhancement
– Coaching Methods
– Sports Injuries
– Social Media Impact
– Martial Arts History
– Fight Promotion
– Athlete Lifestyle
– Physical Conditioning
– Sports Technology
0:00:30 – Gordon Ryan recognized as top pound-for-pound grappler
0:06:03 – Importance of specific details in finishing high-level opponents
0:08:48 – Joe Rogan recalls first training with Gordon in 2014
0:10:56 – Strategizing to beat top competitors
0:13:21 – Discussion on John Danaher's injury and dedication
0:15:35 – No days off mentality in training
0:18:13 – Studying opponent tape to improve performance
0:20:36 – Gordon's ultimate career goal and legacy
0:22:48 – The role of trash talk backed by skill
0:24:33 – Finishing a match with 10 minutes left
0:27:39 – Controversy over disqualification for striking
0:29:16 – Challenges with social media algorithms and bans
0:32:22 – Gordon's past considerations about MMA career
0:35:56 – Current status as best grappler in the world
0:37:10 – ADCC absolute winner proceeds to super fight
0:39:25 – John Danaher's striking knowledge
0:41:10 – Recovery methods including massages and stretching
0:44:24 – Opposition to ice baths and preference for saunas
0:47:20 – Returning from surgery to prepare for ADCC
0:48:59 – Loss of knee flexibility and rehab exercises
0:51:34 – Grappling's growth into a professional sport
0:55:00 – John Danaher's plan to elevate grappling's profile
0:57:09 – Mentorship and early career advice from John Danaher
1:00:30 – John Danaher's custom knife designs
1:02:23 – Discussion about Texas road construction impact
1:06:32 – Feral pig hunting as a nuisance problem
1:15:10 – Gordon's struggles with nausea and digestion
1:24:05 – Antibiotics' impact on endurance
1:26:22 – Challenges of hotel stays without kitchens
1:31:50 – Fried foods negatively affecting digestion
1:35:42 – Contract goals to challenge MMA fighters
1:36:06 – Vision for jiu-jitsu divisions mirroring MMA
1:40:16 – Post-match handshake and sportsmanship
1:44:13 – Handling confrontations and aggression
1:46:44 – Hand ligament tear and recovery process
1:49:06 – Discussion on Aljamain Sterling's neck injury
1:52:19 – Proving effectiveness under ADCC rules
1:58:35 – Hodger Gracie's legacy as greatest of all time
2:00:50 – Lack of innovation beyond current grappling methods
2:02:10 – John Danaher's move to New York for training immersion
2:08:10 – Working at friend's gym while opening new facility
2:13:10 – Car enthusiast discussion: Miata and engine swaps
2:24:46 – Instructional videos generate more income than competitions
2:26:21 – Athlete laziness in watching long instructional content
2:31:05 – Drug testing industry surpassing cycling in revenue
2:35:34 – Controversy over legitimacy of ADCC super fight title
2:38:29 – Scumbaggery and competition for limited prize money
2:41:22 – Making a living from jiu-jitsu requires more than wins
2:44:09 – Importance of finding authentic training partners

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 Joe Rogan Podcast, check it out! Starting point is 00:00:30 Gordon is undeniably the best pound-for-pound jiu-jitsu player on earth. Starting point is 00:00:52 I mean, I think that without him, I maybe would have been successful. Starting point is 00:01:34 And Gordon Ryan, pass over the left leg, Gordon Ryan, post, like the way he talks. Starting point is 00:02:02 that you know that when you hear your name being called, your first and last name, you know Starting point is 00:02:40 Mmas those or even more about MMA that he does about jiu-jitsu Starting point is 00:03:13 Yeah, and never walks around without a rash guard on. Starting point is 00:03:37 We did a whole session with Chris Weidman. Starting point is 00:03:56 Just how crazy is it that he has a street rash guard? Starting point is 00:04:14 He's got like he's got like this really nice like underarm like this gray under armor sweatshirt that he or Starting point is 00:04:45 And they're just tight-fitting. He likes tight-fitting clothes. Starting point is 00:05:01 is what he has inside that fanny pack. Starting point is 00:05:25 the best pound for pound grappler he's widely regarded as the best jiu-jitsu coach and it's Starting point is 00:06:03 And the specific details are what's going to be the difference between finishing a high-level guy and having a high-level guy escape. Starting point is 00:06:46 So they try to jump past your guard, they score an advantage, they score a couple points, Starting point is 00:07:27 they did something. So just the mindset for winning in competition is completely different. Starting point is 00:08:08 I'm trying to finish you. And, you know, I think that most people's training programs are built Starting point is 00:08:48 the first time I ever started training with him was 2014. Was that the first Starting point is 00:09:45 So I've been training with John full-time like, you know, six years or so and Starting point is 00:10:30 And then once we got ther...

More Episodes

Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #10109?

Gordon Ryan was the guest on JRE #10109. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #10109?

On Joe Rogan Experience #10109 with Gordon Ryan, topics include Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts, Grappling Techniques, and Competition Mindset.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #10109?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #10109 with Gordon Ryan is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.