At just 23 years old, Nicky Ryan has already experienced a career’s worth of highs, setbacks, and surgeries. And now, the B-Team standout is facing a potential crossroads in his grappling journey – and he’s preparing for what comes next.
Speaking on The White Monster Podcast, Ryan revealed that his current recovery from ACL reconstruction has prompted serious reflection about his future in the sport.
Though the rehab process is going well, he admits that another major injury might push him to pivot away from competing:
If I retear this ACL, I’m just going full-time coach.
I’m 23, going on three knee surgeries.I’m, like, if I get one more, that’s it for me.
While sidelined, Ryan has been using the time to explore his potential as a head coach.
He’s currently implementing a Constraints-Led Approach (CLA) to training, tailoring specific movement-based games to help athletes improve key areas of their game.He’s been working closely with three teammates of different levels: Nicky Rodriguez, Nick Mataya, and Ally:
It’s kind of, like, the first time I’m really doing this – because I don’t think people realize it’s very hard to be a head coach and a full-time athlete at the same time.
So now it’s like, you know, I’m forced to sit out and watch the rounds and stuff, and trying to take on more of a head coach role now.
The results, he says, have been impressive.
By carefully observing rounds and offering specific feedback between sessions, Ryan believes he’s seeing rapid improvement in his athletes’ games.
Known initially for his slick guard work and leg lock attacks, Ryan has since developed into a complete grappler with high-level wrestling – yet his relationship with competition remains complicated:
I hate competing. I love winning. I hate competing.
I hate the leadup to competition.I get so nervous every single time before I compete.
Still, despite the nerves and the physical toll, Ryan isn’t ready to walk away just yet:
End goal one: at least accomplish something in the sport, win a big title, ADCC, CJI, something along those lines.
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