Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has captivated individuals from all walks of life, but according to champion Gordon Ryan, its appeal among intelligent people lies in its complexity and cerebral nature. In an interview on Ketone-IQ, Ryan delved into the intricacies of the sport and the philosophies that make it particularly attractive to those who thrive on intellectual challenges.
A Never-Ending Puzzle
Ryan highlighted the analytical demands of Jiu-Jitsu as a central factor in its allure. “Number one, it’s a never-ending puzzle you can always improve upon, and it’s very methodical,” he explained. This dynamic nature, where there is always something to learn or refine, resonates deeply with those who enjoy strategic thinking and problem-solving.
A key influence on Ryan’s approach is his coach, John Danaher, whose training philosophy emphasizes mental preparation over raw physical conditioning. Ryan shared, “He puts more work or more emphasis on the mental work, which is the hardest kind of work. Everyone’s happy to come in and get a strong workout and go home feeling sore, but then when you ask them to sit down and say ‘hey think about this armbar for an hour’ – no one wants to do that.”
This intellectual rigor elevates BJJ beyond a physical sport, making it as much a mental exercise as it is a physical discipline.
The Great Equalizer of Success
Ryan also pointed to Jiu-Jitsu’s unique egalitarian aspect as a key draw for high-profile individuals like Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg and AI researcher Lex Fridman. “When you’re on those mats, you’re a regular guy, you’re not an ultra-rich guy, you’re not a celebrity – you’re your belt,” he observed.
Social status, wealth, or celebrity provide no advantage in the BJJ arena, where skill and dedication reign supreme. “Having a billion dollars in the bank isn’t going to help you get out of an armbar,” Ryan quipped, underscoring the sport’s leveling effect. For successful individuals accustomed to navigating the world with their advantages, Jiu-Jitsu offers a refreshing return to basics and a grounding experience.
Mainstream Growth of Combat Sports
Beyond Jiu-Jitsu, Ryan discussed the broader impact of combat sports gaining mainstream attention through crossover events and media exposure. “I think it’s bringing eyes to combat sports, and eyes are always good,” he remarked. Ryan praised influencers like the Paul brothers for their savvy marketing, saying, “They know what’s going on, they know how to make money, they know how to play the game.”
This increased visibility not only benefits the athletes but also broadens the audience for martial arts disciplines like BJJ.
Future Plans: From Competitor to Coach
Looking ahead, Ryan expressed his desire to continue competing until age 40, health permitting. Beyond that, he aims to pivot into coaching, with aspirations to become the greatest coach in the sport. Reflecting on his coaching experience with MMA legend Jon Jones, Ryan said, “Hopefully, I can transition from being the greatest competitor ever to the greatest coach ever.”
He is also preparing to open Kingsway Jiu-Jitsu in Austin, Texas, further cementing his commitment to nurturing the next generation of martial artists.
A Sport of Strategy and Humility
Gordon Ryan’s insights underscore the cerebral and egalitarian nature of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Whether through the intellectual demands of its technique or the leveling experience it provides, BJJ continues to attract some of the world’s most accomplished individuals. As Ryan transitions from competition to coaching, he remains a pivotal figure in both the sport and its community.
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: you can be slow and unathletic and still kick butt in Jiu-Jitsu.
