John Danaher Claims Round Timers Are Holding You Back

The legendary John Danaher claims round timers are holding back your true potential on the mats.

When it comes to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, few figures are as influential as John Danaher. The mastermind behind champions like Gordon Ryan and Garry Tonon, Danaher is renowned for his analytical approach and innovation in the art of grappling. But in a world where structure and routine dominate training protocols, Danaher is challenging one of the most ingrained practices in martial arts gyms: the use of round timers.

Throwing Time Out the Window

Traditionally, BJJ classes incorporate timed BJJ rounds to simulate the constraints of competition and to organize training sessions efficiently. However, Danaher argues that this method might be holding practitioners back.

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“When you tell someone this is going to be a five-minute round, if it’s going badly for them – in their head they’re just saying: “One minute, two minutes left survive.“

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The Case for Timeless Rolling

Danaher’s philosophy centers on immersive learning. By removing the pressure of the ticking clock, students can:

Explore Positions Thoroughly: Without time constraints, grapplers have the freedom to navigate and understand intricate positions without feeling hurried.
Develop Patience and Timing: Grappling without a timer fosters a sense of timing that’s dictated by the opponent’s movements, not by an external countdown.
Enhance Problem-Solving Skills: Extended rolls allow practitioners to encounter and address a wider array of situations, promoting creativity and adaptability.

Jiu-Jitsu is termed ‘human chess’ for a reason. You wouldn’t rush your moves in chess because a timer is beeping. Every position deserves the time it takes to understand and overcome it.

Danaher Says Round Timers Are A Crutch

The results of Danaher’s unorthodox methods are hard to dispute. His students consistently dominate at the highest levels of the sport, often showcasing superior technique and problem-solving abilities that set them apart from their opponents.

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“The only thing when you’re not going to get saved by the clock that will save you is your technique and so it creates a mindset in students where the only thing they know they can rely on is their own technique.”

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While Danaher advocates for the elimination of round timers in certain aspects of training, he acknowledges that they have their place, especially when preparing athletes for competition scenarios.

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“They will learn the technique, but when they learn to rely on the clock to save them – the progress quickly dissipates.”

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Danaher’s insights aren’t just for elite competitors—they hold significance for hobbyists and martial arts enthusiasts alike.

Reduced Anxiety: Without the stress of the clock, students can enjoy rolling more and focus on technical improvement.
Enhanced Learning Environment: Instructors can tailor sessions to the needs of the students rather than fitting into predetermined time slots.
Community Building: Extended rolls can foster camaraderie as practitioners work together to solve grappling puzzles.

Embracing Change?

Adapting to a timer-less training regime may seem daunting for gyms accustomed to strict schedules. However, incorporating even a few sessions without time constraints could offer noticeable benefits.

As John Danaher claims round timers are a waste of time, we should see it as an invitation to rethink how we learn and teach Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. By prioritizing depth over duration, practitioners at all levels might unlock new facets of their game.

In a sport that constantly evolves, being open to such revolutionary ideas could be the key to staying ahead. What’s your take? Have you trained without round timers, or are you intrigued to try? Join the conversation and share your experiences.