One down, three to go as the mastermind behind modern Jiu-Jitsu confronts his toughest opponent yet—his own body as John Danaher undergoes surgery, with more to follow!
The global Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community got some flash news from John Danaher via his Instagram, as the iconic coach renowned for revolutionizing the art, embarks on a challenging journey of medical surgeries that could redefine his future role in the sport.
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“The doctors say that generally this is the end of any kind of Jiu jitsu type movement at high level.”
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A Path Marred by Physical Trials
Danaher’s ascent in the world of Jiu-Jitsu is nothing short of extraordinary. Starting his martial arts journey later in life and contending with a crippled leg from the outset, he defied the odds to become one of the most respected coaches in the field.
“I’ve always tried to live as actively as my body would permit,” Danaher reflects. He has definitely achieved more than most, especially in the realm of coaching. His determination saw him push beyond limits, but compensating for one injured limb inevitably strained the rest of his body.
Eight years ago, the toll of overcompensation led to a critical point—Danaher underwent hip replacement surgery. Many would have slowed down, but not him. He rebounded, returning to professional coaching with renewed vigor, guiding his students to new heights in competitive grappling.
About four years ago, adversity struck the BJJ mastermind again. His other hip began to deteriorate, signaling another impending hurdle. Yet, fate had another twist.
Following the breakup of his renowned squad, Danaher focused on building a new team from scratch and it is safe to say that New Wave Jiu-Jitsu is now well established.
Personal health took a backseat to his commitment to nurturing talent and fostering the growth of his students, but now John Danaher can finally look after himself for a while.
“My students are, without exception, truly outstanding teachers,” he proclaims with pride. He believes they can “represent what we espoused far better than I ever did and contribute greatly to the sport’s continued growth.”
Names like Gordon Ryan, Garry Tonon, Helena Crevar, Giancarlo Bodoni, Luke Griffith, Nicolas Meregali, Big Dan, and many others, stand as testaments to his mentorship as John Danaher undergoes surgery, with more procedures set to follow soon.
The Imminent Showdown: A Series of Surgeries
Recently, the decline of his hip reached a critical juncture. Doctors are urging immediate action—not only for his failing hip but also for the knee that has been the root cause of his physical challenges. This year, Danaher is slated to undergo four significant surgeries:
Bilateral Inguinal Hernia Repair: Already completed, addressing issues he admits he “put off too long.”
Hip Replacement: To restore function to his deteriorated hip, mirroring the surgery from eight years prior.
Knee Replacement: A complex procedure, especially since it will involve a femur already connected to a hip replacement.
Lens Implants: To correct his vision, ensuring he doesn’t miss a moment on the mats.
His previous hip replacement demanded six months to a year for full recovery. This time, the addition of a knee replacement to the Danaher surgery list complicates matters and he’s expected to be sidelined significantly longer.
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“The issue will be the more complex and generally less robust knee replacement,” he notes, highlighting the uncertainty ahead.
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The Unyielding Spirit: One Down, Three to Go
“Today, one operation down, three more to go!” Danaher declares with a resilience that’s inspired countless students. His journey underscores a truth many in sports know too well—the toughest battles often lie beyond the arena.
While the future holds uncertainties, one thing is clear: John Danaher’s influence on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is indelible. Whether he returns to high-level coaching or reshapes his role within the community, his philosophies and methodologies will continue to echo throughout dojos worldwide.
Perhaps this period will give rise to new endeavors—more writings, seminars, or digital products where he can impart knowledge without physical strain. The mind that revolutionized Jiu-Jitsu isn’t confined by physical limitations and as John Danaher undergoes surgery by surgery, somehow, I think he’ll be back quicker than we think
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