While Gordon “The King” Ryan reigns supreme in the grappling world, few know the full story of his family—especially his siblings. The younger brother of the jiu-jitsu legend, Nicky Ryan, has carved out his own impressive path, stepping out from the shadow of his famous sibling to become a grappling star in his own right. This is an exploration of their shared journey, their dramatic split, and where they stand today.
The Rise of a Prodigy: Meet Nicky Ryan
Born on June 27, 2001, in New Jersey, Nicky Ryan was introduced to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at a young age by his older brother, Gordon. It wasn’t an immediate obsession, as his early training was infrequent. That all changed at the age of 13 when he committed fully to the sport. He was soon training relentlessly under the guidance of John Danaher, a mastermind of no-gi grappling.
Nicky’s progression was nothing short of miraculous. He earned his black belt at just 18 years old, a testament to his innate talent and fierce dedication. Along the way, he became the youngest competitor ever to grace the prestigious ADCC World Championships at just 16. With wins over established names and a reputation for technical brilliance, he solidified his status as a grappling prodigy.
The Controversial Team Split and Its Aftermath
The martial arts world was shaken in 2021 when the Danaher Death Squad (DDS) disbanded. The fallout created a significant rift between the Ryan brothers. While Gordon remained with his mentor John Danaher, Nicky joined forces with his teammates Craig Jones and Nick Rodriguez to form The B-Team. The reason for the split was never publicly disclosed, adding to the intrigue.
For nearly two years following the split, Gordon and Nicky did not speak. Their relationship was strained, and a sense of animosity permeated the community. Despite the personal distance, both continued to train and compete at the highest level, with Nicky becoming a foundational pillar of The B-Team’s success. He took on a more prominent coaching role, developing a reputation for his analytical approach and innovative techniques.
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