Tag: jiu-jitsu

Master Pedro Sauer is a highly revered legend in the world of BJJ. One of the original five Rickson Gracie black belts that helped spread the martial art across the US.

Here is the story of BJJ legend Pedro Sauer and how he became one of the world’s most respected instructors. Going over his time training under Rickson and how he influenced Jiu Jitsu’s growth in the US and Europe.

Pedro Sauer’s Early Days Training

Pedro Sauer grew up in Rio de Janeiro and started learning martial arts from a young age. Starting with boxing at the age of five, then later adding on Taekwondo and Judo training.

Growing up, one of Pedro’s close friends was the legendary Rickson Gracie. When Sauer was 15, Rickson invited him to train at the Gracie Academy with him and his brother Royler Gracie.

At the time, Royler was only nine years old, but was able to beat 15 year old Pedro. After their experience, Pedro was convinced of the effectiveness of Jiu Jitsu and joined his friend’s school.

Whenever Sauer wasn’t attending school, he was on the mat improving his skills. Even when he was attending college for an Economic and Business Administration degree.

The Famous Five

Sauer was part of a group of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu students known as “The Famous Five.” The first five black belts under Rickson Gracie.

Along with Sauer, the other four grapplers included Royler Gracie, Rolker Gracie, Rillion Gracie, and Romero “Jacare” Cavalcanti.

All five Rickson Gracie students would go on to become highly touted grapplers and teachers.

Pedro Sauer Earns His Black Belt

In 1985, Sauer had graduated from college and was working as a stock broker. After work one day, Rickson would surprise his friend by presenting him with his BJJ black belt. Helio Gracie and most of the Gracie clan were present for the graduation. 

After receiving his black belt, Pedro would begin his career as a part-time coach. The first academy that he worked at was Academia de Quatro in Copacabana. 

A legendary school that other BJJ legends like Sergio Bolao and Alvaro Barreto had previously taught. Pedro would coach part-time for the next few years until he would make a life changing decision.

Pedro Sauer Moves to the US

In 1990, Sauer grew tired of working as a stockbroker in Rio de Janeiro. After he saw his friends the Gracie brothers move to California, Pedro would also take the leap.

Leaving his country to teach Jiu Jitsu in the US. At first, he would join the Gracie Academy in Torrance, California. Living with Rickson and training all day at the academy.

Later that year, Pedro decided to move out on his own to start his own academy. He decided to set his home base in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Pedro Sauer Opens His Academy 

As Sauer was introducing Jiu Jitsu to the region, he was seeing his academy steadily grow. His classes were starting to get more students and then he started to get some challenges.

One notable challenge that Pedro received was from a man named Lance Batchelor in 1994. Batchelor was a bodybuilder that won Mr. Utah in 1992.

Being a hundred pounds heavier than Pedro, he believed that Jiu Jitsu didn’t work. He would barge into Sauer’s school and challenge him to a fight.

Pedro, being a student of Rickson, gladly accepted the challenge. But before they were set to fight, Sauer got a student to grab a camcorder and record their fight.

Little did Batchelor know that Pedro also had ten years of boxing experience along with his grappling. After cutting Batchelor open with a few strikes, Sauer allowed Batchelor to take him down.

On the ground, Sauer had fuel control over the bodybuilder and continued to pummel him. His gi was completely covered with Batchelor’s blood.

After a few minutes, Sauer would lock in an armlock and win the challenge.

Pedro’s School Expands

Being a great teacher and one of the first BJJ black belts to travel to the US southwest, Pedro was very successful. His academy would grow rapidly and he would have hundreds of students. 

After awarding his first batch of black belts, his students would open their own academies. Turning Sauer’s school into a full fledged affiliation.

Numerous Pedro Sauer Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Associated schools would open across the southwest.  

In 2005, Sauer would get recognized for his work by the ADCC. The federation conducted a worldwide poll to vote on who was the best BJJ instructor. Sauer would win the poll and receive the award for his hard work.

Pedro Sauer’s Style

Pedro Sauer’s Jiu Jitsu style is the epitome of classic Jiu Jitsu. Being a black belt under Rickson, Pedro is a firm believer in fundamentals.

Everything that Sauer teaches is basic Jiu Jitsu with a focus on self-defense. His approach to Jiu Jitsu and the way he teaches have been the key to Sauer’s success.

But along with teaching BJJ, Master Sauer also stresses the importance of humility and self improvement.

The Legacy of Pedro Sauer

Pedro Sauer is one of the most respected BJJ practitioners in the world. The 8th degree coral belt has dedicated his life to the grappling art and his work has more than paid off.

Master Sauer is a great example of when you’re a good person and you work hard, you will be rewarded. Today, he runs one of the most successful BJJ affiliations in the world and has produced many respectable instructors. 

The BJJ red belt is the highest rank a Jiu Jitsu practitioner can achieve. It takes a lifetime commitment to Jiu Jitsu in order to achieve it and is a rank 99% of practitioners will never achieve.

Here is everything you need to know about the BJJ red belt. We’ll go through everything from how long it takes to achieve and detail how hard it is to achieve this rank.

What is a BJJ Red Belt?

A  9th degree BJJ red belt is the highest rank that a Jiu Jitsu practitioner can achieve in the martial art. It signifies that you are a master of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and know every facet of the martial art.

Less than a fraction of a fraction of grapplers will ever live to achieve this rank. Making it one of the hardest 

How Long Does it Take to Earn a BJJ Red Belt? 

The time it would take to earn a BJJ red belt would really depend on how fast you got your BJJ black belt. If you begin training from the time you were a child, you would put in about ten years of training.

After that time, the years between each BJJ black belt rank usually look something like this.

• 1rst Degree BJJ Black Belt: 3 Years
• 2nd Degree BJJ Black Belt: 3 Years
• 3rd Degree BJJ Black Belt: 3 Years
• 4th Degree BJJ Black Belt: 5 Years
• 5th Degree BJJ Black Belt: 5 Years
• 6th Degree BJJ Black Belt: 5 Years
• 7th Degree BJJ Coral Belt(Red/Black): 7 Years
• 8th Degree BJJ Coral Belt(Red/White): 7 Years
• 9th Degree BJJ Red Belt: 10 Years

Total: 48 Years

To become a BJJ red belt, you would need to have trained your entire life. Also be nearly or over sixty years of age.

Is it Possible to Earn a BJJ Red Belt? 

Less than a fraction, of a fraction, of grapplers will ever live to achieve this rank. Making is one of the hardest ranks to achieve within all martial arts with a belt ranking system.

To have the best shot at earning a BJJ red belt, you would need to practice BJJ all of your life. Earning your first degree BJJ black belt before the age of twenty would be ideal to make this goal a possibility.

Then if you’re lucky enough to live in good health to live beyond 60 years old. This is why most practitioners don’t humor the idea of earning a 9th degree BJJ red belt. 

Most grapplers are just content with being able to train throughout their lifetime. Being lucky enough to live to see old age and being able to stay on the mats training.

Is There a Rank Higher Than The BJJ Red Belt?

Yes, after the 9th degree red belt rank, there is the 10th degree rank, but it isn’t achievable. The 10th degree rank in BJJ is strictly reserved for those that first developed the martial art.

There are only seven practitioners in the history of Jiu Jitsu that hold this rank, which include:

• Carlos Gracie Sr.
• Helio Gracie
• George Gracie
• Gastao Gracie
• Oswald Gracie
• Luiz Franca Filho(Posthumously Awarded)
• Oswaldo Fadda(Posthumously Awarded)

How Many Have Held The Rank of BJJ Red Belt? 

There have been over 30 Jiu Jitsu practitioners that have been able to reach the 9th degree rank. All of which were students of the original BJJ grandmasters that created the martial art.

Notable BJJ Red Belts

You should know the names of the few grapplers that were given the honor of being 9th degree red belts. Here is a list of the Jiu Jitsu practitioners that had the honor of earning their BJJ red belts.

Carlson Gracie

The son of Carlos Gracie Sr. who was a champion BJJ and Vale Tudo fighter. Carlson is most known for founding the Carlson Gracie affiliation. An affiliation that produced some of the greatest BJJ athletes of all time.

Rorion Gracie 

Rorion Gracie is one of the most famous of Helio’s sons that is known for co-founding the UFC. Also establishing the first Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in the US.

Reyson Gracie 

The third son of Carlos Sr, who helped bring Jiu Jitsu to the Amazon region of Brazil. Particularly the Brazilian state of Bahia.

Relson Gracie 

Helios’s son, who was a BJJ champion for 22 years straight. Relson now lives in Brazil and runs his own affiliation called the Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy.

Carley Gracie 

Carley Gracie was the very first of the Gracie’s to introduce the martial art into the US. He runs his own school in California and is the son of omoplata master Clark Gracie.

Robson Gracie

Robson Gracie fought in Vale Tudo for two decades before becoming a political prisoner in the 1960s. He is currently the president of the Jiu Jitsu Federation of Rio de Janeiro.

Reylson Gracie

Reylson Gracie was one of the first of the Gracie brothers’ sons to open their own academy in 1974. He is also famous for naming numerous techniques used in the martial art, which includes, the mata leao.(Rear-Naked-Choke)

Reyson Gracie

Reyson Gracie was an undefeated Vale Tudo fighter and Jiu Jitsu champion. He is most credited with introducing BJJ to the Brazilian state of Amazonas.

Rickson Gracie

Rickson Gracie is considered to be the best fighter within the Gracie family that was never defeated in competition. He was the last BJJ practitioner to be awarded with a BJJ red belt.

Pedro Hemeterio 

Pedro Hemeterio was the very first student of Helio Gracie. After earning his black belt, Hemeterio would spend three decades teaching at the Sao Paulo State University.

Joao Alberto Barreto 

One of the famous Barreto brothers was one of Helio Gracie’s very first BJJ students. During his younger years, Barreto fought in Vale Tudo before spending the rest of his life teaching. 

Alvaro Barreto  

Alvaro Barreto was one of the best non-Gracie BJJ athletes during the 1950s. He helped his brothers found Equipe Barreto. One of the first non-Gracie Jiu Jitsu schools along with Oswaldo Fadda.

Sergio Barreto 

Sergio Barreto is the youngest of the three Barreto brothers that helped found the Barreto Jiu Jitsu school and affiliation.

Armando Wridt 

Armando Wridt was an undefeated Vale Tudo fighter during the 1950s. He is only one of seven red belts to be given this rank by Helio Gracie.

Pedro Valente Sr.

A good friend of Helio Gracie that began training under him in 1953. Valente Sr. was also a veteran and famous plastic surgeon within Brazil. 

Wilson Mattos 

One of the oldest students of Oswaldo Fadda, who was able to reach the rank of 9th degree red belt. Wilson has been running his own school Equipe Mestre Wilson since the 1970s and has affiliated schools worldwide.

Luis Carlos Guedes de Castro

One of the first black belts under Oswaldo Fadda, taught self defense to the police in Rio de Janeiro for decades. 

Francisco Mansor 

One of the few students of Helio Gracie to earn his red belt from the martial art’s grandmaster. Mansor would open the famous Kioto BJJ academy that would produce numerous Jiu Jitsu champions.

Carlos Antonio Rosado

The only student of the late Carlson Gracie to be awarded a BJJ red belt personally from Carlson himself. Rosado is also the youngest practitioner to ever receive this rank.

Renato Paquet 

Renato Paquet was an all around sportsman along with being a Jiu Jitsu red belt. He was also a boxing champion and Judo black belt.

Ricardo Murgel 

A BJJ red belt under fellow BJJ red belt Flavio Behring.

Francisco Sa 

Francisco Sa is credited with bringing Jiu Jitsu to the Ceara region within northern Brazil. He traveled to the region and opened his own Jiu Jitsu school in the 1960s.

Flavio Behring 

A former Jiu Jistu champion that is famous for opening the powerful Behring Jiu Jitsu affiliation.

Derval Luciano Rego 

Lucian Rego or Master Morcego as he’s known helped co-found the CBJJ and later IBJJF with Carlos Gracie Jr.

Marcus Soares 

Marcus Soares is a student of Carlson Gracie that helped introduce Jiu Jitsu to the country of Canada.

Oswaldo Paqueta

Oswaldo Paqueta was one of Carlson Gracie’s best friends and has practiced Jiu Jitsu since the 1950s.

Geny Rebelo 

Geny Rebelo is a student of Helio Gracie that is known for opening the highly respected Serrana Academy.

Jose Higeno 

A student of Master Aderbal Baptista of the Oswaldo Fadda lineage. During his younger years, Higeno was a Valet Tudo fighter that would later create his own fight promotion.

Geraldo Flores 

Geraldo Flores is a student of the Oswaldo Fadda lineage that helped establish BJJ in northern Rio de Janeiro.

Crezio Chavez 

Crezio Chavez was a Gracie Jiu Jitsu student, who was an undefeated fighter during the 1950s. Chavez is responsible for establishing Jiu Jitsu within the city of Petropolis within the state of Rio de Janeiro.

Helio Vigio 

Helio Vigio was a Gracie Jiu Jitsu student that fought in Vale Tudo during the 1950s. Vigio would later go on to be one of the most famous referees within Brazil.

Paulo Mauricio Strauch

Paulo Mauricio Strauch is one of the original students of Reylson Gracie. Strauch has been teaching for five decades and taught everyone from Caio Terra to Alexandre Vieira.

Nahum Rabay 

Raby was a student of 10th degree red belt George Gracie and is known for being a famous Brazilian musician.

Deoclecio Paulo

Master Deo Paulo had been practicing Jiu Jitsu since the 1940s. He is one of the original students from the Oswaldo Fadda lineage.

Ever since combat Jiu Jitsu came on the scene a few years ago, it got a lot of combat sports fans talking. Obviously wondering, what exactly is combat Jiu Jitsu and how do I watch a show?

If you don’t know, let’s take you through the sport of combat Jiu Jitsu. Going over how it was created, what are the rules, how can you watch, and can you compete. 

What is Combat Jiu Jitsu?

Combat Jiu Jitsu is a hybrid of BJJ and MMA blended together in a unique ruleset. No-Gi sports Jiu Jitsu blended with the ground striking in MMA.

The concept of CJJ as Eddie Bravo put it was to bridge the gap between BJJ and MMA. Showing a more realistic version of grappling that the creators of BJJ intended their martial art to be.

Grappling techniques along with open palm strikes/slaps to mimic what real-life altercation would be like.

Who Created Combat Jiu Jitsu?

The concept of Combat Jiu Jitsu was thought up by the rubber guard mastermind, Eddie Bravo. CJJ was a concept that Bravo said he came up with over ten years ago.

His Eddie Bravo Invitational tournaments were huge hits, but he initially wanted to do combat Jiu Jitsu. But CJJ was something that people needed some time to warm up to understand the concept. 

After EBI took off, Eddie would use that platform to re-introduce Combat Jiu Jitsu.

When was the First CJJ Event?

Many think that combat Jiu Jitsu took off in the late 2010s, but it was a long process for its formal introduction. Here’s how Eddie Bravo’s pet project was first received and how it took off. 

Combat Jiu Jitsu’s Initial Introduction

Before Eddie established the Eddie Bravo Invitational, he attempted to popularize CJJ. But Bravo would run into a lot of problems trying to get his combat sport going.

The main problem that Bravo ran into was from Athletic State Commissions. Since striking is involved in CJJ, that means that an athletic commission had to be involved.

When Bravo had to explain combat Jiu Jitsu to the California athletic commission, they had no idea this sport was. For them, it sounded like a weird version of MMA with slaps.

Eddie originally wanted the matches to be on Jiu Jitsu mats, but the commission said it must be in the cage. They also wanted 3:3 minute rounds like amateur MMA, when Eddie wanted a ten minute round.

The CSAC also did not allow Eddie to put on an event with just CJJ matches. They allowed the matches to be part of a local MMA event, but the state altered the rules. Fan reviews were mixed about these hybrid MMA/BJJ matches . 

Since Eddie wasn’t able to create his project the way that he wanted, Bravo shelved the idea. Switching his attention to create a submission only style tournament that we would know as EBI.

Combat Jiu Jitsu’s Rebirth

Thanks to the popularity of the EBI tournaments, Bravo was able to re-introduce his baby in combat Jiu Jitsu. He reintroduced the CJJ concept at EBI 11 that was held on March 6th, 2017.

A 4-man tournament would be set to decide the 135 lb CJJ Championship.

The first four CJJ competitors were: Chad George, JM Holland, Nick Honstein, and Sheridan Moran. These four athletes helped CJJ take off by putting on exciting performances.

This new hybrid combat sport received a lot of positive reviews. Of course, there were those that made jokes about it and called the concept “slap Jiu Jitsu.

But there was momentum created for Eddie to continue doing more CJJ events. Each event has shown that this new sport is growing and getting an audience.

The Rules of Combat Jiu Jitsu

If you’re already familiar with the rules of EBI, CJJ is basically those with striking and a few other details. Here is a breakdown of the rules of combat Jiu Jitsu.

Basic CJJ Rules

• A match is a ten minute round.
• Open handed strikes are only allowed on the ground.
• All Submissions are legal.
• Ways to win: Submission, TKO, Doctor Stoppage, or EBI Rules

The Palm Striking in CJJ

In combat Jiu Jitsu, competitors are allowed to use open hand strikes once either of them are on the ground. Once on the ground, they use open handed strikes to the head and body of their opponent.

Whenever an opponent hits the ground, the referee overseeing the match, will give them the go ahead to strike.

The Purgatory Position

Aside from the palm strikes, the other thing that sets CJJ apart from the EBI format is the purgatory position. In the rules, the purgatory position is where one opponent is standing and the other is on the ground.

Not in their opponent’s guard, but just standing over them and not engaging. Standing over an opponent, while in the guard, however is not a purgatory position.

Any time a competitor spends thirty seconds in this position, the time is added to overtime (If the match reaches overtime). The inclusion of this rule was to prevent athletes from stalling and continue pursuing a better position. 

The Overtime Rules

The overtime rules in CJJ are just like in EBI, but with palm strikes included. The ref flips a coin and whichever side wins the toss, gets to choose a dominant position.

Either backmount, spiderweb, or an armbar position from on top. Whoever submits, TKOs, or holds the longest time in the position is the winner of the match.

Where are Combat Jiu Jitsu Events Held?

Eddie has been holding his CJJ events primarily in Mexico for the last few years. The regulations aren’t as strenuous in Mexico as they are in Mexico.

By having his competitions in Mexico, Bravo can do CJJ the way that he envisioned. He has stated that he would love to do more shows in the states, but wants to deal with less bureaucracy.

Where Can I Watch Combat Jiu Jitsu?

For the last few years, CJJ has been able to grow thanks to a business relationship with Zuffa. The company that owns the UFC.

Each combat Jiu Jitsu Worlds event or tournament is aired on UFC Fight Pass. Whenever there’s a new event, you can watch it live on UFC Fight Pass. You can also go back and watch all of the old events on the website right now.

Can I Compete in CJJ?

Just like the EBI events, CJJ events are by invitation only. In order to compete in a combat Jiu Jitsu event, you must be invited by Eddie Bravo personally.

If you wish to compete in future events, there are ways for you to get noticed. You can either make a name for yourself by first competing in BJJ or MMA.

In some areas of the world, small promotions are putting on CJJ-esque events. Do a little research and see if a fight promotion is putting on an event near you and ask to compete.

What’s the Future for Combat Jiu Jitsu?

Every year, CJJ has been getting bigger and bigger. Big names within MMA and sport Jiu Jitsu have been taking part in many Combat Jiu Jitsu Worlds events.

Also thanks to the partnership with UFC Fight Pass, CJJ is gaining more fans after every event. We’ll likely see Eddie Bravo put on even bigger shows in the future.

Birth Name:	Nick Ryan
Date of Birth:	June 27th, 2001
Place of Birth:	New Jersey, United States
Nickname:	Nicky
Academy:	B-Team Jiu Jitsu
Affiliation:	Renzo Gracie Academy
Height:	5’8”  (173cm)
Weight Division:	Featherweight
Foundation Style:	No-Gi Grappling
Championships:	2x Polaris 145 lb Invitational Champion, Youngest ADCC Competitor of All-Time(16)

Nicky Ryan has been one of the most watched young talents in BJJ over the last few years. Since his teens, Ryan has been beating world champions in the world of pro grappling.

Here is everything you need to know about Nicky Ryan and how he became a high level Jiu Jitsu athlete. Going over his team learning under John Danaher to setting out on his own and co-founding B-Team Jiu Jitsu.

Nicky Ryan’s Entry Into Jiu Jitsu

Nicky Ryan grew up in New Jersey and would enter into Jiu Jitsu after being influenced by his brother, Gordon Ryan. This was before Gordon was considered the best Jiu Jitsu athlete in the world.

At the time, Nick was eight years old and didn’t have a vested interest in Jiu Jitsu. He would train for a brief time on and off and then quit after his first try in the martial art.

His interest would return years later, when his brother Gordon started getting attention for his abilities. Nicky would resume training with his brother and be coached by John Danaher.

Under the wing of Danaher, Ryan would discover a new found passion for Jiu Jitsu.

Nicky Ryan’s Early Success in Competition

Training under a high level coaching at Renzo Gracie’s Academy, would allow Ryan to develop rapidly almost overnight. Training with Gordon, Garry Tonon, and the numerous those world champions at Renzo’s world turn Nicky into a prodigy.

At just thirteen, Nicky Ryan would begin entering into adult categories and beating grown men. Not only grown men, but grown men that had been practicing Jiu Jitsu for years.

What also helped Ryan develop his skill was the support of his parents. To dedicate his time to training, Nicky Ryan would move to homeschooling at fifteen.

John Danaher would also give Nicky a training scholarship, where he could train everyday with the team. This would allow Nicky Ryan to completely immerse himself in Jiu Jitsu and become the best athlete possible.

Nicky Ryan’s Pro Grappling Career 

Nicky Ryan is only in his early twenties, but is a veteran of the pro grappling scene. Here are some of the highlights of his young career so far.

Youngest ADCC Athlete

When Nicky was fifteen, there started to be a lot of buzz around him. He was beating adults at BJJ competition and was encouraged to test himself.

When Nicky was fifteen, he competed at the ADCC East Coast Trials in 2016. He would end up placing third in a category filled with high level BJJ athletes.

In the next year, Ryan would medal again with another impressive performance. This performance would get the attention of the head ADCC organizer, who invited Nicky into the tournament.

At sixteen years old, Nicky Ryan was the youngest grappler to ever compete at the tournament. He would have a tough match against AJ Agarzam that he would lose 2-0, but was given a lot of respect.

Ryan would earn two other invites to the ADCC tournament in 2019 and again in 2022.

Polaris 2018/2019 145 lb Champion 

When Nicky was seventeen, he would compete at Polaris 7 in their featherweight championship tournament. He would have a dominant performance against grapplers double his age. 

One of the most notable wins at this tournament was a submission win over former UFC vet Phil Harris. Ryan would repeat as champion again at the next championship tournament in 2019 before he turned eighteen.

Other High Profile Wins

During his young career, Nicky has had some high profile wins. One of the first big names he faced was leglock master Masakazu Imanari. Ryan would control Imanari throughout their match and submit him by rear naked choke.

At Kasai 2, Nicky would face 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu ace, Geo Martinez. The two would go back and forth with submission attempts, until their match went to overtime. Nicky would earn a win by being the more aggressive of the two competitors. 

Then at Polaris 10, Nicky would face former UFC vet Uriah Faber and earn a decision win over the famed fighter.

Nicky Co-Founding B-Team Jiu Jitsu

Ryan has been part of multiple top stories in the Jiu Jitsu community, which led to the formation of the B-Team. Here are the events that led up to Ryan co-founding this Jiu Jitsu school.

DDS Moves To Puerto Rico

During the Pandemic, the Jiu Jitsu world was buzzing at the news around team DDS. Danaher’s crew decided they were leaving Renzo Gracie’s blue basement to start their own academy.

Their vision was creating a super academy where the best grapplers in the world would train. They figured they could get them to come by putting the school in the setting of a tropical paradise.

This is what made DDS decide on putting their school in Puerto Rico, BJJ athletes would train all day and rest on the beach in between training sessions.

Family Tragedy and Breakup of DDS

Unfortunately, the DDS gym in Puerto Rico didn’t go as planned. There were many logistical issues due to Covid-19, which prevented many grapplers from making a trip to the island.

Also since Puerto Rico is an impoverished country, the team basically had to seclude themselves in their small suburb. Also right after the move, Gordon and Nicky would get some devastating news.

Their beloved father Gordon “Big Gord” Ryan Sr passed away in late 2020. Then following the news of their father’s death, DDS would start to unravel.

In 2021, Gordon would announce on Instagram that he was moving to Austin, Tx to open a new school with Danaher. John Danaher would also announce the breakup of the mighty Danaher Death Squad.

Both sides of the breakup have been professional since they parted ways. Athletes on each side of the breakup stated that DDS members had philosophical differences for their training. Leading to the groups to go their separate ways.

The Formation of the B-Team 

A surprising twist to the DDS breakup was the factions that would form. On one side, there was Gordon Ryan, Garry Tonon, and John Danaher.

Then on the other side you had Craig Jones, Ethan Crelensten, Nick Rodriguez, and Nicky Ryan. Nicky being on the opposing side of his brother left many within Jiu Jitsu surprised.

This second group would decide to also open their own Jiu Jitsu school in Austin, TX. They would dub their school B-Team Jiu JItsu.

The name being a bit of a joke between the co-founders since they were considered the B team of DDS.

Since forming, the B-Team has grown exponentially. Everyday, their mats are full of grapplers that want to train alongside them and are competing in high level competitions.

All of the core members competed at ADCC, and two of the four co-founders medaled at the tournament.

Nicky Ryan’s Injury Problems 

One thing that has unfortunately been part of Nicky’s journey as of late is being hit with the injury bug. Specifically to his knees that have been taking a pounding for years.

Before DDS broke up, Nicky suffered a torn meniscus. He would then tear his meniscus again before ADCC and then confirm that he also tore his ACL.

These injuries have halted Nicky’s competitive career and he’s on the path to get back to competing.

Nicky Ryan’s Grappling Game 

Nicky Ryan has a relatively complete grappling game, where he’s good from every position. In his early days, he was known for what many DDS members were known for.

That was having a high level leg lock game, good guard, and the ability to take his opponent’s backs. Since branching out on his own, Nicky had developed a new part of his game which he calls wrestling up.

This is where you fight off your back to make space and wrestle up to take your opponent down. These techniques will play a big part in Ryan’s success going forward.

What’s Next For Nicky Ryan?

Nicky Ryan has accomplished more in grappling before the age of twenty, than what many athletes have done in their careers. He’s been beating black belts since he was thirteen and will continue getting more big wins in the future.

Right now, Nicky is on a quest to come back from injury and be better than ever. If he’s able to stay healthy, we could very well see him become a champion again.

There have been some special athletes in the history of Jiu Jitsu that earned their black belts rather quickly. Have you ever wondered what are the fastest BJJ black belt promotions ever?

Here’s the complete list of Jiu Jitsu practitioners that have the fastest BJJ black belt promotions in the martial art’s history. Detailing how each grappler’s unique story and how they achieved their black belts in record time.

16. Nic Gregoriades (4 Years)

Nic Gregoriades is the very first black belt student of Roger Gracie. He is also one of the very first South Africans to earn a Jiu Jitsu black belt.

Gregoriades was able to become one of the fastest BJJ black belt promotions ever through hard work and determination. Since Jiu Jitsu wasn’t readily available in South Africa, Gregoriades took up submission wrestling. Also working his way up to a brown belt in Judo.

Then in 2004, Nic was able to travel to London and join Roger Gracie’s Jiu Jitsu academy. After just four years, Gregoriades would earn his black belt from Roger.

Nic would then go onto found the Jiu Jitsu Brotherhood affiliation.

15. Kit Dale (4 Years) 

Australian grappler Kit Dale had a unique journey to having one of the fastest BJJ black belt promotions of all time. He started out in Australian rules football, but then moved all of his attention to Jiu Jitsu.

He would train with instructor Bernie Jenkins and then Peter De Been and work to become a brown belt. Dale would then begin training with Yuri Simoes after the world champion had moved to Australia.

Under Simoes tutelage, Dale’s abilities would flourish and he’d earn his black belt in under 5 years. Today, Kit is known for making unique instructionals and working as an actor in low budget action films.

14. Gunnar Nelson (4 Years) 

Long-time UFC vet and the best Icelandic fighter ever Gunnar Nelson had a fast journey to black belt. Nelson began training when he was seventeen under Straight Blast International founder Matt Thorton until the blue belt rank.

He would then join John Kavanagh’s Straight Blast affiliate school in Ireland and trained under him for two years. Kavanagh would award Nelson his brown belt in 2008 just after nearly 3 years of training.

Gunnar would then travel to New York City to train under Renzo Gracie in late 2008. The move was to have a camp in order to prepare for the 2009 grappling season.

He would have an impressive run as he competed in every major tournament. Earning gold at the Pan American Gi Championship, gold and silver at the No-Gi Pan American, and silver at 2009 Worlds. Also qualifying and competing at the 2009 ADCC Championship.

This impressive run would lead Renzo Gracie to award Gunnar with his black belt after four years of training. Nelson would go on to fight more in MMA and is currently still in the UFC with an 18-5-1 record.

13. Orlando Sanchez (4 Years) 

The late Orlando Sanchez was one of the most passionate grapplers in the history of the sport. Sanchez would use BJJ as an outlet to escape his addiction to drugs and depression.

He would join UFC vet Alberto Crane’s gym and dedicate himself 100% to Jiu Jitsu training. Later on, world champion Ze Radiola would take Sanchez under his wing.

Orlando would frequently compete and earn gold at the 2010 IBJJF Worlds at blue belt after just a year of training. After one year at purple belt, Sanchez won the Pans Championship and Brazilian Nationals in 2012.

These big wins would lead Ze Radiola to award Orlando with his black belt after four years of training.. He would then go on to win the ADCC Championship in 2015 and earn 2nd place in 2017.

12. Vitor “Shaolin” Ribeiro (4 Years) 

Vitor “Shaolin” Ribeiro is considered one of the all-time great BJJ competitors of all time. He was one of the young prodigies that helped put team Nova Uniao on the map.

Shaolin started training under Andre Pederneiras at the age of fourteen. Just three years later, Ribeiro would win his first Jiu Jitsu world title at purple belt, which led to him being promoted to brown belt.

Pederneiras would earn gold at the 1997 Pan-American Championship and second at the 1998 World Championship before he turned eighteen. After his eighteenth birthday, Perderneiras would with his black belt after four years of training.

One of the ten fastest BJJ black belt promotions of all time. Shaolin would go on to win 3 BJJ world titles and earn a record of 20-5 in MMA.

11. Richie “Boogeyman” Martinez (4 Years)

Richie “Boogeyman” Martinez is one half of the famous Martinez brothers from 10th Planet. Before Richie got into Jiu Jitsu, he was a known breakdancer around California.

His brother, Geo Martinez would get into Jiu Jitsu 3 months before Richie would also join 10th Planet. Their athletic ability would mesh well with the unorthodox 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu style.

A year after his brother earned his black belt, Richie would earn his black belt after just four years of training. Today, Richie runs his own 10th Planet school and is one of the most active No-Gi grapplers in the world.

10. DJ Jackson (Nearly 4 Years) 

DJ Jackson is the most successful Jiu Jitsu athlete to come out of Team Lloyd Irvin Jiu Jitsu. He is most known for his double leg takedowns and his tenacious forward pressure.

After just one year of training, Jackson would win both the Gi and No-Gi World Championships. Prompting his coach Lloyd Irvin to promote him to purple belt.

He would complete this feat again at purple belt and then again a year later at brown belt. Leading to DJ earning his black belt in just a little less than four years of training.

Jackson would go on to win two No-Gi world titles and still competes in the biggest tournaments in the world.

9. Mike Fowler (3.5 Years)

Mike Fowler was one of the fastest BJJ black belt promotions by an American grappler. He was one of Lloyd Irvin’s first black belt students, as well as one of his most successful ones.

Fowler began training under Irvin in late 2001 and became immersed in Jiu Jitsu. He would frequently compete at any tournament he could and began competing against high level black belts.

After just 3.5 years, Mike Fowler would earn his black belt from Irvin. He would go on to compete all over the world and famously submitted world champion Saulo Ribeiro at ADCC 2007.

8. Lloyd Irvin (3.5 Years) 

Lloyd Irvin was one of the fastest BJJ black promotions ever and had an incredible journey to earning the rank. From an early age, Irvin got hooked on martial arts and wanted to try BJJ after seeing the original UFC fights.

But since there were no Jiu Jitsu schools at the time in Maryland, Irvin had to be more resourceful. He would meet another person searching for a Jiu Jitsu school named Brian Welch.

The two would train in a garage together with a few others that wanted to learn Jiu Jitsu. They then discovered that there was a Jiu Jitsu gym in Rockville, MD. This school was run by UFC ref Mario Yamasaki and black belt Leo Dalla.

Irvin would immediately enroll in classes and spend everyday training. Also going with Professor Dalla on trips to train in Brazil. This dedication would lead to Irvin earning his black belt in just 3.5 years.

7. Gabriel Moraes (3.5 Years)

Gabriel Moraes had one of the fastest BJJ black belt promotions of all time. He started training when he was just fifteen under the famous Monteiro brothers in Manaus.

From the time Gabriel started training, he would find immediate success. Winning every major title and earning his purple belt after just two years of training.

But when he reached the purple belt rank, Moraes wanted to quit, because he couldn’t afford to compete in big tournaments. This would lead his instructor, Guto Monteiro to award him with his black belt.

One of the very few athletes that went from purple belt to black belt. Right after receiving his black belt, Moraes would win the world championship at black belt. Proving that he was deserving of the promotion.

6. Mads Burnell (3.5 Years)

Mads Burnell is a Danish martial artist that currently fights in Bellator MMA. At an early age, Burnell began learning under black belt Chris Hauter. One of the 12 original American black belts known as the dirty dozen.

Burnell would be one of Haueter’s most dedicated students and train all day and night in Hauter’s garage. This would lead Hauter to award Burnell with his black belt after just 3.5 years of training. 

The Danish fighter would later go on to win the Cage Warriors Featherweight Championship and earn a contract in Bellator.

5. Fabiano Scherner (3 Years)

Former UFC vet and BJJ world champion that earned his BJJ black belt in a little over three years. He initially began learning BJJ to aid in his attempt to become an MMA fighter.

Sherner originally began learning Jiu Jitsu at Ataque Duplo run by Murilo Rupp and Sergio Sa in Florianopolis. He would then move to Rio de Janeiro as a brown belt and began training at the famous Brazilian Top Team.

After just a year, Murilo Bustamante and Luis Duarte would award Sherner with his black belt. Fabiano would then go on to fight all over the world and now runs his own Gracie Barra school.

4.Geo Martinez (3 Years) 

Geo Martinez is one of the most accomplished 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu athletes that Eddie Bravo has produced. He and his brother Richie Martinez were known breakdancers before getting into BJJ.

It would be Geo that would be the first of the two brothers to get into  Jiu Jitsu. He would use his athleticism from breakdancing to excel extremely quickly in the martial art.

As a brown belt, Geo would win the inaugural EBI Invitational and earn his black belt in the same year. Earning it in just three years and making it one of the fastest BJJ black belt promotions ever.

Martinez is still one of the top No-Gi athletes in the world and competes all over the world.

3. BJ Penn (3 Years) 

For years, BJ Penn held the record for the fastest BJJ black belt promotions. It only took the Prodigy three years to earn his black belt from Andre Perderneiras.

Right after earning his black belt, BJ would become the first American to win a Jiu Jitsu World Championship in 2000. Penn would later go on to become one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time. Winning three UFC titles in two different weight classes.

2. Caio Terra (3 Years) 

Caio Terra would later tie BJ Penn’s record for the fastest BJJ black belt promotions. He started training under Ricardo Vieira in Copacabana til he was a blue belt.

Terra would begin training under Paulo Strauch and when he wasn’t at Strauch’s academy, he would train at home. Training literally all day and night for three years, which led to Strauch to award Terra with his black belt.

His black belt promotion was so quick that he was nearly forbidden from competing at the worlds by the IBJJF. The federation would make an exception for Caio before they implemented their rule for brown belt athletes.

Terra would go on to win numerous world titles and become one of the greatest athletes of all time.

1. Travis Stevens (18 Months)

The person that holds the record for fastest BJJ black belt promotion is Judo Olympian Travis Stevens. Travis spent nearly all of his athletic career practicing and competing in Judo.

He trained briefly with Dave Camarillo and later on under John Danaher. Due to Stevens extensive background as an elite grappler, he would go quickly through the BJJ ranks.

John Danaher would promote Stevens to black belt after just 18 months of training. The reason for the fast promotion was because Stevens already had the abilities of a high level BJJ athlete.