John Danaher is a highly respected Jiu-Jitsu coach who has trained under Renzo Gracie and is known for his deep understanding of the sport.
Professor Danaher has a background in philosophy and is famous for his instructional videos, especially his "Leglocks: Enter the System" series.
Danaher's analytical approach and in-depth knowledge have made him a major influence in the Jiu-Jitsu community.
Biography
John Danaher was born in Washington, D.C. and raised in New Zealand. After earning his Master's degree, he moved to New York to pursue his Ph.D. While working as a bouncer, Danaher discovered Jiu-Jitsu and initially learned it for self-defense.
However, he eventually developed a passion for the sport and became a highly successful coach at the Renzo Gracie Academy. Danaher's dedication and expertise have made him one of the most influential figures in the Jiu-Jitsu community.
Danaher’s Injuries
John Danaher's lifelong knee problems prevented him from competing in Jiu-Jitsu tournaments. He was born with a deformed knee cap and suffered multiple injuries throughout his life, including a severe rugby injury in the 1980s.
These injuries led to multiple surgeries and a deformed knee, which ultimately caused damage to his hip and required a replacement surgery in 2015.
The “Danaher Death Squad”
John Danaher's training with Dean Lister in the early 2000s led to a focus on leg locks, particularly the straight ankle lock. This approach, inspired by Lister's philosophy, became a hallmark of Danaher's students, known as the Danaher Death Squad (DDS).
The DDS, led by Danaher, (at least at one point) included renowned grapplers like Eddie Cummings, Garry Tonon, Gordon Ryan, Nicky Ryan, Ethan Crelinsten, Oliver Taza, Nicky Rodriguez, and Craig Jones. These athletes have become synonymous with leg locks and have achieved significant success in grappling competitions.
In 2022, the DDS "split" with John Danaher, Gordon Ryan, and Garry Tonon leaving to form the New Wave gym. While Craig Jones, Nicky Ryan, Ethan Crelinsten, Nicky Rod, and other athletes left to form the B-Team gym.
How Old is John Danaher?
As of writing, John Danaher is 57 years old.
What is his Belt Rank?
John Danaher holds a 6th degree Black Belt rank in Jiu Jitsu.
Team or Affiliation
New Wave
Best John Danaher Jiu Jitsu Instructionals
John Danaher is a legendary coach who handled several BJJ professionals. He developed various techniques that would help you improve your skills.
If you want to learn from this legendary coach, here are some of his famous instructionals:
Find John Danaher on Instagram @danaherjohn
